2026 Chevrolet Equinox: What's New

Meet the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, the compact crossover that makes family adventures easier, commutes more comfortable, and every drive more enjoyable.

As the perfect family SUV, it combines comfort, style, and advanced technology to make every drive enjoyable.

With a spacious interior, flexible seating, and smart safety features, the Equinox keeps your family secure and comfortable, whether you’re tackling the daily commute or heading out on a weekend adventure. Efficient performance and nimble handling make it easy to drive in the city or on the open road.

Visit House Chevrolet Owatonna today to see the 2026 Equinox in person, explore available trims, and take a test drive. Discover why this family-friendly SUV is the smart choice for your next vehicle!

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New Features

Model Updates

• Minimal changes for 2026
• Continues fourth-generation design introduced in 2025

Exterior & Utility Updates

• Roof rails removed from Convenience II package (LT trim)
• Black roof rails now available with Midnight Edition package or bundled with optional sunroof (LT trim)
• Polar White Tricoat paint replaces Iridescent Pearl Tricoat on ACTIV and RS trims

Technology & Convenience

• Drive Mode Selector now standard on all trims
  

Recognition

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox continues to build its reputation as a reliable, innovative, and versatile SUV. Even as reviews are still underway, the Equinox has already earned widespread praise and notable accolades for its performance, safety, and advanced features. Accolades include:

• #2 Best Compact SUVs of 2024 (Kelley Blue Book)
• #4 Cheapest Compact SUVs of 2025 (Kelley Blue Book)
• #9 Best Compact SUVs of 2024 (Kelley Blue Book)
• 2025 Equinox Scored 82/100 Consumer Rating (J.D. Power)
• 2024 Equinox Scored 82/100 Consumer Rating (J.D. Power)
• 2023 Equinox Scored 82/100 Consumer Rating (J.D. Power)

Best Trim

The LT trim is a popular choice that significantly upgrades the interior and technology from the base and Custom models, combining refinement with capability. Key features include:

Interior & Technology

• Digital Displays:
  • 13.4-inch Diagonal Color Touchscreen Infotainment System.
  • 12.3-inch Diagonal Reconfigurable Driver Information Center (digital gauge cluster).
• Premium Comfort:
  • Heated front seats.
  • Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control.
  • 10-way power-adjustable driver seat.
• Connectivity:
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.
  • Google built-in (Google Assistant, Google Maps, etc.).
  • SiriusXM® with 360L capability.

Exterior & Capability

• Standard Engine: TurboMax 2.7L Turbo engine (310 hp, 430 lb-ft of torque) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• Available Engines: 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 and 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6.
• Lighting: High-intensity LED reflector headlamps with signature LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs).
• Accents: Chrome exterior accents, including the front bumper, rear bumper, and mirror caps (available).
• Wheels: 17-inch Bright Silver aluminum wheels (standard) or available 20-inch wheels.
• Convenience: Remote vehicle starter system and EZ Lift power lock and release tailgate.
• Trailering: Comes with the standard Durabed (with 12 tie-downs) and offers the optional Multi-Flex Tailgate and available trailering technology upgrades.

Safety & Driver Assistance

• Standard: The full suite of Chevy Safety Assist features (Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert, etc.).
• Available: Upgrade options like Adaptive Cruise Control and the Multi-Flex Tailgate.

Trim Level MSRP

• Work Truck (WT): $39,495
• Custom: $44,995
• LT: $50,495
• RST: $53,895
• Custom Trail Boss: $55,395
• LTZ: $60,595
• LT Trail Boss: $62,195
• High Country: $65,495
• ZR2: $74,295

Performance

Engine Lineup

• 1.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder (sole engine option)
• Horsepower: 175 HP
• Torque: 184 lb-ft (FWD), 203 lb-ft (AWD)

Transmission & Drivetrain

• FWD: Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
• AWD: 8-speed automatic transmission
• Drive Modes: Standard Drive Mode Selector (Normal, Sport)
• Curb weight: Approximately 3,325 lbs (varies by configuration)

Towing & Off-Road

• Maximum towing: Up to 1,500 lbs (AWD, properly equipped)
• ACTIV trim: Light off-road capability with all-terrain tires and tuned suspension

Handling & Ride Quality

• Smooth and responsive driving experience
• Large anti-lock disc brakes
• StabiliTrak electronic stability system

Fuel Economy (EPA Estimates)

• FWD: 26 MPG City / 28 MPG Highway / 27 MPG Combined
• AWD: 24 MPG City / 29 MPG Highway / 26 MPG Combined
• Efficiency features: Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, Automatic Stop/Start system

Acceleration (Edmunds Tested)

• AWD ACTIV trim: 0–60 mph in 8.6–8.7 seconds (eight-speed automatic transmission)

