Your Buyer’s Guide to the 2026 Chevy Equinox

When you see a 2026 Chevy Equinox for sale, it’s easy to get drawn in by its sharp style, comfortable interior, and practical assortment of convenience features. Once you’ve decided you’re interested in getting a new Equinox, you’ve already come pretty far in your journey to choose your next ride. But there are a few steps left if you want to make this compact SUV your own.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the different ways you can configure the Equinox to make it just right for you. From trims to drivetrains to styling choices, we’ll cover it all so you can make an informed decision and avoid buyer’s remorse. Here at The Faricy Boys Automotive, we’re always looking out for you.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, every 2026 Equinox is powered by the same 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine. This powertrain produces 175 hp, giving you all the power you need to accelerate to highway speeds quickly and have an enjoyable experience out on the road. The ride is also smooth and comfortable, so you and your passengers can have a lovely trip wherever you go.

While the engine is the same across the board, every trim gives you the option to choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD is the base option, and therefore the more affordable of the two. In addition to costing less up front, it’s also more efficient, delivering an estimated 26 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway for an expected rating of 27 MPG combined. The FWD system pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and allows you to tow up to 1,500 lbs, thanks to the powertrain providing 184 lb-ft of torque.

Upgrade to AWD and you’ll get better traction, making it easier to drive confidently on rural dirt roads or paved roads when the weather gets wet or icy. While the AWD setup is actually expected to deliver slightly better fuel economy on the highway, it does bring efficiency down overall compared to FWD, with an estimated 26 MPG combined. Instead of a CVT, this one pairs with a more traditional eight-speed automatic. As one final bonus, opting for AWD gives you an enhanced 203 lb-ft of torque.

Trims

Picking out the right trim level is easily the biggest decision you have to make when deciding on a particular model. The 2026 Equinox has a simple lineup of three distinct trims, each of which offers its own set of features and personality. Of course, they also have plenty of things in common. In addition to using the same engine and offering either FWD or AWD, all trims also offer the same cargo space: 29.8 cu.ft. with all the seats up and 63.5 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded. You can easily reconfigure the space as needed and bring plenty of stuff along for the ride.

Instead of forcing you to upgrade if you want a decent tech setup, Chevy makes modern convenience standard. Every 2026 Equinox comes with a generous 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch digital driver information center. You also get standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily connect your phone and safely access your favorite apps on the go.

LT

The base LT trim has all the standard features, plus some perks you might not expect from an entry-level trim. This includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outside mirrors to help you keep shivers and frost at bay when the weather gets cold. You and your passengers can keep your devices charged thanks to well-placed USB ports in the front and rear of the cabin. Active noise cancellation keeps outside distractions at bay so you can enjoy your music and conversation.

Safety is important to all drivers, no matter their budget. That’s why Chevy includes a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assist features in the Equinox LT. Standard tech includes Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, IntelliBeam automatic high beams, and Blind Zone Steering Assist.

RS & ACTIV

The RS and ACTIV trims are both upgrades from the LT, and both sit on the same level with the same starting price. This means that they have a lot in common with each other, so we’ll start by looking at the features you’ll get with either one. Stowing cargo is easier thanks to the standard AutoSense power liftgate that lets you access the rear of the cabin hands-free, and the roof-mounted side rails let you store extra items on top of the Equinox.

The cabin is also more comfortable for everyone, thanks to a variety of upgrades. Instead of a six-way manually-adjustable seat, you’ll get an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with two-way power lumbar to prevent fatigue on long drives. Instead of a single-zone manual climate control system, you’ll get dual-zone automatic climate control to help you and your passengers stay comfortable in any weather.

There are also extra convenience features, from rain-sensing windshield wipers to an overhead sunglasses holder. Wireless charging allows you to keep your phone’s battery full even if you misplace a cable or two, and an available universal home remote can activate garage doors, gates, and more with simple programmable buttons, so you don’t need to keep track of individual remote controls that rely on battery power and are easy to damage or misplace. A heated wiper park lets you stay warm inside the cabin instead of battling ice the old-fashioned way with a scraper.

RS

Confident and sporty, the RS trim has a sleek look that stands out from the crowd. Its exterior has black accents, including the mirror caps, molding, and badging, to give the SUV a cohesive look. Inside, Evotex seat trim in a bold black and red colorway and a flat-bottom steering wheel give the cabin an athletic look and feel.

ACTIV

While the RS trim is sporty, the ACTIV trim is rugged, complete with functional all-terrain tires that can help you explore. The unique wheels inside those tires have a pattern evocative of a flower. Like the RS, the ACTIV has a variety of black accents on the exterior, including black badges and a black grille. Inside, the seats are trimmed with a combination of Evotex and sueded microfiber in shades of Maple Sugar brown, making the cabin feel homey and natural.

Style

You can make your Equinox your own by choosing a style that matches your personal taste. As you might expect, there are plenty of exterior paint colors for you to choose from. You can also contrast those colors against a black roof on the RS trim or a white roof on the ACTIV trim. Either two-tone combo can be added to the LT trim, but while this option is no extra cost on the higher trims, it does require more money on the LT.

The LT can also get the black accents that come standard on higher trims if you add the Midnight Edition package. This gets you black bowtie emblems, mirror caps, badges, and roof rails, as well as a black grille. Inside, the LT gives you a choice between black cloth, black Evotex, and gray Evotex, so you can make sure the cabin matches your sense of style.

We Can Help You Find Your Perfect Match

The 2026 Equinox has a streamlined set of options designed to be easily understood and avoid unnecessary complication. Still, there are a few decisions to make, including trim, drivetrain, and style. If you have any questions about trim levels, particular features, or other aspects of the Equinox, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We here at The Faricy Boys Automotive are more than happy to give you the answers you’re looking for and point you in the right direction so you can drive home in the SUV of your dreams.