The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Review starts with a simple question: did Chevrolet truly rebuild its compact SUV for today’s market, or did it simply give an aging model a fresh coat of paint? Chevrolet spent 2025 rebuilding the Equinox from the inside out, and the 2026 model is where that work gets put to the test in the real market. For anyone shopping this segment, the answer comes down to more than fresh styling. The new Equinox needs to deliver on comfort, technology, performance, efficiency, safety, and everyday practicality while competing with some of the strongest compact SUVs on the market.
This 2026 Chevrolet Equinox review looks at what changed, what stayed the same, and whether the fourth generation finally closes the gap with the Honda CR V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX 50, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage. The short version is that Chevrolet fixed the parts of the Equinox that buyers complained about for years. The engine, on the other hand, tells a different story, and that contrast shapes almost everything else in this review.
Our Take on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox spent the better part of a decade as a sensible but forgettable choice in the compact SUV class. That changed with the 2025 redesign, and the 2026 model picks up right where it left off. The cabin looks and feels like it belongs in a showroom today rather than five years ago. The technology is genuinely current. The exterior finally has some presence instead of blending into a parking lot full of similar shapes.
None of that changes the fact that the 1.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine under the hood is the same familiar unit Chevrolet has used for years. It gets the job done around town and on a normal commute, but it will not impress anyone who cares about how quickly an SUV gets up to speed. Buyers who want a comfortable, well built compact SUV with a modern cabin and a reasonable price will find a lot to like here. Buyers chasing quick acceleration or the best fuel economy in the class should look elsewhere first.
What Is New for 2026?
Let’s clear up a common point of confusion right away. The 2026 Equinox is not a new generation, and Chevrolet never positioned it as one. The major overhaul happened for 2025, when the Equinox moved to its current fourth generation with a new exterior, a completely redone cabin, and updated technology. The 2026 model simply continues that formula.
The most notable change this year is that the Drive Mode Selector, previously limited to certain trims, is now standard across the lineup. Chevrolet also made a few packaging and appearance changes. On LT models, roof rails are no longer included in the Convenience II package and are instead available with the Midnight Edition or bundled with the optional sunroof. Polar White Tricoat also replaces Iridescent Pearl Tricoat on RS and ACTIV models. None of these changes amounts to a dramatic shift. If you already understand the 2025 Equinox, you understand the 2026 model almost completely.
Why the 2025 Redesign Matters
It is worth spending a moment on the 2025 redesign because it explains almost everything about why the 2026 Equinox feels the way it does today.
The previous generation ran from 2018 through 2024 with only modest updates along the way. By the end of that run, the Equinox had fallen behind rivals in cabin technology, screen size, and overall design freshness, even though it still offered a comfortable ride and straightforward controls. The 2025 redesign addressed those weaknesses directly. Chevrolet gave the Equinox sharper exterior styling, a dashboard built around large digital displays, and a technology suite that finally brought it in line with what shoppers expect from modern compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
What did not change nearly as much was the powertrain. The same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine carried over, with only modest torque differences depending on drivetrain. That is the central tension running through both the 2025 and 2026 Equinox. The way the vehicle looks, feels, and operates from the driver’s seat improved dramatically. The way it accelerates did not.
Exterior Design
The redesigned Equinox looks like it belongs to Chevrolet’s current SUV lineup rather than a holdover from years past. The front end carries more defined lines, the body sides have more sculpting, and the overall proportions feel more purposeful than the softer, rounder shape of the outgoing generation. It is a design that stands comfortably next to the Tucson or CR-V rather than looking dated beside them.
Each trim carries its own visual identity. The LT keeps things clean and understated. The RS adds darker exterior trim, larger wheels, and a more aggressive fascia aimed at buyers who want their SUV to look sportier without any mechanical changes underneath. The ACTIV goes in the opposite direction with a more rugged look, all-terrain tires, and unique badging that signals its outdoor-oriented character. None of these trims represents a dramatic transformation of the same basic shape, but they give buyers a real choice depending on the image they want their SUV to project.
Interior, Comfort and Build Quality
Step inside and the improvement over the old Equinox becomes obvious immediately. The dashboard is built around large digital displays that finally look proportionate to the vehicle rather than undersized. Menu logic is intuitive enough that most drivers will feel comfortable within the first few minutes, and Chevrolet kept physical climate controls in place rather than burying every function inside the touchscreen, which matters on a daily basis more than most people expect.