Towing & Payload

Towing Capacity

• Maximum towing: Up to 1,500 lbs (with All-Wheel Drive, properly equipped)
• Base FWD towing: Approximately 800 lbs
• Suitable for small trailers, dirt bikes, jet skis, or light utility loads

Payload Capacity

• Rated payload: Approximately 1,100–1,200 lbs (varies by trim/configuration)
• Covers occupants, cargo, and trailer tongue weight

Trailering Technology

• Trailer Sway Control integrated with stability control (standard)
• All-Wheel Drive recommended for maximum towing
• Optional technologies: Hitch Guidance (requires trailering package)

Cargo & Utility Features

• Cargo volume: 29.8 cubic feet (rear seats up)
• Maximum cargo volume: 63.5 cubic feet (rear seats folded)
• 60/40 split-folding rear seat for versatile cargo/passenger layouts
• Available underfloor storage in rear cargo area
• Available AutoSense power liftgate for hands-free cargo access

Technology

Infotainment & Digital Displays

• Dual standard digital displays on all trims (LT, RS, ACTIV)
  • 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen (media, navigation, apps)
  • 11-inch diagonal driver information center (fully digital, reconfigurable gauges)
• Google Built-In (standard on all trims)
  • Google Maps for voice-activated navigation and real-time traffic
  • Google Assistant for hands-free calls, texts, app management, and climate control
  • Google Play for downloading apps directly to the display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ standard on all trims

Connectivity Features

• 5G Wi-Fi® hotspot (subscription required)
• Available wireless charging pad (standard or available depending on trim/package)
• Multiple USB-A and USB-C ports (front and rear)
• Audio: Standard six-speaker system; available Bose® seven-speaker system on higher trims

Interior Technology & Comfort

• Upgraded cabin with premium materials and a mix of digital and physical controls
• Redesigned center console with pass-through storage
• Standard comfort features (LT and above)
  • Heated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Keyless open and start with remote start
• Trim-specific enhancements
  • RS: Wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel; available two-tone black roof
  • ACTIV: Evotex and sueded microfiber seating surfaces; available two-tone white roof
• Available convenience features on higher trims
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • AutoSense hands-free power liftgate
  • Universal Home Remote

Utility Technology

• Drive Mode Selector standard on all trims (Normal, Sport, Snow/Off-Road)
• Available advanced safety and camera tech
  • HD Surround Vision (360-degree camera system)
  • Rear Camera Mirror

Appearance

Exterior Styling

Front Design & Grille

• Bold, modernized front design with sculpted hood
• Wider stance for confident look
• Trim-specific front fascia and grille: LT, RS, ACTIV

Lighting

• Standard LED headlamps and taillamps
• IntelliBeam Auto High Beams (standard)
• Available LED fog lamps

Body & Dimensions

• Body type: Compact SUV / Crossover
• Single SUV body style
• Overall length: 183.2 inches
• Overall height: 65.6 inches
• Wheelbase: 107.5 inches

Wheels & Trim-Specific Styling

• LT: 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels (standard)
• RS: 19-inch Carbon Flash Metallic machined-face aluminum wheels, 20-inch available; blacked-out accents and available two-tone Black roof
• ACTIV: 17-inch Dark Android machined-face aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires; rugged front fascia, metallic accents, available two-tone Summit White roof

Utility & Access

• Roof rails standard on RS and ACTIV (available on LT via packages)
• AutoSense hands-free power liftgate available on RS and ACTIV

Exterior Color Options

• Polar White Tricoat (new for 2026)
• Cacti Green
• Lakeshore Blue Metallic
• Radiant Red Tintcoat
• Mosaic Black Metallic
• Sterling Gray Metallic

Interior Styling

Dashboard & Displays

• 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen (standard)
• 11-inch diagonal driver information center (standard)
• Modern, high-tech cockpit across all trims

Seating

• Capacity: 5 passengers
• Heated front seats and heated steering wheel standard on LT and higher
• Available:
  • 8-way power driver seat
  • 8-way power front passenger seat
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear outboard seats (via packages)

Materials & Finishes

• LT: Cloth upholstery standard; Evotex synthetic leather available
• RS: Evotex with Torch Red and Santorini Blue contrast stitching; debossed RS logos
• ACTIV: Evotex and sueded microfiber seating surfaces

Steering Wheel

• Wrapped and heated (standard on LT)
• RS: Flat bottom, wrapped, heated steering wheel

Lighting & Ambience

• Available ambient interior lighting
• Available dual-pane power sunroof
• Active noise cancellation for quieter cabin

Storage & Utility

• Cargo volume: 29.8 cubic feet behind rear seats; 63.5 cubic feet with seats folded
• Center console with pass-through storage
• 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat

Interior Color Options

• Jet Black (with RS red stitching)
• Maple Sugar / Sueded Microfiber (ACTIV trim)

Safety

Standard Safety Features (Chevy Safety Assist Suite)

