2026 Chevy Equinox Deep Dive: Trims, Tech, and Features That Matter

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!

Trail Titan: Chevy’s 2025 Silverado ZR2 Hits Hard with Diesel Might

We’ve driven a lot of trucks over the years, but the 2025 Silverado ZR2 stands out as a true powerhouse built for serious drivers. As a team that’s spent years helping folks at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse find the perfect truck, we can confidently say this one checks nearly every box. After spending a week with it, we were reminded exactly why full-size pickups like this continue to be America’s top choice for work, play, and everything in between.

If you’re looking for a truck that blends off-road capability with everyday practicality, the ZR2 should be the first one you take for a test drive.

Power That Works for You: Meet the Duramax Diesel

The model we tested came equipped with Chevy’s strong and smooth Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-six engine. This powerhouse offers 305 horsepower and a torque-rich 470 lb-ft, making it perfect for towing, highway cruising, or weekend adventures in the Ozarks.

Chevy pairs this engine with its finely tuned 10-speed automatic transmission, and let me tell you — it's a match made in truck heaven. The shifts are quick, silky smooth, and the engine stays in the sweet spot whether you're climbing hills or cruising at 70 on I-70. You’ll get the feel of a gas engine with all the durability and efficiency of a diesel.

We put in about 500 miles behind the wheel — highway stretches, rural roads, a little dirt, and even a light tow job — and it handled all of it with confidence and comfort. Fuel economy was right in line with expectations, averaging 23 mpg during our trip, which is impressive for a truck this capable.

Interior Tech That Feels First-Class

Step inside the ZR2 and you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the best tech Chevy has to offer. A massive 13.4-inch touchscreen dominates the dash, paired with a sharp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Everything’s intuitive, easy to use, and beautifully integrated.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still onboard — a big win for those who love seamless smartphone integration. Add to that smart features like a 3D surround-view camera, rear cross-traffic braking, and a comprehensive suite of safety tech, and you’ve got a truck that makes everyday driving easier and safer.

Bold Design, Built to Stand Out

In Riptide Blue, this truck commands attention. It’s bold, muscular, and not shy about showing off its off-road chops. With 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires, a lifted suspension, and all the rugged gear that comes with the ZR2 badge, it’s ready for whatever you throw at it — trails, job sites, or downtown lots.

The design combines tough lines with refined touches, and while other brands take a different styling approach, the Silverado ZR2 leans into its adventurous spirit — and that resonates with a lot of our customers here in Missouri.

Room for Everyone — And Everything

Need space? The Silverado has it. The crew cab offers generous room for five full-grown adults to ride in comfort, while the bed gives you 62.9 cubic feet of cargo space — enough to load up gear, haul lumber, or pack in all your camping essentials. Whether you're headed to the lake or the lumber yard, this truck is built to handle it.

Behind the Wheel: Refined and Ready for the Long Haul

Driving the Silverado ZR2 is a pleasant surprise — especially for a full-size off-road truck. It glides over bumps and holds steady through curves, thanks in large part to the advanced Multimatic DSSV dampers and rugged suspension. Even when driving through town, it’s easy to maneuver. U-turns, parking lots, and tighter roads were no trouble at all — it actually felt smaller than it looks, and that’s saying something.

Inside, the cabin is whisper-quiet and incredibly comfortable, making it a fantastic daily driver or road trip companion.

Strong on Power, Smart on Fuel

Despite being a big, capable truck, the diesel ZR2 delivers outstanding fuel efficiency. We logged 23 mpg on our trip, right in line with the EPA estimates of 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. That’s a big deal for anyone looking to combine power with practicality — especially when gas prices start bouncing around.

Well Equipped and Worth It

The Silverado ZR2 delivers exceptional value for everything it brings to the table. Our test model came equipped with premium features like adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and the versatile Multi-Flex tailgate. For a fully loaded, off-road-ready, tech-packed full-size pickup, it’s right in line with what today’s truck buyers expect—and then some.

Final Thoughts from a Missouri Expert

If you’re shopping for a premium off-road truck that’s just as comfortable on the road as it is in the wild, the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 deserves a serious look. We’ve been behind the wheel of just about every truck out there, and this one stands tall among them. Whether you're towing, trail running, or just taking on daily life in style — the ZR2 gets the job done, and then some.

It’s one thing to see it online—it’s another to feel it on the road. Come by and drive the ZR2 today.

Hauling Into the Dark-Hued Haze: 2025 Silverado HD Custom Debuts Blackout Edition

We have been thoroughly enjoying the tail end of the spring season here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, as it offers us many fresh faces, walk-ins for test drives, and opportunities to educate people about the benefits of owning your small slice of the nation’s best car brand! The 2025 Chevy Silverado HD has been on many truck lovers’ radar for the first half of the year now, as everyone is eager to learn more about any changes making an already great rig more capable and appealing. 

