2026 Chevy Equinox Trims and Pricing: LT, RS & ACTIV
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox continues the fourth-generation redesign introduced for the 2025 model year, carrying its more truck-inspired, squared-off silhouette into another year. The wider stance and sharper lines look right at home parked near the historic architecture of Waxahachie or moving through the growing suburban corridors of North Texas. It is a modern, dependable shape that trades the softer curves of older Equinox models for something with more presence.
Families who visit our showroom are often drawn first to the distinctive grilles, which differ across the lineup to give each trim its own personality. Whether you want a comfortable commuter for trips into Dallas or a versatile family hauler for weekend outings, the Equinox is built to balance style and practicality. You can explore our current new-vehicle inventory online to see how these design choices look across different colors and configurations.
Inside, the cabin is centered on a standard 11.3-inch color touchscreen paired with an 11-inch digital Driver Information Center. The layout is designed to be intuitive for everyone, from tech-savvy professionals to busy parents who need quick access to navigation and settings. If you would like to see these features in person, give our team a call at (972) 268-6126 or stop by our showroom right off the 287 Bypass in Waxahachie.
2026 Chevy Equinox Trims and Starting MSRPs
Choosing the right SUV usually starts with balancing the features you want against a price that fits your budget. For 2026, Chevrolet streamlines the Equinox into three trims — LT, RS, and ACTIV — each built with a specific driver in mind, whether you prioritize value, sporty styling, or a rugged look.
| Trim | Starting MSRP* | Personality |
|---|---|---|
| LT | $30,795 | Well-rounded value |
| RS | $35,595 | Sporty, blacked-out styling |
| ACTIV | $35,595 | Rugged, adventure-ready look |
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.
The lineup begins with the LT, the “everyday driver” of the group. It is far from basic — the LT comes standard with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, features that are often optional on competitors, plus 17-inch wheels, LED head- and taillights, keyless entry and start, and remote start. The RS adds a more athletic look with blacked-out exterior accents, a unique RS-only grille, and 19-inch wheels. The ACTIV sits at the top of the gas lineup with an adventure-ready appearance and more rugged styling cues.
Many of our neighbors in Midlothian and Ennis are also weighing long-term value, which is why we keep a diverse selection of quality used vehicles on hand for shoppers considering a previous model year or a different Chevrolet nameplate.
Comparing the LT, RS, and ACTIV
While all three trims share the same dependable foundation, the “personality” of the Equinox changes as you move up the lineup.
Equinox LT
The LT focuses on clean, modern utility — LED lighting, a spacious cabin, and standard Google Built-In integration make it ideal for school runs and grocery trips without paying extra for specialized styling packages.
Equinox RS
The RS takes on a sharper edge with an RS-only grille and front fascia, black mirrors, moldings, and emblems, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and distinctive Santorini Blue and Torch Red interior stitching. An available two-tone black roof adds extra contrast against the body color.
Equinox ACTIV
The ACTIV is built for a tougher, more outdoor-oriented look with all-terrain tires, 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, and a uniquely tuned suspension, plus Evotex and sueded microfiber seating surfaces that are durable and premium to the touch.
Engine, Transmission, and Drive Modes
Every 2026 Equinox is powered by a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive models make 184 lb-ft of torque and use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while available all-wheel-drive models pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and bump torque to 203 lb-ft. Front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, with all-wheel drive available on every trim for added traction in rain, snow, or on gravel.
A standard Drive Mode Selector lets you adjust the vehicle’s performance to match conditions — useful for a sudden North Texas downpour or a drive out toward Joe Pool Lake. It is a practical piece of technology that helps you feel more connected to the road, whatever the weather.
Fuel Economy
Efficiency is a strength for the Equinox. Front-wheel-drive models earn an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined, while all-wheel-drive models are EPA-estimated at 25 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined. That makes the Equinox a sensible choice for daily commutes between Waxahachie and Dallas as well as longer weekend trips.
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.
Towing Capacity and Cargo Space
The Equinox makes clever use of space. With the rear seats up, you have 29.8 cubic feet of cargo room — plenty for sports gear or a big grocery haul — and folding the 60/40 split-bench seat opens up a maximum of 63.5 cubic feet. There is also a hidden storage compartment under the rear floor.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Length | 188.8 in |
| Width | 74.9 in |
| Height | 69.3 in |
| Max Cargo Volume | 63.5 cu ft |
For towing, the Equinox is rated up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped with all-wheel drive (front-wheel-drive models are rated at 800 pounds). That is the right amount of capability for a small utility trailer, a pair of jet skis, or a lightweight pop-up camper — “just right” utility for most suburban families, even if it is not built for heavy-duty trailering like a Silverado.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
If you are upgrading from your current vehicle, our team can help you value your trade-in quickly and transparently, making it easier to see how the new Equinox fits your budget.
Standard Safety and Driver-Assistance Tech
Every 2026 Equinox comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, a package of six driver-assistance features that includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and automatic high-beam assist. These systems act as an extra set of eyes during the daily commute or in busy school zones.
Beyond the standard suite, available features include Adaptive Cruise Control, HD Surround Vision for a bird’s-eye parking view, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking for backing out of tight spots.
On the ratings side, the 2025 Equinox earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA; official 2026 NHTSA crash-test ratings have not yet been published. The IIHS rates the Equinox “Acceptable” for whiplash prevention on 2025–26 models, with the full crashworthiness battery for this generation still being published. We recommend confirming the latest ratings at NHTSA.gov and IIHS.org as new results are released.
Warranty and Long-Term Confidence
The 2026 Equinox is backed by Chevrolet’s warranty coverage for long-term peace of mind.
| Coverage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Basic (Bumper-to-Bumper) | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion (Rust-Through) | 6 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Chevrolet also provides 24-hour Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Warranty terms are subject to change and limitations apply; contact our team or see Chevrolet’s coverage details for specifics.
We invite you to visit us and experience our straightforward, no-pressure approach. Whether you are coming from DeSoto, Corsicana, or right here in Waxahachie, our team is ready to show you the 2026 Equinox. Reach us at (972) 268-6126 with any questions, or get directions to take a test drive today.
Quick Answers About the 2026 Equinox
What are the 2026 Chevy Equinox trims and starting prices?
The 2026 Equinox comes in three trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV. Starting MSRPs are $30,795 for the LT and $35,595 for both the RS and ACTIV, including destination; all-wheel drive is available for an additional charge. Pricing is current as of June 2026 and is subject to change — contact us for current figures.
Does the 2026 Equinox come standard with all-wheel drive?
No. Front-wheel drive is standard on every trim, and all-wheel drive is available as an option across the lineup. FWD models use a CVT, while AWD models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Can I use my smartphone apps on the center screen?
Yes. The standard 11.3-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, plus Google Built-In with native Google Maps and Google Assistant.
Are heated seats standard on the base model?
Yes. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard starting with the LT trim — a strong value for those chilly North Texas mornings.
How does the Teen Driver feature work?
The standard Teen Driver system lets parents activate customizable settings tied to a specific key fob. It can limit certain features, automatically enable safety systems, and provide an in-vehicle report card to help coach new drivers.