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Works with Forward Collision Alert to automatically provide hard emergency braking or enhance driver braking.
• Forward Collision Alert: Alerts the driver when a potential front-end collision with a vehicle the driver is following is detected.
• Front Pedestrian Braking: Can automatically apply the brakes to reduce the severity of or avoid a collision with a detected pedestrian.
• Front Bicyclist Braking: Can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce the severity of a collision with a detected cyclist.
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Provides gentle steering correction and alerts to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Following Distance Indicator: Displays the gap time to a detected vehicle ahead for safe spacing.
• IntelliBeam Auto High Beams: Automatically switches high beams on and off based on traffic conditions.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Automatically maintains a driver-selected following gap time with the vehicle ahead, capable of handling stop-and-go traffic.
• Blind Zone Steering Assist: Provides gentle steering correction to help avoid a collision if the driver attempts to change lanes while a vehicle is detected in the blind spot.
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking: Alerts the driver to vehicles approaching from the sides when reversing and can automatically apply the brakes.
• Rear Park Assist: Provides distance alerts to detected objects when backing up at low speeds.
• Reverse Automatic Braking: Alerts the driver and/or automatically applies the brakes to help avoid a collision with detected objects directly behind the vehicle when in reverse.
• HD Rear Vision Camera: Displays a high-definition view of the area directly behind the vehicle when reversing.
• Safety Alert Seat: Uses vibration pulses in the driver's seat to help the driver identify the direction of a potential crash (in place of audible alerts).
• Teen Driver Technology: Built-in system that allows owners to set configurable vehicle settings (like speed limits) and review an in-vehicle report card.
• StabiliTrak Stability and Traction Control and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Available / Optional Safety Features

• HD Surround Vision (360-Degree Camera): Provides selectable digital camera views of the area around the vehicle to assist with parking and maneuvering.
• Rear Camera Mirror: Uses a camera feed to provide a wide, unobstructed view of the area behind the vehicle (switchable to a traditional mirror).
• Rear Pedestrian Alert: Can provide alerts to detected pedestrians directly behind the vehicle when backing up.
• Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking: Can help the driver avoid or reduce the severity of a collision with detected cross-traffic vehicles at an intersection.
• Traffic Sign Recognition: Detects speed limit signs and can inform the driver.
• OnStar Services: Available connected services for automatic crash response, roadside assistance, and security.

Chevrolet Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

• 3-Year / 36,000-Mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty
  • Covers most components of your Chevrolet vehicle.
  • Includes parts and labor for covered repairs.
  • Covers defects in materials or workmanship of tires (does not cover normal wear or road hazards).
• 5-Year / 60,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
  • Covers major powertrain components including the engine (e.g., engine block, cylinder heads, timing gears, manifolds, oil pumps, internal electrical components), transmission/transaxle (e.g., all internal lubricated parts, seals, gaskets, electrical parts), and drive systems (e.g., shafts, joints, bearings, all internally lubricated parts).
• Corrosion Protection (Sheet Metal)
  • 3-Year / 36,000-Mile Corrosion Warranty: Covers all metal components against corrosion for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • 6-Year / 100,000-Mile Rust-Through Warranty: Covers rust that causes an actual hole in the metal body panels for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This does not cover surface rust or scratches.
• Emissions Control Systems Warranty
  • Ensures your vehicle meets federal and state (e.g., California) emissions requirements.
• 5-Year / 60,000-Mile Roadside Assistance
  • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• First Maintenance Visit
  • Usually includes an oil change, tire rotation, and a multi-point vehicle inspection. Does not include air filters or other routine maintenance after the first visit.

View: The Chevrolet Warranty

Ready to Test Drive the All-New 2026 Equinox in Owatonna, Minnesota? Shop House Chevrolet Owatonna Today!

Discover the perfect blend of style, comfort, and versatility with the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox at House Chevrolet in Owatonna, Minnesota.

Our team is ready to help you find the Equinox that fits your lifestyle and budget. With a wide selection of 2026 Equinox models, competitive pricing, and flexible financing options, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your ride.

Visit us today to explore available trims, take a test drive, and experience why the Equinox is the ideal SUV for every adventure. So, start your journey at House Chevrolet Owatonna. Stop by our showroom or browse our Equinox inventory online now!

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Disclaimer by House Chevrolet Owatonna:

House Chevrolet Owatonna believes the information and specifications on this website to be correct at the time of publishing.

Model specifications provided may vary based on selected trim, options, and installed accessories. Specifications, standard features, options, fabrics, accessories, colors, and other features related to the vehicles are subject to change without notice. Values are based on MSRP and exclude taxes, fees, and adjustments. Please visit certified dealers for more accurate pricing.

Images of vehicles are for illustrative purposes only. Please see the dealer for details and availability.

Sources: Edmunds.com/Chevrolet/Equinox & CarandDriver.com/Chevrolet/Equinox-2026.