2026 Chevy Equinox

Price Range: $28,600 - $35,000

2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV 4dr SUV Exterior

Average

The 2026 Equinox upped its game with sharper styling and tons of standard driver assist features. Google Built-In also adds to this small SUV's solid arsenal of tech. Its powertrain leaves us wanting more oomph and better fuel economy, but the 2026 Equinox is a reasonable choice among small SUVs.Read full review

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Chevrolet Equinox for Sale

Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$28,088

183 for sale near you

Prices based on sales in VA thru 2/23/26

Final assembly in Mexico

6 Colors
3 Trims
3 Packages

Build & Buy Chevrolet.com

Pros

Roomy seating
Attractive and modern digital displays
Comes standard with many driver assist features

Cons

Modest engine power
Ride can get uncomfortably bouncy when going over bigger bumps
No hybrid version for better mpg

What's new

Minimal changes for 2026
Continues the fourth Equinox generation introduced for 2025

Chevrolet Equinox Video Shorts

by Edmunds Test Team

Overview

Written by automotive expert Josh Jacquot

2/20/2026

Small SUVs are important to every carmaker and that's especially true at Chevy where the Equinox was the brand's second best-selling vehicle in 2024. After the Equinox's full redesign for 2025, Chevy carries the SUV over essentially unchanged into the 2026 model year. The only meaningful change is a drive mode selector that's now standard on every trim.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$129/mo

$168/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: Lookin' tough

Every Equinox is motivated by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder; there are no performance or hybrid powertrains available. But buyers do have at least one option to make this compact crossover stand out from the crowd. Chevrolet offers the Equinox in the Activ trim level, with 17-inch all-terrain tires and a few cosmetic tweaks giving it a more rugged appearance. Compact SUVs with some level of off-road ability (or at least off-road-inspired styling) are popular these days, and the Equinox Activ answers the "wild thing" call.

Competitors to consider

The small SUV segment is ultra-competitive, with virtually every manufacturer bringing its best to the table. That means the Equinox has to go up against the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50, which are two of Edmunds' favorites. Take a look at those as well as Toyota's redesigned-for-2026 RAV4 and Hyundai's high-value Tucson.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr

Average

5.7

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

4.3/10

How does the Chevrolet Equinox drive? We tested the all-wheel drive Activ trim, which pairs the engine to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds at our test track. That's OK, but you'll likely wish for more power when carrying a full load of people or when making a quick pass on the highway. Our editors also found the Equinox didn't respond quickly to the gas pedal at lower speeds.

The Equinox's brakes work smoothly, but the all-terrain tires on the Activ trim delivered a best of 133 feet in our panic-braking test, which is basically what a much heavier full-size truck can do. Handling was also ho-hum, and although the steering is fine in parking lots, we wish it had more precision on curvy roads. The Equinox absorbs potholes around town, but on the highway it bounces a few times after a hump or dip has been passed. At least it's quiet at speed.

Chevy makes a lot of advanced driver aids standard, a commonplace practice among its competitors. Extra features, like a surround-view camera system, are available. While most of the features were free of false alarms, we found the adaptive cruise control and the lane centering don't work as well as some competitors.

Comfort

6.5/10

How comfortable is the Chevrolet Equinox? The Equinox should meet most of your comfort requirements. The seats are well cushioned and supportive, and the seat and steering wheel heaters get warm fast. You should have no problem figuring out the controls, which are clearly laid out. There's plenty of space for the front passengers.

The rear seat is a slightly different matter. There's plenty of space, and the soft cushioning and upholstery from the front are echoed here, too. But the seatbacks don't recline like they do in many competitors. The rear passengers, though, get standard vents, a nice touch. The problem is getting in and out, which is difficult because of the awkwardly positioned rear doors. As for child booster seats, there's decent space for them, and the lower anchors are easy enough to reach, but the upper tethers can be hard to attach due to rear headrests that can't be removed.

The climate control is powerful, and it blows plenty of air at whatever temperature you're asking. We also appreciate the physical controls to use it.

In-cabin tech

8.4/10

How’s the tech? The most impressive part of the Equinox's interior is the two digital displays, which sport crisp graphics and Google integration. The Equinox nicely integrates its tech into the interior. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration can be used wirelessly, and there are plenty of USB-C ports for all passengers. We appreciate the ability to display Google Maps in the instrument panel, which frees up the 11.3-inch touchscreen for music selection or other apps.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2026 Chevrolet Equinox pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

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$28,700
Starting MSRP
2026 Equinox
See All Trims
Chevrolet.com
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox for March

Shopping for a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox? Here's everything you need to know to get the best deal.

Buyers are paying around 5% less than the sticker price for a new Equinox, offering an average savings of about $1,605 off MSRP across the model range.
If you're in the military or a first responder, you might be eligible for a $500 discount, so be sure to inquire about these potential savings.
The Equinox has special APR offers significantly lower than the market rate, with rates starting as low as 1.9% for 36 months, giving you a discount of up to 4.6% off the market rate.
There are about 32,000 new Equinox vehicles available nationwide, meaning you have plenty of options, especially for the LT trim, which has the highest inventory.
Leasing is an option too, with the LT trim having median payments around $360 per month and $2,860 due at signing.

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Storage & cargo

5.4/10

How’s storage and cargo? Competitors like the Toyota RAV4 (37.5 cubic feet) offer more cargo space than the Equinox's 29.8 cubes, but the Chevy is still practical. In our testing, the Equinox proved to have a fuss-free cargo area with no weird angles or shapes, allowing for easy loading of larger objects. When the folding split-configuration back seats are dropped, there's no problem loading at least one bicycle in the back.

