We know the brand Chevrolet as the automaker of the iconic Chevy Silverado and other strong and large cars. However, we can recently notice more and more small Chevrolet SUVs, such as the Equinox that I am test-driving, one of the brand’s best-selling small SUVs.
The 2026 Equinox is a small family SUV with an attractive design; its bold grille and sleek taillamps are modern and attractive, and the interior continues to be modern and attractive.
The new Equinox is attractive and exciting to drive, and it starts at a low price, around $28K for the new SUV with several standard features and more value for your money.
The 2026 Equinox is one of the more affordable SUV options on the market.
Chevrolet SUVs
The Chevrolet SUV lineup includes four models: the Equinox, Trailblazer, Traverse, and Trax.
All Chevy crossovers and SUVs, including the Trax, Trailblazer, Blazer, and Traverse, are either new or have been redesigned within the last two years. The brand is doing a great job competing in the SUV market.
Equinox
New for 2026, the Equinox model offers a new white exterior color and adds the Drive Mode Selector Dial standard on all trims . This is one of my favorite features on every car I drive, as it helps you save fuel and adjust your driving mode based on where and how you are driving.
The attractive Equinox is available with a two-tone roof retro style that is very appealing.
Chevrolet offers the Equinox in LT, RS, and ACTIV trims. In my case, I am driving and enjoying the Chevrolet Equinox Activ.
The new-generation Equinox is striking, with a body inspired by the strong proportions of Chevy’s truck lineup and its larger sibling, the Traverse, but adapted for a small SUV.
I can see a significant improvement in the new Equinox, compared to the previous generation. The new Equinox offers more contemporary and differentiated options, including larger screens, new safety features, and the Equinox’s first exterior-inspired trim, ACTIV, which I am test-driving.
Equinox ACTIV
Following the base LT model, the two sporty Equinox trim models, RS and adventure-ready ACTIV, are the best for a variety of lifestyles, and the price difference from the LT to the RS or ACTIV is an additional $5,000.
The Equinox RS has stylish features, like its unique RS-only grille and front fascia, flat-bottom steering wheel, and Black emblems and badging, but the ACTIV goes further.
ACTIV brings a new style to the redesigned Equinox, inspired by drivers whose passions begin where the pavement ends, ready for the off-road and adventure in a convenient size that is practical and easy to drive on the city. Ready for the off roads and adventures with all-terrain tires, uniquely tuned suspension giving ACTIV a distinctive ride.
The ACTIV trim model I am test-driving gives the Equinox a rugged, off-road, exciting appearance.
Exterior Design
The Equinox has become much more muscular with attractive and strong defined lines. It also features a more aggressive styled front fascia with a distinctive grille and sleek taillamps.
The roof rails add versatility to take your outdoor gear with you on your next adventure. The hands-free AutoSense Power Liftgate makes loading groceries or luggage a breeze. Additional exterior features include rainsense automatic wipers and heated power outside mirrors.
The two-tone roof gives the Equinox a distinctive look that attracts more attention on the road.
Refined attractive and practical interior
Chevy is becoming more luxurious, and the Equinox is part of this new trend.
Stylish evotex and sueded microfiber seating surfaces with ACTIV stitched into the head restraints.
Convenient center console with pass-through for better space in the front.
Holds electronics, beverages, and anything you need close at hand with convenient space distribution.
The new interior creates a more modern, spacious atmosphere, aligning with other recently introduced Chevy crossovers and SUVs that place greater emphasis on technology and user experience.
Convenient Cargo
The new Equinox is a small SUV, but it offers a roomy interior and flexible folding seats that expand cargo space. This is another of my favorite features where the Equinox wins.
The available hands-free AutoSense Power Liftgate is very convenient when your hands are full.
63.5 cu. ft. max cargo volume
Room to haul your equipment, supplies or luggage
Folding 60/40 split-bench seat
Added flexibility for all your cargo’s shapes and sizes
Hidden storage
Under rear cargo floor to help protect and keep items from view
Three Gas Trim Models
I think it is very smart for Chevrolet to offer only three Equinox models, grouping features and pricing to give you more value for your money while helping the brand work on large volume production to save costs.
$28,700 Base Price
11.3-inch axDiagonal infotainment touch-screen
Over 15 standard safety and driver assistance features
FWD / All-wheel drive Available
The LT trim model is sober and attractive, with a lower price, but less powerful compared to the RS and Activ models.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT, Starting at $28,700
2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS, Starting at $33,600
2026 Chevrolet Equinox Activ, Starting at $33,600
Equinox EV
2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV, Starting at $33,600
The EV version is becoming a best-seller for Chevrolet. It is an attractive EV SUV that is filling a gap in the market compared to the competition for electric SUVs.
Engine:
The Equinox’s engine is powerful, with convenient, efficient features such as the standard Drive Mode Selector and a 1.5L Turbo engine that delivers more power and capability.
1.5L turbo DOHC DI VVT with automatic stop/start
Bore & stroke 2.9 inches x 3.4 inches / 74 mm x 86.6 mm
Block Material: Cast aluminum
Cylinder Head Material: Cast aluminum
Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshafts; four valves per cylinder
When you drive an off-road SUV, wheel size is essential and enhances the Equinox’s rugged look.
17-inches aluminum (standard on LT and ACTIV)
19-inches aluminum (standard on RS, available LT)
20-inches aluminum (available on RS)
Fuel Economy
For buyers like me who consider not only the vehicle’s cost but also warranty, maintenance, and fuel economy, it is greatly appreciated that the Equinox ranges from 26 to 29 miles per gallon.
