2026 Chevy Equinox Trims: Finding Your Perfect Fit for the New Year

Following a full redesign in 2025, the Chevy Equinox returns for 2026 with the versatility, style, and attitude we’ve come to love in the compact SUV.

A new year often means new beginnings, from building new habits to setting personal goals and dreams for what’s ahead. And what better way to move forward than behind the wheel of a vehicle built for adventure?

The Chevy Equinox for 2026 is available in four trims, each reflecting a different persona and prompting us to ask: Who do I hope to be this year?

If reliable and steadfast are your chosen adjectives, the Equinox LT may be for you. If you are looking to dance on the side of uncertainty and adrenaline, no ride is more ready than the Equinox ACTIV.

Keep reading as we break down what to expect from each trim, and by the end, you’ll know who you want to be–and which trim is best suited for the job.

2026 Chevy Equinox LT: Steady, Reliable, and Strong

The 2026 Equinox LT is the base model for the lineup, but don’t let that fool you! The LT lays a strong foundation for the rest of the lineup.

Notable Highlights

The Equinox LT is more advanced than your average base model, with heated driver and front passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, and an HD Rear Vision Camera that displays high-resolution images of the area directly behind your vehicle.

Equipped with a 1.5-liter Turbo 4-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, the LT provides plenty of power for everyday driving. You’ll have the option of front-wheel drive with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), or all-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic.

Other standout features for the Equinox LT trim include:

• 6-speaker audio system
• 11.3-inch diagonal advanced color LCD display with Google built-in
• 17-inch Graazen metallic machined-face aluminum wheels
• IntelliBeam headlamp technology
• Heated power outside mirrors
• Manual liftgate

Pricing starts at $28,800, making it one of the most affordable compact SUVs on the market.

2026 Chevy Equinox RS: Confident and Athletic

If the Chevy Equinox RS were a person, it would be a college athlete navigating adulthood, constantly seeking the highs of winning with the accomplishment of testing one’s strength and resolve. It is confident and eye-catching, and its features make it a worthy competitor.

Notable Highlights

Appearance is a major factor that makes the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS stand out, both within the segment and the Equinox lineup.

The 19-inch Carbon flash metallic machined-face aluminum wheels provide a strong base for an athletic ride, with just enough “flash” to draw the eye. The Mosaic Black Metallic roof is available for two-tone color combinations, a striking pairing that begs a double take on the sidelines and on the field (or, in this case, the roadways).

Natural athleticism means a certain level of ease and comfort, offered by some advanced tech features and package options. The AutoSense power liftgate automatically opens when the system detects the key fob near the rear of the vehicle, making it easy to carry equipment or groceries.

The Convenience Package II simplifies life, from the 8-way power driver’s seat adjuster and dual-zone automatic climate control to a sunglass holder and wireless charging.

The price starts at $33,600, but for the design and style alone, it is well worth the investment.

2026 Chevy Equinox ACTIV: The Adrenaline Junkie

The Equinox ACTIV trim was built for adventure-seekers, adrenaline junkies, and anyone who aims to live a life outside the lines. But to live a life of discovery, you need a companion built for the task.

Notable Highlights

The ACTIV trim emphasizes features and safety. The Equinox ACTIV is equipped with 17-inch all-terrain blackwall tires that tackle any element or surface with ease. And the roof-mounted side rails aren’t just for looks. When paired with the available crossrails, you can secure cargo directly to the top of your vehicle so that you never have to worry about leaving something behind for the journey ahead.

Being adventure-ready means thinking about safety, and the ACTIV trim has you covered. Intersection Automatic Emergency braking helps you avoid or reduce the severity of an intersection accident. Coupled with Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, you can move forward with peace of mind and confidence behind the wheel.

Pricing starts at $33,600, matching the previous RS trim.

2026 Chevy Equinox EV: The Forward Thinker

The Equinox EV is the eco-conscious, forward-thinking, big-picture member of the group. They are the person who looks not only at how they impact the world around them, but also at the conversation around them. They seamlessly balance the small details and their impact on the overall picture.

Notable Highlights

The Chevy Equinox EV delivers an incredible EPA-estimated 315 miles of range–one of the most impressive ranges in its segment. With its own lineup of models, including the LT1, LT2, and RS electric vehicles, it allows you to enter the electric market in a way that works for you.

Equinox EV features include:

• Ventilated driver and front passenger seats
• Front-passenger 6-way power seat adjuster
• Dual-height cargo floor
• One pedal driving
• 17.7-inch diagonal center touchscreen
• Multi-color ambient interior lighting
• Available Super Cruise driver assistance technology

Find Out Who You Want to Be with a Test Drive at Team Chevrolet of Swansboro!

Don’t wait to find out who you want to be. Decide for yourself today behind the wheel of the new Chevy Equinox! Whether you’re the confident Equinox RS or the forward-thinking Equinox EV, the choice starts with a test drive!

Explore our inventory of new Chevy Equinox models today, then visit us at Team Chevrolet of Swansboro!