For U.S. vehicles; figures from Chevrolet's 2026 Equinox page and the Chevrolet Newsroom technical release, checked November 4, 2026.

The 2026 Chevy Equinox comes in three trims: LT, RS and ACTIV. The LT starts at $28,800, while the RS and ACTIV both start at $33,600. All three use the same 1.5-liter turbo engine, so the choice is about wheels, styling, seat materials and how you plan to use the vehicle, not about power. Start with the LT unless you specifically want the RS look or the ACTIV's all-terrain tires.

These prices are MSRPs before destination freight, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options, as Chevrolet states. The Equinox seats five.

2026 Equinox trims at a glance

Trim Starting MSRP (before destination) Standard wheels What Chevrolet highlights
LT $28,800 17-inch aluminum 1.5L turbo, heated front seats and steering wheel, 11.3-inch touch-screen, 11-inch driver display
RS $33,600 19-inch machined aluminum Black emblems and badging, unique grille and lower fascia, flat-bottom steering wheel, red and blue stitching
ACTIV $33,600 17-inch machined aluminum All-terrain tires, uniquely tuned suspension, roof rails, Evotex and sueded microfiber seats

The RS and ACTIV have the same starting price, so the decision between them is purely about character and use. The LT sits $4,800 below both. That gap is plain subtraction from the starting MSRPs, and it does not tell you what an LT with options would cost.

What all three trims share

Every Equinox uses the same powertrain. Chevrolet's newsroom lists a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine making 175 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission on front-wheel-drive models and an eight-speed automatic on all-wheel-drive models. The same release gives torque as 184 lb-ft for FWD and 203 lb-ft for AWD. Chevrolet's 2026 page confirms the 175-hp figure and that AWD is available.

Other shared items from Chevrolet's 2026 page: an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen, an 11-inch diagonal driver information center, a standard Drive Mode Selector and "over 15 standard safety and driver assistance features." The newsroom adds that every trim includes Teen Driver and standard Chevy Safety Assist, which it lists as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, a following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning and IntelliBeam.

Because the engine is shared, the RS badge is not a performance upgrade in the published specifications. Treat RS as a styling and wheel package unless a source documents otherwise.

The body is also shared. Chevrolet lists a 183.2-inch overall length, 74.9-inch width and 107.5-inch wheelbase. Cargo is 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat folded. Our Equinox cargo guide and interior dimensions guide go deeper on fit.

LT: the sensible starting point

At $28,800, the LT is the entry grade. Chevrolet's 2026 page describes it as "an exceptional everyday driver" and lists the 1.5L turbo, heated front seats and steering wheel, the 11.3-inch screen and the 11-inch driver display. Those are notable features for a base trim, so you do not need to move up to get a large screen.

The LT's standard wheels are 17-inch aluminum with all-season tires. The newsroom says 19-inch aluminum wheels are available on the LT, so a nicer-looking LT does not have to be an RS. Chevrolet also offers a Midnight Edition on the LT, with high-gloss black mirror caps, exclusive 19-inch black wheels, black roof rails and a black grille, badging and bowties.

Chevrolet's newsroom also notes that the LT offers a choice of standard chrome or Midnight Edition high-gloss black grille finishes, and available Evotex seating. Confirm which of these are on the actual vehicle through the window sticker.

Choose the LT if you want the lowest starting price, your priority is daily use, and you do not need the RS styling or the ACTIV's rugged tires.

RS: sporty styling and bigger wheels

The RS starts at $33,600. Chevrolet describes it with a unique RS-only grille and front fascia, black emblems and badging, 19-inch machined wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, Torch Red and Santorini Blue interior stitching and RS-debossed front-seat head restraints. A black two-tone roof is available, along with black roof rails and mirror caps.

The newsroom adds that 20-inch wheels are available on the RS, a first for the Equinox, and that the RS has a heated flat-bottom steering wheel and available heated and ventilated front seats. Wheel size has trade-offs. Larger wheels often mean lower-profile tires, and the 20-inch option uses 235/50R20 tires compared with the 235/65R17 on the LT and ACTIV. Chevrolet does not publish a ride-comfort comparison, so test-drive the exact wheel size you plan to buy.

The RS is the trim for people who want the sportier look and are comfortable paying $4,800 more than the LT for styling and wheel differences. It does not have a more powerful engine.