Front seats offer solid support for longer drives, and the rear bench provides enough room for adults on shorter trips and plenty of space for kids and car seats. The cabin also feels more thoughtfully designed, with a better mix of materials, screens, controls, and storage than the outgoing Equinox. That said, buyers coming from a nicer trim of a RAV4 or CR V should not expect a luxury cabin. This is a well finished compact SUV interior, not a premium one, and Cardrav would rather set that expectation clearly than oversell it.
Cargo Space and Everyday Practicality
Chevrolet lists 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with those seats folded flat. In everyday terms, that is enough room for a full grocery trip, a couple of large suitcases, or typical weekend gear without needing to fold anything down. Fold the rear seats flat and there is enough open floor space for larger hauls, whether that means furniture from a home store or luggage for an extended family trip.
The numbers make the Equinox practical for everyday family use, even if maximum cargo capacity is not its main competitive advantage. For typical daily use, though, the cargo area is genuinely practical and unlikely to leave anyone frustrated.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox Review: Engine and Driving Experience
This is the part of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox review that buyers most need to understand clearly before signing anything.
Every trim uses the same 1.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower. Torque depends on drivetrain. Front wheel drive models pair the engine with a continuously variable transmission and produce approximately 184 pound feet of torque. All wheel drive models use an eight speed automatic transmission and produce approximately 203 pound feet of torque.
In practice, 175 horsepower is enough to keep pace with daily traffic and merge without drama on most highway on ramps, but it does not feel quick by any measure. Independent testing has recorded the all wheel drive Equinox at approximately 8.6 seconds from zero to 60 mph, and a separate test of an all wheel drive ACTIV recorded approximately 8.7 seconds. Both figures reflect independent test results rather than a single official factory number, and both land toward the slower end of the compact SUV class.
The extra torque that comes with all wheel drive helps off the line and during highway merging, but it does not transform the Equinox into a quick SUV. Passing on a two lane road, merging onto a busy highway, or climbing a grade with a full load of passengers and cargo all ask for a bit more patience than some competitors require. None of this makes the engine unacceptable. It is adequate for the way most people actually use a compact SUV, just not impressive if acceleration matters to you.
Ride quality is where the Equinox earns real credit. It handles typical city imperfections smoothly and stays composed at highway speed, with cabin noise well controlled during longer drives. Some larger bumps produce a bit more bounce than expected, and the steering is light and easy to live with rather than sharp or communicative. Handling is competent without being engaging. If you enjoy an SUV that rewards spirited driving, this is not that vehicle. If you want something calm and predictable for a daily commute, it delivers exactly that.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy varies by configuration. Current published EPA estimates put front wheel drive models at about 26 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while all wheel drive models are rated at about 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
These numbers are reasonable for a compact SUV with a turbocharged four cylinder engine, but they are not a strong selling point in a class that increasingly includes hybrid options from Honda and Toyota capable of noticeably higher combined ratings. Real world results will depend on driving habits, climate, and the mix of city versus highway driving, so buyers should treat the EPA estimate as a target rather than a guarantee. Anyone shopping primarily for fuel economy should compare a RAV4 Hybrid or CR V Hybrid before settling on the standard Equinox powertrain.
AWD and Towing
All wheel drive is available across the entire 2026 Equinox lineup, and choosing it changes more than just traction. It swaps the continuously variable transmission for an eight speed automatic and raises torque from roughly 184 to 203 pound feet, which affects how the Equinox feels pulling away from a stop or merging onto the highway.
Towing capacity follows the same pattern. Front wheel drive models are rated to tow up to 800 pounds, while all wheel drive models are rated up to 1,500 pounds. Neither figure competes with what a midsize or full size SUV offers, and buyers with serious towing needs should look at a larger vehicle entirely. For buyers who deal with winter weather or simply want the more responsive drivetrain, all wheel drive is a reasonable upgrade.
Technology and Infotainment
Technology is arguably the single biggest reason the redesigned Equinox feels like a different vehicle from the one it replaced. Every trim gets an 11.3 inch infotainment touchscreen paired with an 11 inch driver information display, running Google built in software that includes Google Maps and Google Play without needing a paired phone. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are also supported, and wireless phone charging is offered depending on trim and package.
The system responds quickly and the layout is logical enough that most drivers will find their way around without a learning curve. Chevrolet also kept physical controls for climate functions, which keeps basic daily tasks simple rather than burying them inside menus. This is genuinely useful technology rather than a marketing checkbox, and it puts the Equinox on comparable footing with the CR V and Tucson in a way that simply was not true a few years ago.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Chevrolet states that the 2026 Equinox includes more than 15 standard safety and driver assistance features, with systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control included among the standard safety technology.
