All-new for the 2025 model year, the Chevrolet Equinox gets only a couple of exceedingly minor updates for 2026. Chevy made the drive mode selector, which adjusts powertrain programming to suit various road conditions, standard on all trims for this year. And, depending on trim level, white paint is either $995 or a no-cost option; the new Polar White Tricoat is the only white available on the Activ and RS trims and costs extra, while Summit White remains a no-cost color on the entry-level LT. Otherwise, the Equinox is unchanged for 2026, and so is its price; the 2026 Equinox starts at $29,995 (all prices include $1,395 destination charge).
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Release Date and Pricing
The 2026 Equinox is on sale now. Full line pricing is as follows. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available on every trim level for an additional $2,000.
- LT: $29,995
- Activ: $34,395
- RS: $34,395
What Are the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox’s Trim Levels?
Chevrolet differentiates each of the Equinox trim levels with different front-end styling. The LT’s grille gets a chrome crossbar and accents, while the Activ has a prominent chrome surround and a black grille. The RS has a unique black grille, black crossbar and body-color trim on the lower bumper.
The LT rides on 17-inch wheels and features LED head- and taillights, keyless entry and starting, and remote start. It is upholstered in cloth but boasts standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, as well as six speakers, an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Every 2026 Equinox represents a tremendous value in terms of safety tech. Across the line, standard features include forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure steering assist, blind spot intervention, front and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, rear parking sensors, a following distance indicator and automatic high beams. A 360-degree parking camera and road-sign recognition are optional on all trim levels as part of the Safety and Technology Package.
The Activ and RS both gain roof rails, a hands-free power liftgate and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Inside, both include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and wireless charging. Other than their front-end styling, the Activ and RS differ in their rolling stock and upholstery. The Activ is fitted with 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires and synthetic suede seats, while the RS gets 19-inch wheels, all-seasons and synthetic leather.
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What Are the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox’s Powertrain Specs and MPG?
The only engine available in the Equinox is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 175 horsepower. It generates 184 pounds-feet of torque and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission in FWD vehicles. In AWD Equinox models, the 1.5-liter makes 203 pounds-feet and is paired with an eight-speed automatic.
Official fuel economy figures for the 2026 model are not yet available, but they shouldn’t change much, if at all, from the 2025 model’s numbers. With front-drive, the 2025 Equinox returns an EPA-rated 26/28/27 mpg city/highway/combined. The AWD SUV’s eight-speed automatic actually bests the CVT’s highway fuel economy by 1 mpg, returning an estimated 24/29/26.
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