There will be new standard tech on some trim levels, a brand new Silverado HD Trail Boss edition, and many more goodies to eagerly assault the summer’s now-scorching asphalt. The Custom Trim Level will also offer a brand-new factory-installed Custom Blackout Package, which evokes a decadent tone while starting things off with 20-inch High gloss Black painted wheels. You also get to dance on dusk’s side of things with black badging, a black steering wheel emblem, black tailgate lettering, and a black bowtie available with the multi-flex tailgate. 

This is the first time black wheels have ever been available on the HD’s Custom trim level! The 20-inch high gloss black wheels are a brand-new design cooked up specifically for 2025 model-year vehicles, which requires selecting the black tailgate lettering decal when the standard tailgate code is ordered. This Custom Blackout Package replaces the once dealer-installed “Dark Essentials” Package, which was previously on Chevy Silverado HD’s Custom trim level. 

It can still be optioned on the High Country, LTZ, ZR2, LT, and WT trim levels. The Dark Essentials Package does not provide a change in wheel offering but still slaps on some very cool extras such as Black Silverado nameplates and Black Custom High Country badges. You’ll also be cruising with “candle-lit sentiment” courtesy of a very cool black bowtie and a black tailgate with CHEVROLET lettering. The 2025 Silverado’s Trail Boss package will also give those who are constantly experiencing wanderlust to flex a bit harder with extra off-road and aesthetic details. 

Production for next year’s model is currently scheduled to fire up in late July as the GM Flint plant in Michigan. The experts on duty at the Car and Driver staff spent a bit of time with this terrific truck and were thrilled about its proven diesel powertrain, and very high-tech trailer-assistance features. Anyone who has a long list of things to tow and abundant cargo to haul will find favor in this hard-working gem. They also pointed out the extreme value of the Convenience Package, which offers a 10-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, LED cargo-bed lighting, and remote start.

The 6.6-liter V8 is heartily rated at 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, while the brawny Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V8 cranks out 470 horses and 975 lb-ft. One fun and quite burly figure regarding the Duramax is that it effectively double the standard gas engine’s max tow rating, which polishes its luster considerably! A larger 13.4-inch touchscreen is standard on the LT, LTZ, Trail Boss, High Country, and ZR2 models, with all of them also offering an integrated wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Action-Packed, Affordable, And Authentic: The 2025 Chevy Trax Shines For Everyday Adventures

There are vehicles within any brand’s lineup that shine brightly as the “gateway to the namesake”, with an attractive price usually at the core of appeal. The 2025 Trax is an amazing gateway to an inexpensive ride that still totally rocks. At Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, we know the Trax has a short list of competitors when it comes to offering any model this appealing on the pocketbook! It does an excellent job of proving that budget does not have to be boring, with the turbo 3-cylinder generating ample low-end punch to keep things moving while knocking all of your “to-dos” out in a snap.

Its' very light curb weight and smaller size make for some of the most responsive handling today while being simple to park in ever-crowded lots. A winning blend of utility, great features, and affordability render the Trax an excellent choice for any stage of life. The interior size is a pleasant surprise for anyone who has taken into account its size at first impression, along with its smart and clean design. These soft and very comfortable seats can fit the bill even on very long hauls, and the Trax offers an ideally commanding view of the road.

Having a competent suspension is an item high on many drivers’ lists here at the Powerhouse, and the Trax’s very absorbent setup can adapt to very choppy and rough patches of asphalt. There are also many useful driver aids not usually seen at this price point, such as automatic high beams and lane-keeping assistance. Mid-level trims and higher come equipped with an 11-inch touchscreen and Wi-Fi hotspot. The optional Driver Confidence package is an excellent value to consider as it offers the convenience of Adaptive Cruise Control, along with the live-saving Blind Spot Warning.

The engine provides plenty of torque for around-town errands, making keeping up with traffic a simple task. The automatic provides very smooth shifts, and responsive downshifting when encountering any unintended surprises during bumper-to-bumper increments of road. The Trax feels very well-padded when navigating turns, with the Edmunds.com review team reporting back that they were comfortable even after a few hundred miles spent with it on the open road. The easy-to-use layout of the dashboard’s buttons was well-appreciated, and the touchscreen’s menus were set up very logically.