The 2026 Equinox has been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning Good ratings in the updated moderate-overlap front and side crash tests, while the small-overlap front test received an Acceptable rating. Its standard front crash prevention system received an Acceptable rating for vehicle-to-vehicle performance, while pedestrian front crash prevention was rated Good. NHTSA maintains its own 5-Star Safety Ratings system, so buyers should check its vehicle-rating database for the latest federal results before making a final decision. Chevrolet also makes a substantial amount of safety and driver assistance technology available across the lineup, which adds value for buyers focused on overall equipment.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox Review: Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 lineup keeps things straightforward with three trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV.
The LT is the value-focused choice and carries the full technology and safety suite without asking buyers to pay for styling extras they may not want. It represents the strongest overall balance of price, equipment, and everyday usability in the lineup.
The RS is built around appearance rather than performance, with darker exterior trim and larger wheels giving it a sportier look. It uses the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine as the LT and ACTIV, so buyers should choose RS because they like how it looks, not because they expect a quicker or more capable SUV.
The ACTIV takes the opposite approach, with all-terrain tires, a specially tuned suspension, and rugged styling details meant to suggest a more adventure-ready character. It leans into a lifestyle image more than genuine off-road capability, so buyers expecting serious rough-terrain performance should look toward a body-on-frame SUV instead.
Pricing for the 2026 Equinox starts at $28,800 for the LT, while RS and ACTIV models start at $33,600 before destination charges and options. These figures can shift based on packages, regional incentives, and dealer-specific pricing, so buyers should confirm current numbers directly with Chevrolet or a local dealer before finalizing a purchase.
Which 2026 Equinox Trim Should You Buy?
For most shoppers, the LT remains the smart choice. It delivers the core advantages of the redesigned Equinox while keeping the price below the more style focused RS and ACTIV trims.
The RS makes sense specifically for buyers who want the sportier look and are willing to pay for that styling alone. The ACTIV is worth considering for buyers who like its rugged appearance, but it should not be chosen under the assumption that it delivers real off road ability. Buyers with flexible budgets and a strong preference for either trim’s look should go with their preference. Buyers focused purely on value should stick with the LT.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox Review: 2026 vs 2025
Anyone deciding between a new 2026 model and a leftover or lightly used 2025 should know there is little mechanical reason to pay a premium for the newer year. The engine, transmissions, trim lineup, technology suite, and cargo figures all carry over essentially unchanged between the two model years. The Drive Mode Selector becoming standard is a nice addition, but it is not significant enough to justify a meaningfully higher price on its own.
If a 2025 Equinox is available at a real discount compared with a similarly equipped 2026, the 2025 is likely the smarter financial decision. This is a case where shopping by price and available inventory makes more sense than assuming the newest model year is automatically the better buy.
2026 Equinox vs 2024 and 2023
The gap between the 2023 and 2024 Equinox and the current 2025 and 2026 generation is much larger than a typical model year update, because the redesign that arrived for 2025 represented a complete overhaul rather than a routine refresh.
The 2023 and 2024 models were the final years of the previous Equinox generation, which dated back to 2018. Those years offered a comfortable ride and simple, familiar controls, but the interior technology and overall design had clearly fallen behind newer competitors by the time production ended. The engine in those years was the same 1.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder producing 175 horsepower, though it was paired with a six speed automatic rather than the continuously variable transmission or eight speed automatic used today.
Buyers moving from a 2023 or 2024 Equinox into a 2026 model will notice a dramatically more modern vehicle in terms of design, cabin technology, and overall presentation. What they will not notice is a dramatic jump in acceleration or fuel economy, since the fundamental engine character remains familiar. A heavily discounted 2024 model can still make sense for buyers focused purely on price, but anyone who wants a compact SUV that feels current should be looking at the redesigned generation instead.
2026 Equinox vs the Competition
The compact SUV class is deep right now, and the Equinox has real competition on every side.
The Honda CR V remains a strong choice for buyers who prioritize refinement and a proven overall package, and its available hybrid powertrain gives it a genuine efficiency advantage over the standard Equinox engine. The Toyota RAV4 leans even harder into that hybrid focused approach, making it the natural pick for buyers who care most about long term fuel costs. The Mazda CX 50 brings a more engaging driving character and a more upscale feeling cabin, appealing to buyers who want their SUV to be enjoyable behind the wheel rather than purely functional. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage offer generous standard equipment and available hybrid versions on many trims that undercut the Equinox on efficiency, along with their own distinct styling identities.
Against that field, the Equinox competes well on standard technology, interior comfort, and often a lower starting price. It falls behind on acceleration and, without a hybrid option, on outright fuel economy. Buyers focused on price, comfort, and day to day usability will find the Equinox a strong contender. Buyers focused on performance or maximum efficiency should test drive the CR V Hybrid or RAV4 Hybrid before deciding.
