As an entity that moves a lot of metal off the lot, let us tell you—when a vehicle is built right from the start, you don’t have to reinvent it every year. That’s exactly the case with the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Fresh off a full redesign in 2025, the new model year brings just a couple of subtle but smart enhancements here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse.
What’s Changed for 2026?
Chevy now includes the Drive Mode Selector—which lets you tailor the vehicle’s performance for various road conditions—as standard equipment across all trim levels. That’s a nice touch for added confidence, no matter where the road takes you.
As for paint options, things are streamlined this year. A new Polar White Tricoat is exclusive to the Activ and RS trims and comes with an added cost. Meanwhile, Summit White is still available at no extra charge on the entry-level LT trim.
Outside of that, the 2026 Equinox remains unchanged—and that’s not a bad thing. Pricing stays the same too, starting at $29,995.
2026 Equinox Pricing and Availability
Good news—the 2026 Equinox is available now. You can choose between front-wheel drive (standard) or all-wheel drive, which is available across the lineup for an additional $2,000.
Here’s the current pricing breakdown:
LT: $29,995
Activ: $34,395
RS: $34,395
You’ll also find plenty of inventory options like:
2026 Equinox 1LT: $34,045
2026 Equinox AWD Activ: $38,085
Trim Levels & Features That Make a Difference
Each trim has its own character, especially up front. The LT sports a chrome-accented grille, the Activ gets a bold chrome surround with black detailing, and the RS brings a blacked-out grille with body-color accents for a more aggressive look.
Standard features on the LT include:
17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights and taillights
Keyless entry and start
Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
11-inch digital gauge cluster
11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
When it comes to safety, the Equinox delivers across the board. Every trim comes equipped with:
Automatic emergency braking
Forward collision alert with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Adaptive cruise control
Lane keep assist and departure warning
Blind spot monitoring with intervention
Rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and auto high beams
Looking for extra peace of mind? A 360-degree camera and road sign recognition are available in the optional Safety and Technology Package.
Activ vs. RS: What’s the Difference?
Both trims come with roof rails, a hands-free liftgate, and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, they share:
Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Wireless phone charging
The Activ goes rugged with 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and synthetic suede seating. The RS, meanwhile, leans sporty with 19-inch wheels, all-season tires, and leather-style upholstery.
Performance & Fuel Economy
Under the hood, all 2026 Equinox models are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Output is:
175 horsepower
184 lb-ft of torque (FWD models with CVT)
203 lb-ft of torque (AWD models with 8-speed automatic)
Official fuel economy ratings are still pending for 2026, but we expect numbers close to the 2025 model:
FWD: 26 city / 28 highway / 27 combined mpg
AWD: 24 city / 29 highway / 26 combined mpg
In fact, the AWD model's traditional 8-speed automatic performs slightly better on the highway than the FWD’s CVT.
Final Thoughts from the Showroom Floor
Chevy didn’t mess with a winning formula for 2026—and as a dealer, I get why. The Equinox offers serious bang for the buck, especially in safety tech and everyday comfort. Whether you're leaning toward the capable LT, adventurous Activ, or sporty RS, you’re getting one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs in the game today.
Shopping for a new SUV? Don’t settle for a spreadsheet comparison. The real deal is waiting here at the dealership, and I guarantee the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox will impress. Whether you're looking for tech, comfort, or capability, this SUV brings it—all without blowing your budget. The best part? You can take one for a test drive today.
Let’s get you in the driver’s seat so you can experience what all the hype is about!