2026 Chevy Equinox Review
Meet the 2026 Chevy Equinox Lineup
The 2026 Chevy Equinox gives Cleveland drivers two distinctly different ways to own a compact SUV. The gas-powered model is familiar and easy to fuel anywhere. The Equinox EV replaces the engine with an electric powertrain and delivers up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated range.
Both versions seat five people and provide the everyday space expected from a compact SUV. They are sized well for crowded parking lots, yet there is enough room for school bags, groceries, and luggage. Available all-wheel drive adds traction in heavy rain and on winter trips to higher elevations. Let's take a closer look at the new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
What Is New for the 2026 Chevy Equinox?
Chevrolet completely redesigned the gas Equinox for 2025, so the 2026 model returns largely unchanged. One useful change is the standard Drive Mode Selector, which adjusts vehicle settings for different driving conditions.
The exterior retains its squared-off shape and prominent grille. Inside, every trim has an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen paired with an 11-inch Driver Information Center.
The Equinox EV also gets detail-focused changes. The 2026 lineup offers a new Midnight appearance package on the LT 1. Polar White Tricoat joins the available exterior colors. Chevrolet also offers a new black 19-inch wheel design.
Gas Equinox Performance and Fuel Economy
Every gas-powered 2026 Equinox uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive models use a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel-drive models return an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The all-wheel-drive version gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
Front-wheel drive works well for the routine trip down Keith Street or a daily commute into Chattanooga. All-wheel drive adds traction when the pavement is wet or when a weekend trip includes a steep gravel road.
How Far Can the 2026 Equinox EV Travel?
Front-wheel-drive Equinox EV models provide an EPA-estimated 319 miles of range on a full charge. All-wheel-drive models are rated for 307 miles. A home charging setup can make the EV especially convenient for commuters. The vehicle charges overnight, so mornings start without a fuel stop. Public DC fast charging gives drivers another option when a longer trip extends beyond the available range.
The decision depends on where you'll charge. A driver with reliable home charging can take full advantage of the EV's convenience. The gas Equinox remains easier for apartment residents without dedicated charging or families that regularly travel through areas with limited charging access.
Compare the Chevy Equinox Trims
The gas Equinox is available in LT, RS, and ACTIV trims.
Chevy Equinox LT
LT includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Its standard digital displays give the base trim a more modern cabin than its position in the lineup might suggest.
Chevy Equinox RS
RS adds black exterior details and 19-inch wheels. An available black roof creates a stronger contrast with the body color. The flat-bottom steering wheel continues the sportier treatment inside.
Chevy Equinox ACTIV
ACTIV takes a different approach. Its 17-inch wheels wear all-terrain tires with more sidewall than the RS setup. Evotex and sueded microfiber seating surfaces give the cabin its own look. A contrasting white roof is available.
Chevy Equinox EV
The Equinox EV lineup begins with LT 1. LT 2 adds features like wireless phone charging and HD Surround Vision. RS adds black exterior trim and 21-inch wheels.
Interior Technology and Cargo Space of the Chevy Equinox
The gas Equinox provides 29.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seat. Folding that seat expands capacity to 63.5 cubic feet. A compartment beneath the cargo floor keeps smaller items out of sight.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard. Google built-in provides access to Google Maps and supported apps through the infotainment system. Google Gemini can respond to conversational voice requests without forcing the driver to navigate several menus.
The Equinox EV uses a larger 17.7-inch center touchscreen. An 11-inch Driver Information Center displays speed, range, and other driving information directly in front of the driver. Maximum cargo capacity measures 57.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Neither model has a third row. The rear seat is for family use, while the cargo area can fit a stroller or the gear you'd bring for an afternoon at the Cleveland Greenway.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on the gas Equinox. It adjusts the SUV's speed to maintain a selected following distance, which can reduce some of the constant pedal work during a congested commute.
Chevy Safety Assist includes Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking can respond when the system detects someone in the vehicle's path.
Available HD Surround Vision provides a bird's-eye view around the SUV during low-speed maneuvers. The Equinox EV includes more than 20 standard safety and driver-assistance features, although equipment still varies by trim.
Test Drive a 2026 Equinox at Don Ledford Chevrolet
Don Ledford Chevrolet has served Cleveland and the surrounding East Tennessee community since 1981. Our local, family-owned dealership can help you compare the gas Equinox with the Equinox EV without rushing the decision.
A test drive will show you how each model accelerates and how the driver's-seat displays feel. You can also load the cargo area, sit in the rear seat, and compare available trims on the lot.
Browse our current Equinox inventory online, then contact Don Ledford Chevrolet to schedule your test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Chevy Equinox
What Is New for the 2026 Chevy Equinox?
The Drive Mode Selector is now standard on every gas Equinox trim. Most of the SUV's design and technology carry over from the major 2025 redesign. The Equinox EV adds options such as the LT Midnight appearance package and Polar White Tricoat paint.
How Far Can the 2026 Equinox EV Go on a Charge?
Front-wheel-drive models have an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles. All-wheel-drive versions are rated for 307 miles on a full charge.
What Trim Levels Are Offered?
The gas Equinox comes in LT, RS, and ACTIV trims. Equinox EV shoppers can select LT 1, LT 2, or RS.
Is the Chevy Equinox a Good Family SUV?
The gas Equinox offers five seats and 29.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seat, making it practical for a small family. Its standard Adaptive Cruise Control can also ease the strain of a busy commute. Families needing a third row should consider a larger Chevrolet SUV.