Folks who like to carry a lot of gear with them while they travel are typically drawn to larger SUVs and trucks. The small guys aren’t really taken seriously, especially when it comes to loading up with gear and heading to the campsite or for a weekend on the road. Of course, you’re probably not going to want to try and pack a Corolla full of cumbersome camping equipment, but compact SUVs like the Equinox may just do the trick.
If you happen to notice a Chevy Equinox for sale and you’re on the fence about whether or not it’ll be big enough to haul all of the cargo that typically accompanies you on the road, you may be surprised by how accommodating this small-sized traveler can be. So, how much can you haul and tow with an Equinox? Let’s find out.
Towing Power
The 2026 Chevy Equinox is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes it an ideal everyday travel companion. Its small size makes it easy to whip in and out of traffic, while its turbocharged powertrain allows drivers to take advantage of an enjoyable, efficient ride. That’s not all that this powertrain adds to the Equinox’s appeal, though, especially when it comes to the power to tow something behind it.
With the ability to tow up to 1,500 lbs, the Equinox surprises many drivers with its strength, especially seeing as it’s a compact SUV. You may be shocked by how many items you’re able to tow behind the Equinox, including a small fishing boat, pop-up camper, utility trailer, and even jet skis, kayaks, and a trailer of ATVs. This means that you’re able to head out into the woods to have some fun on the trails, bring home a load of supplies from the hardware store for a weekend project, and so much more. You may not have realized just how many things weigh 1,500 lbs or less, making it easy for drivers to trust in the Equinox to be able to handle what they need during their adventures and any other type of journey ahead of them.
Cargo Capacity
Another aspect that the Equinox excels at is making room for cargo, and despite its small stature, it’s carefully laid out inside and filled with clever storage options to help you stow more gear. Hauling anything you wish inside the Equinox is possible, especially when you take advantage of its key features. The 2026 Equinox offers a max cargo capacity of 63.5 cu.ft. with its rear seats folded down, so if you need space for larger gear or a piece of furniture you picked up at an estate sale, you’ll have plenty of space for it on board the Equinox. Even when you don’t fold down the rear seats, you’re able to take advantage of 29.8 cu.ft. of space, which easily accommodates groceries, a few pieces of luggage, and many other everyday items traveling with you.
You’ll find a handy folding 60/40 split-bench seat to help you configure your cabin to suit your hauling needs, and with plenty of storage solutions dotted inside, you’ll be able to remain organized on the road as well. In addition to cubbies and other storage areas located throughout the cabin, the Equinox includes a hidden storage area under the rear cargo floor, perfect for additional gear or even valuables, keeping them out of sight from prying eyes. There’s even a hands-free AutoSense Power Liftgate on the menu of available features as well, which aids in accessing the cargo hold with either a press of a button or the swipe of your foot beneath the rear bumper. As you can see, the Equinox makes it easy to accommodate more on board without affecting the comfort of its occupants, which is something that not every compact SUV can achieve.
Exterior Cargo Options
The ability to handle more doesn’t stop at the Equinox’s interior; in fact, it extends to its exterior in numerous ways, allowing drivers to be able to handle more out of sight, further adding to the comfort of all on board. With a roof rack available on certain trims, those who wish to carry additional items are able to do just that, instead of losing space inside. The available roof rack can carry items like bikes, luggage, camping equipment, kayaks, and much more, which means that you’ll have more room inside for fellow travel mates without someone being up close and personal with a mountain bike.
There are a number of accessories available for the Equinox as well, and one of these is a hitch carrier, which attaches to the hitch of your Equinox and serves as additional space to pull more gear along with you to all your destinations. You’re able to secure luggage for a trip out of town, materials for a project at home, and much more, so that you don’t have to lose out on space inside your vehicle. This makes the Equinox a great pick for adventure enthusiasts, families, and those who just need a vehicle that can accommodate their needs, especially when these needs include traveling with more.
Handy Accessories
Speaking of accessories, the 2026 Equinox can be outfitted with plenty of additional aids that make towing and hauling a seamless experience. Genuine Chevy accessories that can come to the rescue when completing these tasks include the following:
Cargo Nets & Organizers
An inexpensive way to remain organized on board your Equinox is to add a cargo net to the back of your vehicle, helping you keep items like groceries, work materials, and adventure gear secure while in transit. There are also other types of organizers available if you need more of a solid option instead of just a net to keep your cargo secure.
Cargo Mats
You don’t want to damage the upholstery of your Equinox, especially if you’re hauling home some dirty gardening supplies or muddy adventure gear after a weekend on the trails. Fortunately, there are cargo mats available to help protect your Equinox from wear and tear.
Hitches & Tie-Downs
Ensure that your Equinox has a hitch you like by shopping from the selection of hitches available from Chevy. Although the Equinox can tow a fair amount, drivers typically add their own hitches to these vehicles, so choosing one that works for your needs is recommended. There are also tie-downs available to help safely secure additional gear to the Equinox.
Towing and Hauling in the Equinox
As you can clearly see, the Equinox offers more to the journey than just agility and efficiency. It’s a proud towing vehicle and hauler, eager and excited to help any type of driver maximize their journeys, whether they find themselves exploring, carting the family around town, or venturing out on a road trip. Despite its small size, the Equinox is excellently configurable and features plenty of storage solutions inside to help everyone remain organized on board, lessening clutter and keeping everything secure.
If you’re unsure about a compact SUV, especially if you do a lot with your vehicle, rest assured that the Equinox can handle it. It’s got grit, something that many other small travelers lack, and when it comes to power, durability, and reliability, the Equinox won’t disappoint. For busy drivers out there who need a vehicle that can accommodate their needs and handle their lifestyle, the Equinox will show you that it’s ready to wow you with its strength, value, and capabilities.