There’s more than enough space for tall passengers in both rows, boasting more passenger area than nearly every single crossover in its segment. Adaptive Cruise Control did an excellent job of keeping up with a busy Monday’s flow on the interstate without leaving a huge gap directly ahead. The Trax’s cargo area measures 25.6 cubic feet and can fit a few week’s worth of groceries or lovely plants to pot now during spring’s return. The 2025 Trax also boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg combined, which is very competitive when thrown up against the competition. 

Many drivers have loved the Trax for being sharp and so visually appealing, without digging its toes in and existing as disruptive. Consumers have a good deal of use for simple and straightforward transportation which still offers plenty of upgrades to step things up a luxurious notch. The LT trim reflects the Edmunds’ team's viable pick, as it brings more styling with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, a six-speaker audio system, push-button start, and roof rails primed and ready for the slopes! 

Gravel Guru: The Capable 2024 Chevy Traverse- Where Every Path is Your Playground!

Since the very first Chevy Traverse was launched in 2009, the 3-row crossover market has changed drastically. We’ve watched intently here at Mid-Missouri Powerhouse as this segment has wholeheartedly pulled ahead of the family-toting minivan category to become a replacement of sorts for the nearly Winnebago-esque family truckster! Crossovers have enjoyed a good deal of success with a form of very squared-off styling while going all-in to emulate body-on-frame characteristics. 

The big story for this year’s Traverse is the turbocharged 4-cylinder, which dusts its cleats off and steps eagerly up to the plate with more power and better fuel economy than the outgoing V6. If that’s all not quite exciting enough to make you seriously consider a test drive, there’s also the inclusion of the hands-free Super Cruise system. The amazing 2.5-liter 4-cylinder cranks out 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed transmission, with the choice of all-wheel or front-wheel drive. The EPA fuel rating is 23 mpg for the front-wheel drive trim.

That’s a notable improvement of 2 mpg city over the outgoing model, with the Autoweek staff claiming that the new 4-cylinder offers an exciting sense of power that is more than adequate. Anyone paying close attention to the way things behave directly off the line will agree that things feel quicker than the old model in all ways. Every Traverse will have driver tech such as rear automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. 

One of the coolest new features that modern technology has offered busy commuters is stop sign recognition, which uses advanced forward-facing cameras to detect and then classify signs. The addition of Super Cruise has also beefed up its automatic lane changing feature, which offers excellent performance and a very smooth transition after the job is done back to hands-on driving. This year’s model offers the Z71 package for the first time, with the whole trail-ready assembly coming with 18-inch wheels wrapped in 265/65 R18 Goodyear Wranglers. 

There’s a set of very capable protective skid plates added to the mix, on duty to protect the many valuables underneath during frequent grass, brush, and incline assaults. There’s also a dedicated “Terrain” drive mode, which takes over brake-holding duty and allows you to fully control the throttle to help conquer hills. While the toughest and most jagged inclines of locations such as Moab may not be quite etched onto the itinerary, the Traverse’s new Z71 trim is perfect for the spur-of-the-moment flex on hillside gravel, or gleefully ripping through a previously occupied and half-treacherous quarry! 

The 2024 model is now 79.5 inches wide, which has grown almost an entire inch from 2023. This will ultimately mean that longer road trips will become more comfortable, as it has now created more room in the cabin. During expeditions that aspire to see much further than “the next town over”, the third row offers easy access thanks to the flipping second-row captain’s seats. There’s a 17.7-inch touchscreen greeting you during the first glance of the interior, which is paired nicely with a standard 11-inch digital driver display handling monitoring duty for the performance necessities.

This effort is an amazing example of putting an aggressively best foot forward in a very competitive segment. With the added new tech features, XXL display, and the addition of the adventurous Z71 trim to the mix, this year’s Traverse should sway any demographic rightfully towards the “mid-large” category!

Trail-Tested, City-Approved: Discover the All-New 2024 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss!

We would have to wholeheartedly agree with a few sentiments on trucks from the writers of the Motor1.com blog this week here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse! They claimed that modern trucks have now become “statement pieces”, as vehicles are lifted more at home in the confines of a parking lot than living and breathing dirt roads. It is very refreshing that the new Chevy Colorado offers a no-nonsense and very well-equipped off-road oriented pickup such as the Colorado Trail Boss.

For what the Trail Boss offers in the way of off-road capability, it’s an amazing bargain when stacked up with the various forms of firm-and-fitted competition. The package starts with a torquey turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder cranking out 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, which reaches a delightful and spry peak at around 1,250 rpm. Even without the presence of a V6, this torque stat eagerly pairs with enough disposable power to quickly inch the truck up to highway-appropriate momentum. 

