2026 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2026 Equinox comes in three main trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV. The LT trim focuses on practicality and everyday comfort, offering heated front seats and steering wheel, an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an 11-inch driver information digital display. The RS adds sporty styling touches like Black mirrors, moldings, emblems, 19- and optional 20-inch machined wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and the option of a two-tone roof. The ACTIV trim leans toward rugged and adventure-ready with all-terrain tires, seating that mixes Evotex with sueded microfiber, a unique look for exterior trim, and availability of a two-tone roof as well.

Under the hood, the 2026 Equinox is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine puts out around 175 horsepower, paired with front-wheel drive or the available all-wheel drive system for those who want more traction in snow or slippery roads. Typical of the latest models, the transmission setup is tuned to balance responsiveness with smoothness across Michigan’s varied driving conditions.

The Equinox delivers a drive that feels composed and capable. Drive mode selection is standard, allowing the driver to adjust the vehicle’s behavior depending on road conditions, from daily streets to more challenging surfaces. The ACTIV trim, in particular, is tuned for tougher terrain: all-terrain tires, rugged design touches, and suspension elements optimized for adventure make it more confident when the road gets rough. Handling remains stable, and the Equinox is designed to maintain control in winter weather thanks to its AWD option.

Stepping inside the 2026 Equinox, you’ll find a cabin that blends modern tech with practical design. The driver benefits from the 11-inch digital instrument cluster right in the line of sight, while the center display is an 11.3-inch touchscreen that supports intuitive smartphone integration. Seating materials improve with higher trims, especially RS and ACTIV, which offer Evotex or mixed surface seating with contrast stitching. Cargo versatility comes from a folding 60/40 rear seat, hidden storage under the cargo floor, and optional hands-free liftgate features.

Safety is front and center with more than fifteen standard driver assistance features under the Chevy Safety Assist suite. Standard elements include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. Higher trims bring additional capabilities like HD surround vision, rear cross-traffic braking, and more sensors to enhance awareness in low visibility or tight parking situations—benefits especially meaningful in Alpena’s winter conditions.