Verified vehicle record

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the second year of a redesigned compact SUV and changes little: a new Polar White color and a physical drive mode dial on every trim. Every Equinox has a 1.5-liter turbo four with up to 175 horsepower, and Kelley Blue Book lists prices from $30,795 for the LT to $37,595.

CurrentChecked Aug. 16, 2026United States specification
Engine1.5L turbo I-4
Output175 hp
Seating5
DrivetrainFWD / AWD
Maximum towing1,500 lbProperly equipped AWD
Decision answers59Trim, ownership and verification

What changed on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox

GM Authority (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 Equinox receives a handful of small changes in the second model year of its fourth generation. Polar White joins the color list, the longitudinal roof rails were removed from the LT-only Convenience Package II, and the only interior change is making the drive mode selector dial standard on every trim. In 2025 that dial was standard only on the Activ and RS, so an LT owner had to change drive modes on the touchscreen.

The hardware carries over. GM Authority's update summary (opens in a new tab) notes the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a CVT on front-drive models and an eight-speed automatic on all-wheel-drive models, in three trim levels, and MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) puts the engine's output at up to 175 horsepower. MotorTrend calls the redesign a solid improvement that may need a bit more to stand out in a tough segment.

Recalls and complaints on the 2026 Equinox

NHTSA lists one recall, 26V114, which covers a group of General Motors vehicles whose radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. Without a manual to consult, owners may not know how to operate the vehicle safely, which is why it counts as a federal safety non-compliance. The fix is administrative rather than mechanical.

Complaint counts differ by tracker and pull date. VinSpectorAI (opens in a new tab) counts 33 owner complaints and one crash-related complaint, CarFactBase (opens in a new tab) counts 57 and no published NHTSA overall rating, and CarProbs (opens in a new tab) counts 72 through September 16, 2026. The count is still growing because the model year is new, so the useful reading is that no single mechanical failure dominates, not the total.

What a 2026 Equinox costs

Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists base prices of $30,795 for the front-drive LT and $32,795 with all-wheel drive, $35,595 for the front-drive ACTIV and RS, and $37,595 for the all-wheel-drive ACTIV and RS. MotorTrend's advice is to skip the premium paint and panoramic sunroof to keep the price under $40,000, and it still calls the Equinox great value for its standard features, available packages and driver-assist tech. The trim step matters more than the options: the jump from LT to RS or ACTIV is about $4,800 in the same drive layout.

2026 Equinox against the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson

On the EPA's numbers the gas Equinox trails the field on fuel economy. Its combined ratings start at 26 mpg on fueleconomy.gov (opens in a new tab), the same floor as the 2026 Hyundai Tucson (26 to 38 mpg, $1,650 to $2,400 a year) and below the Honda CR-V's 29 to 40 mpg ($1,550 to $2,150) and the Toyota RAV4's 38 to 43 mpg ($1,450 to $1,650), where every 2026 RAV4 is a hybrid.

The Equinox's case, per MotorTrend, is standard features and available driver-assist technology at a fair price under $40,000, and the drive mode dial that came to the base trim this year. If fuel economy decides it, the RAV4 and CR-V hybrids are the ones to look at first.

Research paths

Move from the vehicle to the decision.

Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.

Record summary

What to know first

The 2026 Equinox is a five-passenger compact SUV offered in LT, ACTIV and RS trims. Every trim uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 175 horsepower. The transmission changes with drivetrain: front-wheel-drive configurations use a continuously variable transmission, while available all-wheel drive is paired with an eight-speed automatic.

Model-year note

The fourth-generation Equinox design introduced for 2025 continues into 2026. Equipment can still differ by trim, drivetrain and selected package, so a trim name alone is not a complete configuration.

Trim map

How the lineup separates.

Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.