The ZR2 is the most powerful Colorado courtesy of its 430 lb-ft of torque, but the Trail Boss beats it out in the horsepower category with 73 more horsepower at its disposal. This 4-cylinder is an oddity of sorts in all the best ways, as it is even more powerful than the previous Colorado’s V6 and has more torque than the current Nissan Frontier’s V6. We have long recognized that the Jeep Gladiator is a huge contender in the business for those who want go-anywhere capability with a truck bed, and this Colorado offers more power all around than the Gladiator lineup.

After extreme off-road testing, the Motor1.com crew claimed that the included off-road kit is “plentiful and capable”. You’ll be blowing through the fire road or boulder-strewn location of your choice with 4-wheel drive, 32-inch all-terrain tires as standard, along with the necessary 2.0-inch suspension lift, and 3.0-inch wider track. Seasoned trail hounds have long known that you can't take on a course littered with obstacles at incredibly high speed, and here is where the automatic locking rear differential and hill descent control prove their massive worth! 

Crawling over harsh terrain simply cannot be accomplished with factory-grade equipment, which is why the additional skid plate is necessary. The overall lift, tires, and bodywork result in a 30.5-degree approach angle, a 22.4-degree departure, and 21 degrees of breakover. This Colorado also now has one interesting feature that is carried over from the EV skill set: Terrain Mode is now a 1-pedal drive system. Instead of the two-foot shuffle regarding braking and throttle, this is a much simpler means of getting the job done. 

This engaging test drive rendered an ideally stiff suspension, with the damping quite obviously prepped for washboard basins and rough roads. The thicker off-road tires help soften the impact of cracked pavement, and here it was deemed that there is no other truck this capable for the price. The Convenience Package adds cruise control. Another very cool addition to splurge on is the amazing and radiant red paint. Wilderness-ready, capable, and all-around fun, this is the truck that Car and Driver claimed was a “Mid-size king, vastly superior to its predecessor inside and out.” 

Beyond the Plug: The 2025 Chevy Equinox Adds More Screen Space, Next-Level Drive Modes

 

The versatile and appealing Chevy Equinox was able to celebrate 2023 as quite a successful year here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse: it’s a 5-passenger vehicle with a heaping amount of charm, and the best-selling vehicle next to the Silverado pickup! The Equinox has not yet made the move to embrace a hybrid option, but the 2025 Equinox model is on track to hit lots with plug-in charm and efficiency. It is slated to use a completely different architecture boasting a sleeker look, sheet metal, and various new parts.

The Equinox’s exterior styling on deck for next year looks more rugged and truck-like, while still deriving power from the 175-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged Inline-4 cylinder. There will be two new transmissions specifically engineered to boost well-shifting bandwidth and off-the-line power. Front-wheel drive versions get a continuously variable transmission that sees a modest drop in peak torque from 203 lb-ft to 184. All these changes are engineered to guarantee the Equinox a better response time and fuel economy, along with new off-road and snow-drive modes. 

The Equinox can now tow 800 pounds in the front-wheel drive version, and 1,500 lbs with the AWD model. The overall stance is 2.3 inches wider, and the goods have been slightly lifted to share some cool traits with its relative in the form of the Traverse. For an extra dose of stealth attitude and more interior room, the roof line now goes straight back and gives the entire vehicle a boxier look. With the wheel wells still possessing a squared-off look, this adds a more curvaceous and accentuated visual flow. 

Active-spec Equinoxes will now be spruced up with a white two-tone roof, a Cacti exterior color, and standard 17-inch all-terrain tires. Taking a cue from the revved-up and heavily capable Colorado family, each trim has a unique fascia to set it visually apart. Every manufacturer out there with their head firmly rooted in the game has made more features standard across their lineups, and Chevy has gone to extremes to do the same with the Equinox. 

Designers and high-up execs alike wanted to ensure that the LT was not a completely entry-level and bare-bones trim and were hard at work adding a dozen top-notch safety features as standard. You can help prevent intersection mishaps, stay in the proper lane, and detect vehicles in your blind spot along with anything obstructing your rear pathway. Screen space has been a huge selling point with many customers over the past two years, and manufacturers have risen to the occasion by jumping quickly at demands for enhancement. The Equinox now has an 11.0-inch driver display and an 11.3-inch touchscreen, representing a 4-inch gain from the outgoing model.

Even though the Equinox has fared amazingly well as a budget-minded option for today’s consumer, it still possesses the class and charm to chauffeur the visiting client or instigate a formal night out. The 2025 model’s upgraded electronics allow for easier over-the-air software updates, and heated front seats and steering wheel come standard on all trims. The sense of practicality the Equinox possesses was always capable of intersecting amazingly with gift-wrapped and once unattainable charm. The Driving.ca review staff was thrilled with the AWD models and the 8-speed automatic, as well as the undeniably classy interior.