Quickies: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox

Why does this extremely popular compact SUV segment yield so many choices? 

This is not a rhetorical question. It’s something that continues to scratch my head and cause itching in my scalp. 

Originally, I did not intend to revisit the newest generation of the Chevrolet Equinox a few months after my first encounter with it at the 2025 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally at Road America. However, I was at a retail consumer event in Minneapolis and saw that they had a 2026 Equinox in another trim than the one I sampled earlier this year. 

Yes, I understand that the 2026 LT I recently sampled is much different than the ruggedized 2025 Activ model from back in May. We should establish that most consumers (and commercial/fleet purchasers) will choose the LT for its inherent value and popular level of content. 

With that said, let’s talk about the 2026 Equinox. 

In case you haven’t noticed, the new Equinox is very popular. Sales have been unbelievable with a 42 percent increase for the Third Quarter over the same period a year ago. The new generation model has found its way into both rental car fleets and retail consumers by the bushel full. In fact, it is the third best-selling model name currently within General Motors, behind the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra lineups. 

Part of the reason for its sales growth is a fresh new design. One that follows the latest Chevrolet design language. The exterior may seem boxy, but please follow along with the details. The large grille area is distinctive to each trim level. The LT has chrome trim accenting the front clip. A pair of slim LED driving lamp/turn signal units reside on top bridging an upper grille, while the actual headlamp units of set to the side of the larger lower grille. A single chrome strip divides the two grilles and is crowned by the Chevrolet “bowtie” badge. 

The rear end is flanked by a pair of LED taillights with vertical and horizontal elements. The roofline is slightly upright with an interesting C-pillar glass design. It is very distinctive, indeed! 

LT models wear a set of 17-inch alloy wheels on all-season tires. You can choose to add a contrast color roof in either Summit White or Mosaic Black. Or, just go with a monochrome paint scheme. You can go either way, however you like your 2026 Equinox LT. 

In regard to the Activ model from May, it, too, wears a unique set of 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. As with the front clip, you will find an extra chrome frame around the grille area with a bolder pattern in black. 

The interior design also follows current Chevrolet (and GM) style references. The 11-inch digital instrument cluster is customizable and easy to read. The round vent ports on the end of the dashboard help to pipe cooling into the cabin, thanks to an automatic climate control system. Controls are mostly tactile. The column-mounted shifter is quite interesting, but useful once you learn it’s logic 

Next to the instrument cluster is an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that engages you to tether your smartphone wirelessly, as well as to dive into the “native” Google Built-in features. This is an about face to what’s happening to GM’s EV lineup, where smartphone mirroring has been eliminated. Equinox LT and Activ models offer just six speakers of standard sound playback. 

The two-row Equinox has a seating capacity for five. This 2026 LT test vehicle wore the available Evotex upholstery, while the Activ model sported a mix of Evotex and microfiber suede inserts. Front seats are usually comfortable. There is plenty of rear seat room for adults. Cargo space is generous, with 29.8 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, cargo space grows to 63.5 cubic feet.

While the exterior and interior have changed, the powertrain has not. The 2025 Equinox is served by a 175-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 203 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sent that power to all four wheels on both the 2026 LT and 2025 Activ test vehicles. 

The engine has some spunk and travels well on the highway, as well as around town. It accelerates competently, although we were hoping for better response from the transmission. The EPA states that it would average an estimated 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. 

The ride quality was fine overall. A look back at the 2025 Activ model made me appreciate the all-season tires on the 2026 LT. The road noise was much quieter. It handled quite well with some lean and roll on the curves. Driving around the tight streets of the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis brought out a “shaggability” in the 2026 Equinox, making it easy to get around the city in this right-sized SUV. 

That is helped by a solid steering system. A solid on-center feel on the highway is accompanied by good response when managing the turns. The brakes were fine and suitable for the task at hand. Pedal feel was OK, as was its response down to the wheels. Normal stops were just fine. 

There are three trim levels available on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Pricing starts from $28,700. The 2026 LT test vehicle came with a sticker price of $38,225. For reference, the 2025 Activ test vehicle from May at the MAMA event came with a sticker price of $39,915. 

Before we go on, the reason why I mention the two experiences with the 2025/2026 Equinox is to show you how much Chevrolet’s compact SUV has evolved from previous generations. Design-wise, it is visually better. Contemporary to the needs of today’s consumer. Maybe some more power underneath the hood would tilt some preference to the Chevrolet compared to the competition?

The most important takeaway from the latest Chevrolet Equinox is its relevance. That translates into its current sales trajectory. Which is why you are seeing so many of them on the road these days. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Morrie’s Forest Lake Chevrolet, Forest Lake, MN via Morrie’s Auto Group – our opinions are of our own.

Cover Photo: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT – All photos by Randy Stern