The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox brings some heavy hitters to the lineup. Whether you’re looking at the entry level LT, or the lineup topping Activ, the Equinox is the best option for you. We’ll take a look at what Chevrolet gave each trim to bring to the table, so when you go to the lot, you’ll be prepared to sign the papers.
Key Takeaways
- No matter which trim you’re thinking about getting, you’ll be able to benefit from creature comforts, making it desirable no matter what.
- The Activ is a bit more sporty and the looks, as well as gear that it comes with, reflect that.
- The LT is the perfect family vehicle as it comes with great features, for a greater price.
When looking at the LT, it comes loaded with features despite being the starting trim with a price of $32,495. Some of the trim specific features that you will find are the 17-inch Grazen metallic machined-face aluminum wheels, which are paired with all-season blackwall tires.
Moving on to the interior, there really aren't too many trim specific features that the LT comes equipped with as it shares a ton of features with the others. One area that this trim does come with unique features is the single-zone climate control. While the upgraded version is cool, and helpful, if you’re not planning on having passengers often, then it can often be forgotten.
Being one of the lineup toppers, this one comes with a starting price of $37,395. While not too much more than the LT, it does come with features that make it feel like it should be more expensive. For the exterior, this trim aims at having a more sporty look, and to accomplish this, it comes with 17-inch all-terrain tires that are wrapped around Dark Android aluminum wheels. This trim also comes with roof mounted side rails, giving your vehicle a slightly more aggressive look.
While it does come with features that make it look nicer, it also comes with features that make it more convenient to operate. These are the heated wiper park, rainsense automatic wipers, and AutoSense power liftgate.
To help the cab feel a bit more advanced, you’ll find that this trim comes with wireless phone charging. If your phone allows it, all you need to do is set it, and forget it. This is a dream for most drivers, and it is also a bit safer since you won’t have wires cluttering your area.
Do the Equinox ACTIV and LT have any similarities?
It’s easy to try and sell one over the other, but that’s not what we’re here for. We want to highlight where both trims are the same, so the choice is completely up to you. Starting with creature comforts, both trims come with a heated steering wheel, as well as heated seats regardless of trims.
They also share the same engine, with this one being the 1.5L I4. While this isn’t the strongest, since it is the same, you won’t need to wish you spent more money for just an engine. This also has the added benefit of coming with great gas mileage, as it has an EPA rating of 27 MPG combined.
What’s the right 2026 Chevy Equinox for me?
When choosing the right Equinox trim, it ultimately comes down to style. If you’re wanting something that stands out, then the Activ is your friend. If you’re not too worried about looks and just want something that won’t cost too much, then the LT is more than enough. There’s a good reason that the Equinox got an 8/10 on Car and Driver, and we encourage you to see that in person. Come on down to Coleman today!