9 documented equipment items across 3 trims.
TrimPlace in the lineupNotable equipment
LTCore trim1.5L turbo engine, Heated front seats, Available front- or all-wheel drive
ACTIVRugged appearanceAll-terrain-oriented design, Model-specific interior treatment, Available all-wheel drive
RSSport appearanceBlack exterior accents, RS-specific visual details, Available all-wheel drive
01

Core trim

LT

  • 1.5L turbo engine
  • Heated front seats
  • Available front- or all-wheel drive
02

Rugged appearance

ACTIV

  • All-terrain-oriented design
  • Model-specific interior treatment
  • Available all-wheel drive
03

Sport appearance

RS

  • Black exterior accents
  • RS-specific visual details
  • Available all-wheel drive

Trim-by-trim specifications

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: 3 trims compared.

Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox powertrain, performance and efficiency by trim
TrimEngineTransmissionDriveHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)EPA city / hwy / combSeatsBasic warranty
LT1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)Automatic, 8-SpdAWD17520325 / 29 / 26 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
ACTIV1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)Automatic, 8-SpdAWD17520325 / 29 / 26 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
RS1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)Automatic, 8-SpdAWD17520325 / 29 / 26 mpg53 yr / 36,000 mi
2026 Chevrolet Equinox dimensions, weights and capacities by trim
TrimCurb weightLengthHeightWheelbaseFuel tankFront headroomFront legroomTowingTires
LT3,583 lb183.2 in65.6 in107.5 in15.6 gal40 in40.9 in1,500 lbP235/65R17
ACTIV3,607 lb183.2 in65.6 in107.5 in15.6 gal40 in40.9 in1,500 lbP235/65R17
RS3,629 lb183.2 in65.6 in107.5 in15.6 gal40 in40.9 in1,500 lbP235/55R19

Equipment by trim

Which 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim has what.

Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox standard and optional equipment by trim
EquipmentLTACTIVRS
Safety
Blind-spot alertStdStdStd
Forward collision warningStdStdStd
Pedestrian detectionOptOptOpt
Rearview cameraStdStdStd
Surround-view cameraOptOptOpt
Rear parking sensorsStdStdStd
Traction controlStdStdStd
Technology
Built-in internet accessStdStdStd
Satellite radioOptOptOpt
Apple CarPlay or Android AutoStdStdStd
Voice recognitionStdStdStd
Parental (teen-driver) controlsStdStdStd
Comfort
Heated front seatsStdStdStd
Heated rear seats–OptOpt
Heated steering wheelStdStdStd
Heated mirrorsStdStdStd
Power front seats for driver and passenger–OptOpt
Power driver's seatOptStdStd
Panoramic moonroofOptOptOpt
Tilt steering wheelStdStdStd
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheelStdStdStd
Cup holdersStdStdStd
Folding rear seatStdStdStd
Exterior and convenience
Alloy wheelsStdStdStd
Fog lightsOptOptOpt
Privacy glassStdStdStd
Roof railsOptStdStd
Power liftgate or trunkOptStdStd
12-volt power outletStdStdStd
Power windowsStdStdStd
Remote keyless entryStdStdStd
Remote engine startStdStdStd
Cruise controlStdStdStd
Integrated garage-door openerOptStdStd
Rear-window defrosterStdStdStd
Rain-sensing wipersOptStdStd

Complete certification table

5 configuration records.

EPA ID / labelEngine / technologyDrive / transmissionFuelCityHwyCombinedRange
49480Equinox AWD1.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventionalAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spdRegular252926N/A
49955Equinox EV AWD (11 kW Charger)Electric motor / not listedEVAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1)Electricity11295103307 mi
49956Equinox EV AWD (19 kW Charger)Electric motor / not listedEVAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1)Electricity1038896288 mi
49953Equinox EV FWDElectric motor / not listedEVFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1)Electricity117100108319 mi
49442Equinox FWD1.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventionalFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Regular262927N/A

Direct answers

59 questions tied to this model-year.

Each answer names its source.

Q01What engine is in the 2026 Equinox?

All three trims use a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower.

Source: Chevrolet vehicle release
Q02Is all-wheel drive available?

Yes. All-wheel drive is available in the 2026 Equinox lineup; it is not represented as standard across every configuration.

Source: Chevrolet configurator
Q03Does every Equinox use the same transmission?

