2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Features, Specs & Trims for North Texas Drivers
Call our sales team at (972) 268-6126 | 1701 US-287 Byp, Waxahachie, TX 75165
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover built for everyday North Texas driving — efficient, well-equipped, and priced to compete. Starting at an MSRP of $30,795 for the LT trim, it seats five and pairs a turbocharged 1.5L engine with front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, making it a practical choice for commuters and families across Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, and DeSoto. Below is a full look at the trims, powertrain, technology, safety, and pricing to help you decide which Equinox fits your driving.
Exterior Styling Across the LT, RS & ACTIV
The 2026 Equinox offers three distinct looks on a single platform. With an overall length of 188.8 inches, width of 74.9 inches, and height of 69.3 inches, it is sized for tight parking and daily maneuvering around town.
The RS leans sporty, with an RS-only grille and front fascia, black mirrors, moldings, emblems, and badging, plus 19-inch wheels. Buyers can step up to 20-inch black machined-faced aluminum wheels, and a Mosaic Black Metallic roof is available for a two-tone finish.
The ACTIV takes an adventure-inspired look, identifiable by its 17-inch machined wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires and an available Summit White two-tone roof. The LT serves as the value-focused foundation and can be dressed up with the available Midnight Edition package for a blacked-out appearance.
Fuel Economy (EPA-Estimated)
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive (CVT) | 26 MPG | 28 MPG | 27 MPG |
| All-Wheel Drive (8-Speed Auto) | 25 MPG | 29 MPG | 26 MPG |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Performance & Drivetrain
Every 2026 Equinox is powered by a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive models generate 184 lb-ft of torque through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while available all-wheel drive — a roughly $2,000 option across the lineup — raises torque to 203 lb-ft and pairs with an 8-speed automatic. AWD is a worthwhile add for North Texas drivers who want extra grip in wet weather.
For 2026, the Drive Mode Selector is standard on all trims, letting you adjust the powertrain’s behavior between modes to suit conditions. When properly equipped, the Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds — enough for a small utility trailer or recreational gear.
Engine & Drivetrain
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 1.5L I4, 175 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft (FWD) / 203 lb-ft (AWD) |
| Transmission | CVT (FWD) / 8-Speed Automatic (AWD) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive standard; Available All-Wheel Drive |
| Max Towing | 1,500 lbs (properly equipped) |
Interior Comfort & Cargo
The 2026 Equinox seats five across all three trims and offers up to 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The LT comes standard with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel — useful on chilly North Texas mornings. The ACTIV upgrades the cabin with Evotex and sueded microfiber seating surfaces, while the RS adds a flat-bottom steering wheel for a sportier feel. A 69.3-inch overall height provides ample headroom for taller passengers.
Cabin & Capacity
| Feature | LT | RS | ACTIV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Max Cargo (seats folded) | 63.9 cu ft | 63.9 cu ft | 63.9 cu ft |
| Seat Material | Premium Cloth | Synthetic Leather | Evotex / Sueded Microfiber |
| Heated Front Seats | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Infotainment Screen | 11.3-inch | 11.3-inch | 11.3-inch |
| Driver Info Center | 11-inch | 11-inch | 11-inch |
Technology & Connectivity
A standard 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen anchors the cabin across every trim, paired with an 11-inch Driver Information Center. The system features Google Built-In, so you can use Google Assistant for navigation, climate, and media by voice. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto come standard on the LT, RS, and ACTIV, syncing your phone automatically without cords. OnStar connected services are available.
Technology Features
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| 11.3-inch Infotainment Touchscreen | Standard on all trims |
| 11-inch Driver Information Center | Standard on all trims |
| Google Built-In | Standard on all trims |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Standard on all trims |
Standard Safety & Driver Assistance
The 2026 Equinox comes with Chevy Safety Assist standard across the lineup, a suite that includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, a Following Distance Indicator, and Automatic High Beams. Adaptive Cruise Control is also standard on the LT, RS, and ACTIV. An available Safety and Technology Package adds features such as HD Surround Vision and additional driver aids.
As of mid-2026, NHTSA and IIHS have not yet published full crash-test ratings for the 2026 Equinox; the prior 2025 model earned a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, and 2026 results are expected as testing is completed.
