The 2026 Chevy Equinox marks a momentous occasion for Chevy’s compact SUV, and it’s not only because it’s now officially old enough to drink in the United States. Instead, it’s worth looking for a new Chevy Equinox for sale because practicality goes up a few notches. After all, this year’s model introduces excellent features on the base trim that weren’t standard last year, while some are welcome reappearances of the previous year’s best new additions. Let’s take a closer look at what the 2026 Equinox has to offer.
One Powertrain Across Trims
The LT is the base 2026 Equinox trim. This year’s standard Equinox starts at an MSRP of $28,600, closely placing it alongside last year’s pricing, which you can’t always guarantee these days. The LT runs with the same powertrain as the other two trims, a turbocharged 1.5L I-4 engine paired with either an eight-speed automatic or a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT). The turbocharged engine is responsible for its 175 hp and up to 203 lb-ft of torque, with enough power to tow 1,500 lbs. You can rest easy knowing that your base Equinox outputs the same horsepower and torque as the priciest trim.
The 2026 Equinox finds additional ways to bridge the gap between the more cost-effective and expensive variants, like the Drive Mode selector finally being standardized across every trim. Drive modes include Normal, Off-Road, and Snow/Ice.
The EPA has not yet released official fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Equinox. Considering that it uses the same drivetrain, it should come close to last year’s model’s 24 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined ratings.
Take a Load Off
Let’s talk about chairs. I promise it’s more interesting than it sounds, and it can save you trouble in the long run. Everyone enjoys comfortable chairs that promote great posture through intricate ergonomics, cushions, et cetera. Why not buy a vehicle with comfortable seats? Is it because they’re expensive? I’ll explain why you’ll be content with your Equinox’s seats, especially on the higher-end trims. However, first, a bit of a backstory.
Those who know me have likely heard me grumbling about back discomfort once or twice. My closest friends vividly remember me being reduced to an immobilized and bedridden state for a whole week, on two separate occasions, owing to a pinched nerve. Why do I tell you all of this? Because I have a keen eye for back support. You could call me a self-proclaimed lumbar advocate, though you won’t find that on my resume. However, this inkling for a healthy posture and ample lumbar support, among other factors that make a comfortable seating experience, has led me to the 2026 Equinox.
Admittedly, the 2026 Equinox LT keeps things simple yet adequate with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. However, if you’re purchasing the LT, you should take the plunge and invest in the eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The LT even allows for black cloth for a more midnight-esque aesthetic I’m fond of.
However, the lumbar is one of the most crucial aspects of back ergonomics. Lumbar support provides cushioning for your lower back, helping to prevent pinched nerves, irritated slipped discs, and more. You could always purchase a lumbar pillow to place on your seat, but the 2026 Equinox RS and ACTIV offer two-way power-adjustable lumbar controls for their standard eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seats. Both front seats are heated regardless of which trim you purchase, which is a great value boost for the base model, and a heated steering wheel is standard, too. The RS and ACTIV offer heated second-row seats, and both trims come with standard dual-zone automatic climate controls, which are optional on the LT.
Chevy Finally Got the Memo
The modern automotive experience isn’t always dictated by your vehicle’s top speed or engine strength. Nowadays, automotive manufacturers are tasked to provide robust multimedia experiences, often employing wireless tech in tandem with larger, more vibrant, and higher-resolution touchscreens. The 2025 Equinox was the first to discontinue the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System, which was last seen in the 2024 model.
The older infotainment center was displayed on either a seven or eight-inch touchscreen. Aside from the smaller screen size compared to what you get with newer models, the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system also uses the older tether-based Apple CarPlay and Android Auto variants and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. These features had become long in the tooth by 2024, so I was ecstatic to see a refreshed multimedia setup when the 2025 Equinox was revealed. Luckily, the 2026 model continues where last year’s model left off, so let’s explore more of what you’ll get with this year’s Equinox.
The standard infotainment center in every 2026 Equinox uses an 11.3-inch touchscreen, meaning Chevy has gotten the memo that people want sleek and sizable screens. Sleek is somewhat of an understatement. The 2026 Equinox’s interior has a beautiful design with an 11-inch Driver Information Center. This screen replaced the dashboard’s analog gauges a couple of years ago, making it easier to read, especially at night. It also allows you to display additional information that wasn’t possible with old-school dashboards, like turn-by-turn directions and much more.
Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and a wireless charging pad is included with the RS and ACTIV and is optional on the LT. I recommend purchasing a wireless charging pad if you’re opting for an LT so that you don’t need to bring a charging cable for your phone, as it’ll already be unnecessary to access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Every 2026 Equinox infotainment center has Google Built-In. This allows for downloading and using third-party apps through a dedicated app store separate from the ones linked to your smartphone when connected to either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It also has integrated with several popular Google services, like Google Maps, and the infotainment center’s internet connection is far superior to what you’d find in Equinox models two short years ago, thanks to the inclusion of a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.
Additional features worth mentioning are the three USB-C ports. Two of these ports are for rear-row passengers and only have charging capabilities. The third USB-C port is located in the front center console and can be used for charging and data transfer. You can plug your smartphone in and access your media library, or access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you don’t have the wireless variants equipped. The front center console also features a traditional USB-A port.
Learning as You Go
The truth is that I could go on and on about the 2026 Equinox because there’s much more to it. I’ve discussed several key aspects that’ll help you pick the right model, but that doesn’t mean I’ve shown you everything. I recommend spending some time with the 2026 Equinox, perhaps by test driving it at a trusted local dealer. However, you could spend hours reading about a vehicle and learning about it, and you’ll still likely discover features as you go, even months after buying it. I’m ultimately impressed with the 2026 Equinox, and I’m sure you will be too, so I say give it a chance.