26 MPG City
29 MPG Highway
27 MPG Combined
Fuel Tank Capacity
14.8 gal. / 56 liters (FWD)
15.6 gal. / 59 liters (AWD)
Safety and driver assistance features
One of the key elements and a great sales point is how the Equinox gives you a lot of safety features standard at no additional charge.
Features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and OnStar provides you with a variety of safety and driver assistance, entertainment and convenience features to help you get more done. you with a variety of safety and driver assistance, entertainment,
The new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox delivers an impressive mix of modern technology and convenience. The Equinox cabin centers around an 11.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital Driver Information Center, both offering clear access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle data.
With Google built in, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, staying connected is effortless. OnStar services and an available wireless charging pad give confidence in driving this Chevy.
Safety remains a major strength and value of the new 2026 Chevy Equinox. Featuring over 15 standard driver-assistance systems, including the Chevy Safety Assist suite with IntelliBeam automatic high beams, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and Forward Collision Alert. Available Adaptive Cruise Control further enhances highway confidence.
These features make this SUV very safe, keeping everybody protected onboard.
Google built-in Access apps and more using voice commands with Google Assistant
11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen A large display for engaging infotainment
Available wireless phone charging Conveniently charge your phone while on the go
Standard Features
HD Rear Vision Camera
Forward Collision Alert
Safety Alert Seat
Rear Park Assist
Airbag system
Rear Cross Traffic Braking
Reverse Automatic Braking
Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
Teen Driver
Following Distance Indicator
OnStar services capable
Passenger Sensing System
Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
Blind Zone Steering Assist
Seat Belt Adjustable Guide Loops
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Buckle to Drive
OnStar Basics
Side Bicyclist Alert
Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
Occupant Presence Detection, front and rear
Available Features
3 Years OnStar One
HD Surround Vision
MobileService+
Traffic Sign Recognition
Deleted Mobile Service Plus
Traffic Sign Recognition
HD Surround Vision
Rear Pedestrian Alert
Warranty
Chevrolet’s Warranty is good and average, but it is not as generous as the one from some competitors. For example, the Powertrain Limited Warranty on a Chevrolet is 5 years or 60,000 miles, while other brands like Hyundai offer almost double, with 10 years and 100,000 miles.
Chevrolet’s New Vehicle Warranty is 3 years and 36,000 miles, while other brands offer up to 5 years and 60,000 miles.
Competition
The Equinox is part of a very competitive small SUV segment, where other manufacturers aim to deliver the best value.
The Equinox competes against other small SUVs like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-50, RAV4, Hyundai’s Tucson, Nissan Rogue and the Subaru Forester.
Equinox a good buy
Yes the 2026 Equinox is a good value purchase. The Equinox’s rugged styling is attractive and offers a low price, but it includes several standard features that could cost you more in other vehicles.
The turbocharged four-cylinder gives you decent performance and low fuel economy. Chevrolet builds in plenty of standard tech, though, including two digital dashboard displays and desirable several driver-assistance features.
One of the key elements that makes me enjoy driving the Chevrolet Equinox is the large sized cargo hold and convenient large passenger space in both rows.
The Equinox offers value with low price, tons of features, nice style, off-road capability and large interior space compared to other small SUVs.
Marco Carvajal has many years of experience in the editorial world, in the entertainment industry including events, cars, music and other fields. He also has wide experience in business, e-business and e-commerce. He is actively involved in the development of AutomotorPro.com and other affiliated car publications, from marketing and business management, to the editorial department as a contributing writer and editor for other writers. His passion for automobiles, travel and art, supports the development of AutomotorPro.com in an original and unique way, as a leader in the automobile editorial industry, nationwide in the United States and international territories. Marco graduated from the University of Miami, in addition to additional studies at other universities and institutions. In the field of business, he has created several enterprises and multinational projects related to publishing and entertainment. As a writer, the number one goal for Marco Carvajal is to be able to communicate clear information easy to understand for our subscribers, in an easy language, very detailed, about automobiles and lifestyle. He also likes to show a different perspective, with innovative style, about the information and characteristics of each car, mostly oriented to the daily life, about what each person may want learn about each car, thinking on the practical daily use of cars in real life.
Marco Carvajal tiene muchísimos años de experiencia en el mundo editorial, en la industria del entretenimiento incluyendo eventos, autos, música y otros, así como gran experiencia en los negocios, e-business y e-commerce. Se envuelve activamente en el desarrollo de AutomotorPro.com, desde aspectos de mercadeo y manejo de negocios, hasta el departamento editorial donde también escribe y edita artículos de otros escritores. Su pasión por los autos, viajar y el arte, le ayudan a AutomotorPro.com a desarrollarse de una forma original y única, como un líder en la industria editorial automotriz a nivel nacional en Estados Unidos y otros territorios internacionales. Marco se graduó de la Universidad de Miami, además de haber realizado estudios y cursos en otras universidades e instituciones. En el área de negocio ha fundado varias empresas y creado varios proyectos multinacionales en el área editorial y del entretenimiento. Como escritor, la meta número uno de Marco Carvajal es lograr transmitir información sobre automóviles fácil de entender para los lectores, en un idioma sencillo, los más detallada posible. Además de lograr mostrar un lado diferente e innovador sobre la información y características de cada auto, principalmente orientado a lo cotidiano, a lo que cada persona puede aprender sobre cada automóvil, pensando en la vida diaria, en el uso de cada auto en la vida práctica.