Standard Driver Assistance
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard: LT, RS, ACTIV |
| Forward Collision Alert | Standard: LT, RS, ACTIV |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard: LT, RS, ACTIV |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard: LT, RS, ACTIV |
| Safety & Technology Package | Available (all trims) |
Trim Comparison & Pricing
All three trims share the same 1.5L turbo engine, front-wheel-drive (with available AWD) setup, and standard tech and safety equipment. They differ mainly in styling, wheels, and interior materials.
Trim Pricing & Key Differences
| Feature | LT | RS | ACTIV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $30,795 | $35,595 | $35,595 |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I4, 175 hp | 1.5L Turbo I4, 175 hp | 1.5L Turbo I4, 175 hp |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
| Wheels | 17-inch | 19-inch | 17-inch all-terrain |
| Seat Material | Premium Cloth | Synthetic Leather | Evotex / Sueded Microfiber |
| Signature Feature | Available Midnight Edition | Flat-bottom steering wheel | All-terrain tires, two-tone roof |
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Adding all-wheel drive is approximately $2,000.
Popular Packages & Options
| Option / Package | Approx. MSRP | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience Package II | $2,050 | LT |
| Convenience Package III | $950 | RS, ACTIV |
| Power Panoramic Sunroof | $1,645 (LT) / $1,495 (RS, ACTIV) | All trims |
| Midnight Edition | $1,045 | LT |
| Safety & Technology Package | $945 | All trims |
| Two-Tone Roof (Mosaic Black / Summit White) | $495 | Per trim |
Option pricing is approximate, excludes taxes and fees, and is subject to change. Availability varies by trim and configuration.
Warranty Coverage
Chevrolet backs the 2026 Equinox with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, plus 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance. Warranty terms are subject to change; see dealer for complete coverage details and current terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox a reliable SUV?
The 2026 Equinox is the second year of the current fourth-generation redesign and carries over the proven turbocharged 1.5L engine. It is generally regarded as a dependable compact SUV, and Chevrolet backs it with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. As with any vehicle, staying on top of routine maintenance is the best way to keep it running well over the long term.
What is the difference between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on the Equinox?
Front-wheel drive is standard on every 2026 Equinox and pairs the 1.5L turbo engine with a CVT, producing 184 lb-ft of torque and an EPA-estimated 26 city / 28 highway / 27 combined MPG. Available all-wheel drive, a roughly $2,000 option across the lineup, raises torque to 203 lb-ft, swaps in an 8-speed automatic, and returns an EPA-estimated 25 city / 29 highway / 26 combined MPG. AWD adds traction for wet North Texas roads with only a small efficiency trade-off.
How much can the 2026 Equinox tow?
When properly equipped, the 2026 Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds. That is enough for a small utility trailer or recreational gear such as a couple of bikes or a small camper, though it is not intended for heavy-duty towing.
What kind of oil does the 2026 Equinox use, and how often does it need changing?
The 2026 Equinox’s 1.5L turbocharged engine uses SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil meeting the GM dexos1 standard. Chevrolet generally recommends an oil change about every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions, or when the vehicle’s Oil Life Monitoring System indicates one is due. Severe-use driving, such as frequent short trips, may call for more frequent changes. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the exact interval for your vehicle.
How does the 2026 Equinox compare to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4?
The Equinox competes directly with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in the compact SUV class and is positioned as a value-focused option, typically starting at a lower MSRP. It counters with a generous list of standard technology, including an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In and the Chevy Safety Assist suite. The CR-V and RAV4 offer hybrid powertrains and slightly higher fuel economy, while the Equinox emphasizes standard features and price. A test drive is the best way to see which fits your needs.
What is new on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Equinox carries over the fourth-generation redesign introduced for 2025 with modest updates. The most notable change is that the Drive Mode Selector is now standard on all trims, including the LT. Chevrolet also refreshed the available paint palette for 2026. The three-trim lineup of LT, RS, and ACTIV continues, all powered by the 1.5L turbo engine.
Where is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox built?
The gas-powered 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is currently assembled at the GM San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico, alongside the GMC Terrain. The fully electric Equinox EV is built separately at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
See the 2026 Equinox at Legacy Chevrolet of Waxahachie
Explore the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox for yourself at Legacy Chevrolet of Waxahachie. Browse our current Equinox inventory online, or call our sales team at (972) 268-6126 to schedule a test drive.