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Family SUV?
For most families, yes. The rear seat accommodates car seats and growing kids comfortably, the cargo area handles strollers, sports gear, and grocery runs without complaint, and the available driver assistance technology adds genuine peace of mind on daily school runs and longer trips. The comfortable ride and quiet highway manners make extended drives easier on everyone in the cabin.
The trade off is the modest acceleration and middling fuel economy, which matter most for families who spend a lot of time on the highway with a fully loaded vehicle, since passing requires more advance planning than in some rivals. For the majority of family use cases, though, these are manageable compromises rather than reasons to look elsewhere.
Who Should Buy the 2026 Equinox?
The 2026 Equinox suits buyers who want a modern compact SUV without stepping into a higher price bracket, families who prioritize comfort and practical space over outright performance, shoppers drawn to Chevrolet’s updated design and technology, and buyers who do not need strong acceleration or serious towing capability from their daily vehicle.
Who Should Skip the 2026 Equinox?
Buyers who want strong acceleration should look elsewhere, as should anyone prioritizing the best possible fuel economy or specifically shopping for a hybrid compact SUV. Buyers who need substantial towing capability or genuinely sporty handling will also be better served by a different vehicle entirely.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox Review: Final Verdict
This 2026 Chevrolet Equinox review concludes with a straightforward bottom line. The story of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is really the story of the 2025 redesign finally paying off in its second year on the market. The outdated cabin and dated technology that held the Equinox back for years are gone, replaced by a genuinely modern interior and a technology suite that competes directly with the best in the class. What remains is a powertrain that gets the job done without ever standing out, leaving acceleration and fuel economy as the Equinox’s clearest weaknesses relative to some rivals.
That combination makes the 2026 Equinox a significantly more competitive SUV than the one Chevrolet sold just two years ago, without turning it into the class leader on every measure. For buyers who value comfort, technology, and a reasonable price, particularly in LT trim, that trade off is likely to feel like an easy one to accept. For buyers who care most about acceleration or fuel economy, a hybrid competitor deserves a test drive before any final decision gets made.
FAQ
2026 Chevrolet Equinox Review: Is the 2026 Equinox a good SUV?
Yes. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a strong choice for buyers who prioritize comfort, practical interior space, modern technology, safety, and overall value. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 175 horsepower, which is adequate for everyday driving but not especially quick. The Equinox is also less compelling for shoppers who prioritize strong acceleration or class-leading fuel economy. Overall, it works best as a comfortable and practical compact SUV for commuting, family use, and everyday driving.
What engine does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox use, and how does it perform?
The 2026 Equinox uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive models use a continuously variable transmission, while all-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic and produce higher torque. The available all-wheel-drive system also increases towing capacity to 1,500 pounds, compared with 800 pounds for front-wheel-drive models. The powertrain is tuned more for smooth, predictable everyday driving than quick acceleration, so buyers looking for sporty performance should consider alternatives with more powerful engines.
Which 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim should you buy?
For most buyers, the LT offers the strongest balance of price, equipment, comfort, and everyday practicality. The RS is primarily an appearance-focused upgrade, adding sportier exterior styling without a more powerful engine. The ACTIV takes a more rugged approach with distinctive styling, all-terrain tires, and a suspension setup intended to give it a more adventurous character. Neither the RS nor ACTIV fundamentally changes the Equinox’s performance, so the best choice depends on whether you prioritize value, sportier styling, or a more rugged appearance.
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox safe, and is it good for families?
Yes. The Equinox offers a broad range of standard driver-assistance technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, adaptive cruise control, and other safety systems. The IIHS gives the 2026 Equinox Good ratings in the updated moderate-overlap front and side crash tests, while the small-overlap front test is rated Acceptable. Its standard front crash prevention system received an Acceptable rating for vehicle-to-vehicle performance and a Good rating for pedestrian prevention. For families, the Equinox also provides five-passenger seating, useful cargo capacity, and a comfortable ride, making it well suited to daily family transportation.
What changed on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox compared with the 2025 and 2024 models?
The 2026 Equinox is essentially a continuation of the fourth-generation redesign introduced for 2025. The biggest change for 2026 is that the Drive Mode Selector is now standard across the lineup, while Chevrolet also made smaller equipment, packaging, and color changes. Compared with the 2024 Equinox, however, the difference is much more significant because the 2025 redesign introduced a substantially different exterior, redesigned interior, larger displays, and updated technology. In other words, the 2026 model is a refinement of the new Equinox rather than another major redesign.
