TL;DR: The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox lineup offers three gas trims (LT, RS, and ACTIV), all sharing a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (175 hp, 203 lb-ft) and rated up to 27 mpg combined, plus the all-electric Equinox EV with up to 319 miles of range in front-wheel drive or 307 miles in all-wheel drive. LT starts around $28,800, with RS and ACTIV starting around $33,600. Buyers get a 63.5-cubic-foot cargo max on gas models, a 17.7-inch touchscreen on the EV, and available Super Cruise hands-free driving on the EV.
Between daily commutes across Garland, weekend trips to Lake Ray Hubbard, and errands along I-635, local drivers need a compact SUV that's practical, comfortable, and reasonably priced. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox lineup covers that ground twice over, with a refined gas lineup and a genuinely capable all-electric option, giving Garland shoppers a real choice depending on how they drive.
A Focused, Three-Trim Gas Lineup
Chevrolet keeps the gas-powered 2026 Equinox lineup simple with three trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV. The LT starts at roughly $28,800, while both the RS and ACTIV start around $33,600 before destination charges, with all-wheel drive available as a roughly $2,000 option across the lineup. After last year's full redesign, the 2026 model year is about refinement rather than a ground-up overhaul, focused updates to features, trim availability, and packaging rather than a new platform.
One Engine, Two Drivetrain Choices
Every gas-powered 2026 Equinox trim shares the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rated at 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel-drive models pair that engine with a continuously variable transmission, while all-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic for added traction in rain or the occasional icy North Texas morning.
Fuel economy lands around 27 mpg combined on front-wheel-drive models and about 26 mpg combined with all-wheel drive, competitive for the compact SUV segment. Properly equipped models can tow up to 1,500 pounds, enough for a small utility trailer or light recreational gear, though not intended for heavier towing duty.
LT, RS, and ACTIV: Choosing a Trim
The LT trim is the value play, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel included standard, along with keyless entry and seating for five. Maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded reaches 63.5 cubic feet, plenty of room for a Costco run or sports equipment for the whole family.
The RS trim adds a sportier look with a blacked-out grille, standard 19-inch alloy wheels, and a flat-bottom steering wheel, appealing to drivers who want a more athletic appearance without giving up practicality. The ACTIV trim goes a different direction, adding all-terrain tires and a uniquely tuned suspension for drivers who occasionally head off pavement, whether that's a gravel road on a weekend trip or a rutted parking area after a storm.
- LT: Best value, with heated seats and steering wheel standard from the base trim.
- RS: Sportier styling with a blacked-out grille and standard 19-inch wheels.
- ACTIV: All-terrain tires and tuned suspension for light off-pavement capability.
Technology and Everyday Comfort
Inside, the gas-powered Equinox pairs an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with an 11-inch driver information display, along with Google built-in for native navigation and voice control, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add extras like available wireless phone charging and a hands-free power liftgate, small conveniences that add up on busy days running errands around Garland.
Standard Safety Technology
The 2026 Equinox comes with more than 15 standard safety and driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with departure warning, and forward collision alert. Additional available features, including intersection auto emergency braking, lane centering, HD Surround Vision, and rear cross-traffic braking, add extra awareness in tight neighborhoods or crowded parking lots.
The Equinox EV: A Genuine Electric Alternative
For Garland drivers considering an EV, the 2026 Equinox EV is a serious option. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive version is rated at 220 horsepower with up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated range, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version steps up to 300 horsepower with a still-strong 307 miles of range, enough for most weekly routines without frequent charging stops.
DC fast charging at up to 150 kW can add roughly 70 miles of range in about 10 minutes, and Level 2 home charging covers overnight top-offs easily. The Equinox EV also features a 17.7-inch touchscreen, the largest in its class, along with available Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance for compatible highways. Cargo space checks in at 57.2 cubic feet, close to what the gas model offers despite the EV's different underlying architecture.
One additional feature worth knowing about: properly equipped Equinox EV models support bidirectional (vehicle-to-home) charging through GM's PowerShift Charger and V2H Enablement Kit, letting the vehicle supply backup power to a properly equipped home during an outage, a genuinely useful feature during Texas storm season.
Which Equinox Fits Your Garland Driving?
All-wheel drive helps with wet roads and rare icy mornings, though most Garland driving doesn't strictly require it. Buyers who want the lowest ownership cost and best fuel economy usually gravitate toward the front-wheel-drive LT. Drivers who want a sportier look lean toward the RS, and anyone who spends time on gravel roads, at the lake, or hauling gear for outdoor trips will appreciate what the ACTIV offers.
For drivers ready to go electric, the Equinox EV's range numbers hold up well for typical North Texas commuting and weekend trips, and the ability to fast-charge in a short stop or use the vehicle as backup home power adds real, practical value beyond the daily drive.
See the 2026 Equinox Lineup in Garland
Compare gas and electric Equinox inventory at Jupiter Chevrolet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trim levels are available for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The gas-powered 2026 Equinox comes in three trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV. The LT starts around $28,800 and focuses on value, with heated seats and a heated steering wheel standard. The RS adds sportier styling with a blacked-out grille and standard 19-inch wheels, and the ACTIV adds all-terrain tires and a tuned suspension for light off-pavement use. RS and ACTIV both start around $33,600.
What is the fuel economy and range of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and Equinox EV?
The gas-powered Equinox achieves about 27 mpg combined in front-wheel drive and about 26 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. The Equinox EV offers up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated range in front-wheel drive (220 hp) or up to 307 miles in all-wheel drive (300 hp), more than enough for typical North Texas commuting and weekend trips.
What technology and safety features come standard on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Equinox includes an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, an 11-inch driver information display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google built-in for native navigation and voice control. More than 15 standard safety and driver-assistance features are included, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert, with additional available features like HD Surround Vision.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute professional advice. Pricing, specifications, and availability are subject to change; confirm current details with a Jupiter Chevrolet sales advisor.
About the Author
Eric Fussell is the General Manager of Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland, Texas. Eric keeps North Texas Chevrolet shoppers up to date on model news that affects their buying decisions.
Sources & Further Reading
- Chevrolet: 2026 Equinox
- Chevrolet: 2026 Equinox EV
- How Chevrolet's Warranty Program Makes a Difference for Buyers
Published: May 1, 2026 | Last updated: August 4, 2026