From a multi-level center console to cupholders and sizable door pockets, there are plenty of spaces to stash your stuff inside. Just note if you plan on towing, you might want to explore another Chevy SUV. The Equinox is only rated to 1,500 pounds for the all-wheel-drive model and 800 pounds for the front-wheel-drive variant.

Value

5.6/10

Is the Chevrolet Equinox a good value? The Equinox is competitively priced for a small SUV. Its stylish sheetmetal looks more sophisticated than most of its rivals, and the interior looks more cohesive too. Build quality is slightly above average for the class, as is the roadside assistance coverage, which Chevrolet extends for five years/60,000 miles with one year of free maintenance. Other warranties are pretty standard, with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper and five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Chevy Equinox will get 27 mpg combined with front-wheel drive or 26 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. These are average figures for a small SUV. However, our test Equinox fell short of its estimate during our evaluation. Because the Equinox's small engine has to work extra hard to keep up with faster-moving traffic, we think it requires a very steady foot and light traffic to match the EPA figures.

X factor

3/10

Thanks in large part to its attractive design, solid in-car tech, and handsome interior, the Equinox makes a strong first impression. But after time, it feels more benign than it does special. It doesn't possess any real standout features but is instead comfortable enough and spacious enough and goes about its duties without much complaint.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim level differences

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV available in LT, RS and Activ trim levels. A turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) is standard, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. Choose the optional all-wheel-drive system, and Chevy swaps the CVT automatic for an eight-speed automatic and bumps torque output to 203 lb-ft. Compare the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim levels in-depth.

Which Equinox trim does Edmunds recommend?

We like the LT trim because it provides the most options and best value in the Equinox lineup while offering ample standard safety equipment. All-wheel drive is offered, as are multiple packages and stand-alone options.

Chevrolet Equinox Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

59 reviews

5(66%)

4(9%)

3(10%)

2(5%)

1(10%)

Owners Say

The overall sentiment about the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is mixed. Owners generally like its style, smooth ride, spacious interior, and tech features. However, many owners are disappointed with the poor sound system and some experience various technical issues like engine misfires and inconsistent Bluetooth connectivity. While some love the car's great features, others feel the reliability and quality could be better.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 59 reviews of the Chevrolet Equinox

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Most Helpful Owner Review

Engine Misfires

Unhappy Chevy Owner, 08/22/2025

2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

With less than 1,000 miles, my 2026 Equinox RS has been in and out of the dealership multiple times. The Service Advisor and mechanics have tried reprogramming and recalibrating various computers and sensors; however, the misfires continue . GM issued a service bulletin for Equinox engines built prior to March 2025 (which unfortunately my vehicle falls under), but still the mechanics …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, so we've included review for other years of the Equinox since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2026 Chevrolet Equinox video

Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Bronco Sport: Which Is the Better American Compact SUV?

NOTE: This video is about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, but since the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

Looking for an all-American vehicle but don’t need a giant truck? Ford and Chevy will both happily sell you a compact SUV! But which has the better offering? In this video, Edmunds’ Brian Wong compares the Ford Bronco Sport and Chevy Equinox, exploring their interiors, driving dynamics, gas mileage, and more to determine which is the better American compact SUV.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox Features & Specs

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$28,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$129/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #13 out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average

#13 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$489/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

0.82x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

13%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 1 years / unlimited miles

Where the Chevrolet Equinox ranks:

#18 in Small SUVs

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Build Your 2026 Equinox

At a Glance:

6 Colors
3 Trims
3 Packages
$28,700starting MSRP

Build & Buy Chevrolet.com

*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Click here to see all Chevrolet vehicles' destination freight charges. Dealer sets the final price.

Safety

Key safety features on the Equinox include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Driver	Not Rated
Passenger	Not Rated
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	18.5%

FAQ

Is the Chevrolet Equinox a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Equinox both on the road and at the track, giving it a 5.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Equinox gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 59 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Equinox has 29.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Chevrolet Equinox. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox:

Minimal changes for 2026
Continues the fourth Equinox generation introduced for 2025

Learn more

Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

To determine whether the Chevrolet Equinox is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Equinox. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Equinox's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Equinox and gave it a 5.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Equinox gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 59 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Equinox is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

The least-expensive 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $28,600.

Other versions include:

LT 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $28,600
LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $30,600
ACTIV 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $33,000
RS 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $33,000
RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $35,000
ACTIV 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $35,000

Learn more

What are the different models of Chevrolet Equinox?

If you're interested in the Chevrolet Equinox, the next question is, which Equinox model is right for you? Equinox variants include LT 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A), ACTIV 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), and RS 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT). For a full list of Equinox models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2026 Chevy Equinox

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Chevrolet Equinox Video Shorts

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: Lookin' tough

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Buying Tips for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox for March

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim level differences

Which Equinox trim does Edmunds recommend?

Chevrolet Equinox Reviews

Owner Reviews

Owners Say

Most Helpful Owner Review

2026 Chevrolet Equinox video

2026 Chevrolet Equinox Features & Specs

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Chevrolet Equinox ranks:

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Equinox include:

NHTSA Overall Rating

FAQ

Is the Chevrolet Equinox a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

What are the different models of Chevrolet Equinox?

Related 2026 Chevrolet Equinox info

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Automotive News

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