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.
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
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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.
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.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| LT | Core trim | 1.5L turbo engine, Heated front seats, Available front- or all-wheel drive |
| ACTIV | Rugged appearance | All-terrain-oriented design, Model-specific interior treatment, Available all-wheel drive |
| RS | Sport appearance | Black exterior accents, RS-specific visual details, Available all-wheel drive |
Core trim
LT
- 1.5L turbo engine
- Heated front seats
- Available front- or all-wheel drive
Rugged appearance
ACTIV
- All-terrain-oriented design
- Model-specific interior treatment
- Available all-wheel drive
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.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 175 | 203 | 25 / 29 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| ACTIV | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 175 | 203 | 25 / 29 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| RS | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | AWD | 175 | 203 | 25 / 29 / 26 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | 3,583 lb | 183.2 in | 65.6 in | 107.5 in | 15.6 gal | 40 in | 40.9 in | 1,500 lb | P235/65R17 |
| ACTIV | 3,607 lb | 183.2 in | 65.6 in | 107.5 in | 15.6 gal | 40 in | 40.9 in | 1,500 lb | P235/65R17 |
| RS | 3,629 lb | 183.2 in | 65.6 in | 107.5 in | 15.6 gal | 40 in | 40.9 in | 1,500 lb | P235/55R19 |
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.
| Equipment | LT | ACTIV | RS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std |
| Parental (teen-driver) controls | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | Opt | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | Opt | Opt |
| Power driver's seat | Opt | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Opt | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Opt | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Opt | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Opt | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
5 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49480Equinox AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 25 | 29 | 26 | N/A |
| 49955Equinox EV AWD (11 kW Charger) | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 112 | 95 | 103 | 307 mi |
| 49956Equinox EV AWD (19 kW Charger) | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 103 | 88 | 96 | 288 mi |
| 49953Equinox EV FWD | Electric motor / not listedEV | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 117 | 100 | 108 | 319 mi |
| 49442Equinox FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular | 26 | 29 | 27 | N/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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Q08What fuel does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox take?
It runs on regular unleaded 87 octane. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in KBB.
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.
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.
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.
Q12What driver display does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have?
The driver display is 11-inch digital. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in Edmunds.
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".
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".
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).
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".
Q17Where is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox built?
Final assembly: Mexico. Documented for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in Edmunds.
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.
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.
Q20What engines are available on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offers 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder.
Q21What is the GVWR of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox all?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox all carries a gross vehicle weight rating of 4850 lb.
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).
Q23What are the trims of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trims are LT, RS, ACTIV (3).
Q24What is the torque of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD torque is 184 lb-ft.
Q25What is the torque of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD torque is 203 lb-ft.
Q26What is the transmission of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD transmission is CVT.
Q27What is the transmission of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD transmission is 8-speed automatic.
Q28What is the fuel of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox fuel is regular unleaded 87 octane.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Q34What are the seats of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox seats are 5, two rows, 60/40 split-folding rear.
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.
Q36What is the max towing of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox FWD max towing is 800 lb.
Q37What is the touchscreen of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox touchscreen is 11.3-inch with Google built-in.
Q38What is the driver display of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox driver display is 11-inch digital.
Q39What is the phone projection of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox phone projection is wireless Apple CarPlay + Android Auto.
Q40What is the upholstery of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS/ACTIV?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS/ACTIV upholstery is Evotex + sueded-microfiber (available).
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).
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.
Q43What is the adaptive cruise of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox adaptive cruise is available (not standard on LT).
Q44What is the Wi-Fi hotspot of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Wi-Fi hotspot is available Wi-Fi hotspot.
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).
Q46What is the panoramic sunroof of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox panoramic sunroof is available panoramic (dual-pane) sunroof.
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).
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.
Q49What is the assembly of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox assembly is Mexico.
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.
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.
Q52What is the engine-is-V6 of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox engine-is-V6 is Equinox V6.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
Other model years
Compare the Chevrolet Equinox across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.