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2026 Chevrolet Equinox Review

The Equinox might not be the flashiest compact SUV. But its good for everyday tasks and road trips.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox - chevrolet.com
2026 Chevrolet Equinox - chevrolet.com

Overview

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a confident, capable compact SUV that’s built for everyday life. Whether you’re commuting through the city, heading out on a weekend road trip, or just running errands, the Equinox delivers a smooth ride, intuitive tech, and a cabin that feels more upscale than its price suggests.

Carsforsale.com Score
8/10
Powertrain
Score
8/10
Interior
Score
8.5/10
Technology
Score
8.5/10
Value
Score
8.5/10
Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $28,700

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

FWD/AWD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

24 City / 29 Hwy

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 5

Trims & Pricing

LT- $28,700
RS- $33,600
ACTIV - $33,600

2026 Chevrolet Equinox Powertrain 8/10

2026 Chevrolet Equinox - carsforsale.com
2026 Chevrolet Equinox - carsforsale.com

The 2026 Equinox comes standard with a 1.5L turbocharged engine paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive versions upgrade to a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination nets 175 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque. This setup delivers a balance of efficiency and everyday drivability ideal for commuting, errands, and weekend getaways.

Simply put, The Equinox isn’t a performance SUV, but it’s tuned for comfort and predictability.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox Interior 8/10

2026 Chevrolet Equinox interior
2026 Chevrolet Equinox - chevrolet.com

Inside, the 2026 Equinox offers a clean, modern cabin with seating for five. Chevrolet has upgraded the materials and layout, especially in higher trims like the RS and Activ. Expect cloth upholstery in base trims, with Evotex synthetic leather or premium cloth in upper trims.

Cargo space is generous for the class, with up to 63.5 cu-ft of space with the rear seats folded. Rear legroom is competitive at 39.9 inches, making it a solid choice for small families or road-tripping duos.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox Technology 8.5/10

Every trim level comes standard with a 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by Google built-in, which includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.

A Wi-Fi hotspot is available, and upper trims offer wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Chevrolet’s Safety Assist suite is standard across all trims and includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision alert. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox Value 8.5/10

2026 Chevrolet Equinox -carsforsale.com
2026 Chevrolet Equinox -carsforsale.com

Compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox stands out with its tech-forward cabin and clean, modern design all at a base MSRP of $28,700 which is a bit cheaper than the base MSRP for the CR-V and Rav-4. Chevrolet sweetens the deal with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and also offers complementary scheduled maintenance for the first 2 years/24,000 miles.

The 2026 Equinox is available in three trim levels: The base LT trim starts at $37,395 and includes an 11.3-inch screen, Google built-in, Chevy Safety Assist, and cloth seats. Chevrolet also offers a Midnight Edition appearance package which adds 19-inch black wheels, roof rails, and grille. The RS trim adds sporty flair with 19-inch wheels and black accents, while the Activ trim is geared toward off-road looks with all-terrain tires and a rugged interior.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox Final Score 8/10

The 2026 Equinox earns high marks for technology, comfort, and value. It’s a smart pick for drivers who want a modern, connected SUV. While it may not lead the pack in powertrain performance or cargo space, it delivers a well-rounded experience that’s easy to live with. The Equinox offers solid value and intuitive features, but if you are looking for a hybrid powertrain or higher end cabin materials, there are plenty of better options out there.

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