No. Front-wheel-drive models use a CVT, while all-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Chevrolet vehicle release
Q04How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 1 recall campaign for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, covering equipment.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall campaigns
Q05How did the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 5 stars for rollover resistance, a 9.7% to 9.9% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q06What engine oil does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox take?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox owner's manual specifies SAE 0W-20 engine oil. Source: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox owner's manual.

Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q07What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox use?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox owner's manual names DOT 4 brake fluid. Source: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox owner's manual.

Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q08What fuel does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox take?

It runs on regular unleaded 87 octane. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in KBB.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q09How much cargo space does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have (behind 2nd row)?

Cargo volume is 29.8 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in Edmunds + KBB.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q10How much cargo space does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have (max, seats folded)?

Cargo volume is 63.5 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in Edmunds + KBB.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q11How big is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox's touchscreen?

The centre touchscreen is 11.3-inch with Google built-in. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in chevy.com + Edmunds.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q12What driver display does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have?

The driver display is 11-inch digital. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in Edmunds.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q13What driver-assistance features does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have?

The documented driver-assistance content is Chevy Safety Assist standard (AEB, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist w/ lane departure warning, following distance indicator, IntelliBeam). Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in chevy.com + Edmunds verbatim "Chevy Safety Assist".

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q14Does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have wireless phone charging?

Wireless phone charging is available wireless charging (Convenience II package / RS & ACTIV). Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in Edmunds interior guide (2026-07-15) verbatim "Convenience II".

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q15Does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offer a panoramic sunroof?

Panoramic sunroof: available panoramic (dual-pane) sunroof. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in Edmunds (2026-07-15).

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q16How often does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox need an oil change?

The oil-change interval is ~7,500 mi (GM Oil Life System); dexos1 full synthetic. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in chevy.com certified-service + KBB verbatim "GM Oil Life System".

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q17Where is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox built?

Final assembly: Mexico. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in Edmunds.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q18What does the FWD engine in the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox deliver?

Torque: 184 lb-ft. Transmission: CVT. Mpg: 26/29/27. Max towing: 800 lb. These figures belong to the FWD configuration of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-07-15.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q19What does the AWD engine in the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox deliver?

Torque: 203 lb-ft. Transmission: 8-speed automatic. Mpg: 25/29/26. Max towing: 1500 lb properly equipped (Trailering Package). These figures belong to the AWD configuration of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-07-15.

Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q20What engines are available on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offers 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder.

Source: Edmunds + KBB + Cars.com + chevy.com
Q21What is the GVWR of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox all?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox all carries a gross vehicle weight rating of 4850 lb.

Source: T-Town Chevy + George Weber Chevy + Bob Stall spec pages agree (all trims), 2026-07-15
Q22Which 2026 Chevrolet Equinox configuration tows the most?

The AWD configuration tows the most of any 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, up to 1500 lb properly equipped (Trailering Package).

Source: Edmunds
Q23What are the trims of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trims are LT, RS, ACTIV (3).

Source: Edmunds + chevy.com
Q24What is the torque of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD torque is 184 lb-ft.

Source: Edmunds + Cars.com
Q25What is the torque of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD torque is 203 lb-ft.

Source: KBB + Edmunds + Cars.com
Q26What is the transmission of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD transmission is CVT.

Source: Edmunds + KBB
Q27What is the transmission of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD transmission is 8-speed automatic.

Source: Edmunds + KBB
Q28What is the fuel of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox fuel is regular unleaded 87 octane.

Source: KBB
Q29What is the MPG city/hwy/combined of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD MPG city/hwy/combined is 26/29/27.

Source: fueleconomy.gov
Q30What is the MPG city/hwy/combined of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD MPG city/hwy/combined is 25/29/26.

Source: fueleconomy.gov
Q31What is the max payload (derived) of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox max payload (derived) is ~1267 lb AWD up to ~1422 lb LT FWD.

Source: Difference computed from published prices
Q32What is the cargo volume (behind 2nd row) of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox cargo volume (behind 2nd row) is 29.8 cu ft.

Source: Edmunds + KBB
Q33What is the cargo volume (max, seats folded) of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox cargo volume (max, seats folded) is 63.5 cu ft.

Source: Edmunds + KBB
Q34What are the seats of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox seats are 5, two rows, 60/40 split-folding rear.