ACTIV: the rugged-themed trim

The ACTIV also starts at $33,600. Chevrolet calls it "the SUV for those seeking adventure" and lists 17-inch machined wheels, all-terrain tires, a uniquely tuned suspension, roof rails, and Evotex and sueded microfiber seating surfaces with ACTIV stitched into the head restraints. A white two-tone roof is available.

The newsroom lists the ACTIV tire as a 235/65R17 all-terrain, and says heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard (the LT also lists these on Chevrolet's 2026 page). It adds a convenient center console with pass-through.

Ground clearance gives context. The newsroom publishes curb ground clearance of 8.08 inches for the LT, 8.2 inches for the RS and 8.05 inches for the ACTIV. In other words, the ACTIV is not published as having higher clearance than the others. Its difference is tires, suspension tuning and styling, not a taller stance.

All-terrain tires help on loose surfaces such as gravel and packed snow, but they are not a substitute for judgment on difficult trails. If you want AWD for slippery roads, the AWD option is available on the Equinox generally, so check the drivetrain separately from the trim.

FWD or AWD: it matters more than the trim for some buyers

Chevrolet's 2026 page says AWD is available. The newsroom specifies a CVT with FWD and an eight-speed automatic with AWD, and it publishes different fuel tanks (about 14.8 gallons for FWD and 15.6 gallons for AWD). The drivetrain also affects towing: the newsroom lists 800 lb for FWD and 1,500 lb for AWD. See our Equinox towing capacity guide for the details and conditions.

Chevrolet's 2026 page lists an unloaded weight range of 3,428 to 3,629 pounds, depending on drive type, trim, optional equipment and cargo. The newsroom gives 3,428 pounds as the curb weight of the LT. Chevrolet does not state in these pages which exact configuration is heaviest, so confirm on the window sticker.

SUVLook does not have a verified AWD price premium for each trim. Ask the dealer for the exact price of the drivetrain you want rather than assuming it is the same across trims.

How the Equinox trims compare with its rivals

Chevrolet itself compares the Equinox LT against the RAV4 LE, CR-V LX, Tucson SE, Sportage LX, Rogue S and Escape Active on its 2026 page. We have not verified those rival trim details here. For a full model-versus-model look, see our Honda CR-V versus Chevy Equinox comparison. You can also read the Equinox's 2026 vehicle profile and the Kia Sportage trim guide for a different brand's lineup.

Which Equinox trim should you buy?

These are SUVLook editorial suggestions based on the published trim descriptions, not a road test.

  • Choose the LT ($28,800) if you want the lowest starting price and the standard 11.3-inch screen and heated front seats. Add the 19-inch wheels or Midnight Edition if you want a sportier look without paying the RS price.
  • Choose the RS ($33,600) if the sport styling, 19-inch wheels and flat-bottom steering wheel are worth about $4,800 more to you.
  • Choose the ACTIV ($33,600) if you want all-terrain tires, roof rails and the rugged look, and you will actually use them.
  • Choose AWD on any trim if you drive in snow or need the higher 1,500-lb tow rating. Confirm the price on the vehicle you are quoted.

Before you decide, compare two specific vehicles with the same drivetrain and similar options. A well-optioned LT can cost close to a base RS, so line them up by window sticker.

What this guide does not cover

Chevrolet's 2026 page does not list every standard feature by trim, and the technical specifications on the Newsroom are from the January 2024 release for the current-generation Equinox. We have not verified the destination charge, option-package prices, AWD upcharges or the 2027 Equinox. The Chevrolet page also shows a 2027 tab, which this guide does not cover.

Frequently asked questions

How many trims does the 2026 Chevy Equinox have?

Three: LT, RS and ACTIV, according to Chevrolet. A Midnight Edition is available on the LT.

What is the price difference between the LT and RS?

The LT starts at $28,800 and the RS at $33,600, a difference of $4,800 before destination and options.

Does the RS have a bigger engine?

No. Chevrolet lists one engine, a 1.5L turbo with 175 hp, across the Equinox range.

Is the ACTIV the best trim for off-roading?

It has all-terrain tires and a uniquely tuned suspension, but Chevrolet publishes a curb ground clearance of 8.05 inches for the ACTIV, slightly below the LT and RS. Treat it as a rugged-looking trim, not a trail vehicle.

Does the Equinox have AWD?

Yes, AWD is available. Towing is rated at 1,500 lb with AWD and 800 lb with FWD.

Sources

Prices and equipment can change. Use the window sticker for the exact vehicle.