The Equinox is Chevy’s premier SUV in the compact class, being a formidable contender amongst some of that class’s best since its entry into that segment in 2018.. In this Review of the 2026 Chevy Equinox updates, we’ll be going in depth on all the latest you can expect from the latest edition of the Equinox.
Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 Equinox gains Polar White as a new exterior color, replacing a previous tone.
- The drive-mode dial becomes standard on all trims, simplifying driver interaction.
- It retains the 1.5 L turbo engine, but adds a new CVT (FWD) or 8-speed auto (AWD) for better responsiveness.
Is the 2026 Equinox a good car?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox continues to build on its reputation as a practical, modern compact SUV by offering a balanced mix of performance, technology, and value. Under the hood, every model is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower, paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for front-wheel-drive models or an eight-speed automatic for those equipped with all-wheel drive.
Fuel economy remains competitive for its class, with EPA-estimated ratings of 26/28 mpg (city/highway) for FWD and 24/29 mpg for AWD. Chevrolet also expands the lineup with distinctive personalities across trims, including the sporty RS and the more rugged, trail-ready ACTIV.
Technology and interior features are a major highlight of the 2026 Equinox. All trims come standard with an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11-inch digital driver information center. A Wi-Fi hotspot comes standard, while wireless charging is available on the LT and included on the RS and ACTIV trims.
The Equinox maintains strong practicality with seating for up to five passengers and up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Standard safety tech across the lineup–such as automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and other Chevy Safety Assist features–rounds out the SUV’s well-equipped and family-friendly package.
What is the difference between the 2025 and 2026 Equinox?
The main difference between the 2025 and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is that the 2026 model is essentially a refined continuation of the fully redesigned 2025 generation. The 2025 model introduced the new platform, fresh exterior styling, and reworked interior layout, while the 2026 Equinox builds on that foundation with subtle but meaningful updates.
These include a newly standard drive mode selector, revised option and package availability, and updated exterior paint choices–most notably Polar White Tricoat replacing Iridescent Pearl Tricoat on ACTIV and RS trims. The 2026 model also adjusts how certain features, such as roof rails on the LT trim, are packaged compared to the 2025 lineup.
Inside, the 2026 Equinox becomes more tech-forward by making the 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 11-inch digital driver display standard across all trims, replacing the more traditional setup of the 2025 model, which offered smaller screens and more physical buttons on lower trims.
The interior also receives improved materials, redesigned climate controls, and a sleeker dashboard design. Overall, while the 2025 Equinox launched the new generation with major changes, the 2026 model fine-tunes that formula with more standard technology, updated styling options, and better feature packaging.
Summary
The Equinox is, overall, a solid model capable of impressing with its forward thinking technology, large and in charge styling, and solid performance figures that make it a top draw in the 2026 compact suv segment. Come to our Burlington Chevrolet showroom to find yours today.