Source: Edmunds + KBB
Q35What is the power liftgate of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS/ACTIV?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS/ACTIV power liftgate is standard, hands-free AutoSense.

Source: Edmunds
Q36What is the max towing of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD max towing is 800 lb.

Source: Edmunds + chevy trailering spec
Q37What is the touchscreen of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox touchscreen is 11.3-inch with Google built-in.

Source: chevy.com
Q38What is the driver display of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox driver display is 11-inch digital.

Source: Edmunds
Q39What is the phone projection of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox phone projection is wireless Apple CarPlay + Android Auto.

Source: KBB, Edmunds
Q40What is the upholstery of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS/ACTIV?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS/ACTIV upholstery is Evotex + sueded-microfiber (available).

Source: KBB
Q41What is the safety suite of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox safety suite is Chevy Safety Assist standard (AEB, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist w/ lane departure warning, following distance indicator, IntelliBeam).

Source: chevy.com,
Q42What is the key features per trim (safety) of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS/ACTIV?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS/ACTIV key features per trim (safety) is blind-spot (Side Blind Zone Alert), rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking standard.

Source: KBB, Edmunds
Q43What is the adaptive cruise of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox adaptive cruise is available (not standard on LT).

Source: Edmunds
Q44What is the Wi-Fi hotspot of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Wi-Fi hotspot is available Wi-Fi hotspot.

Source: chevy.com
Q45What is the wireless charging of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox wireless charging is available wireless charging (Convenience II package / RS & ACTIV).

Source: Edmunds
Q46What is the panoramic sunroof of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox panoramic sunroof is available panoramic (dual-pane) sunroof.

Source: Edmunds (2026-07-15)
Q47What is the four-wheel drive clarification of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox four-wheel drive clarification is the gas Equinox offers all-wheel drive, not four-wheel drive (4WD).

Source: Edmunds (FWD standard, AWD available; no 4WD system offered)
Q48What is the oil interval of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox oil interval is ~7,500 mi (GM Oil Life System); dexos1 full synthetic.

Source: chevy.com,
Q49What is the assembly of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox assembly is Mexico.

Source: Edmunds
Q50What is the wrong length (prior live-page error) of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox wrong length (prior live-page error) is 188.8.

Source: Edmunds 2026-07-22: overall length is 183.2 in
Q51What is the wrong highway MPG (prior live-page error) of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox wrong highway MPG (prior live-page error) is 32 MPG.

Source: fueleconomy.gov
Q52What is the engine-is-V6 of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox engine-is-V6 is Equinox V6.

Source: Edmunds
Q53How long does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox take to charge at home?

EPA lists 5.9 to 9.5 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 charger, depending on configuration: the Equinox EV AWD (19 kW Charger) is quickest and the Equinox EV AWD (11 kW Charger) takes longest.

Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q54How did the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox do in IIHS crash tests?

IIHS rated the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Acceptable in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2025-26, 2025-27 and 2026-27 models, based on a test of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox LT 4-door 2-wheel drive. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.

Q55What size wheels does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the LT and ACTIV and 19 inches on the RS. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.

Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q56What warranty does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD 4dr LT w/1LT come with?

CarBuzz lists the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD 4dr LT w/1LT with basic coverage of 36 months or 36,000 miles and corrosion coverage of 72 months or 100,000 miles.

Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q57How quickly does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?

The most recent instrumented 0 to 60 mph tests of this model that 0-60Specs.com lists are of earlier model years than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: 8.6 seconds for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS (Car and Driver), 8.9 seconds for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS (MotorWeek) and 9.2 seconds for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS (Motor Trend).

Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Q58How do the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trims differ from one another?

All 3 trims share the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 175 hp. The ACTIV has an integrated garage-door opener, a power driver's seat, a power liftgate or trunk and 2 more as standard equipment over the LT.

Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q59What does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox cost across its trims?

Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox run from $30,795 for the LT to $37,595 for the ACTIV, across 3 trims. Those figures include the destination charge.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

Live NHTSA evidence

Current federal safety records for 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.

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