The Chevrolet Equinox has been a staple in the compact SUV segment in the United States for years. Known for its comfortable ride, family-friendly features, and practical design, the Equinox continues to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle without unnecessary complexity. In this review, we take a close look at the Equinox’s design, interior, engine, fuel efficiency, features, safety, ride quality, pricing, competitors, and overall suitability.
Design: Modern Yet Practical
The Chevrolet Equinox carries a modern SUV design that balances style with practicality. Its exterior features a bold front grille with Chevrolet’s signature dual-port design and sleek LED headlights. The sculpted body lines give it a slightly muscular look without being overly aggressive.
From the side, the Equinox presents a clean profile with aerodynamic touches and standard alloy wheels. The rear features wrap-around taillights and a subtly integrated spoiler, giving the SUV a well-proportioned look. While it doesn’t stand out as sporty or flashy, its design is practical and likely to appeal to families and commuters who want a contemporary SUV that isn’t showy.
Interior: Spacious and Comfortable
Inside, the Equinox focuses on comfort and usability. The cabin offers seating for five, with supportive seats and adequate legroom both front and rear. The materials are mostly soft-touch plastics, but hard plastics are noticeable in some lower areas. Despite this, the overall fit and finish feel solid for the price segment.
The dashboard layout is simple, with easy-to-read gauges and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless smartphone integration. Storage is generous, with cup holders, door pockets, and a spacious glovebox. Rear passengers benefit from fold-flat seats that expand cargo space, making the Equinox practical for grocery runs, weekend trips, and family errands.
Engine and Performance: Balanced for Daily Driving
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offers multiple engine options, though the most common is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing around 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. For buyers seeking more power, a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 252 horsepower is also available in higher trims.
The Equinox comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional. Its performance is tuned for comfort rather than sporty driving. Acceleration is adequate for city traffic and highway merging, though it’s not the fastest SUV in its class. Steering is precise enough for daily commuting, but some drivers may find it lacks the responsiveness of smaller crossover vehicles.
Fuel Efficiency: Budget-Friendly Commuting
One of the Equinox’s strengths is its fuel efficiency. The 1.5-liter engine paired with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-rated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces mileage to around 25/30 mpg.
For families and daily commuters, these numbers are competitive in the compact SUV segment. The fuel economy, combined with a reasonable fuel tank size, makes the Equinox suitable for both city driving and weekend road trips.
Features: Practical and User-Friendly
Chevrolet equips the Equinox with a range of features aimed at convenience and safety. Standard features on base trims include:
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 touchscreen system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Rearview camera
- Keyless entry
- 7-inch touchscreen
Higher trims add additional comfort and technology options such as:
- 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless charging
- Premium audio system
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Advanced driver assistance features
The Equinox’s feature set is well-balanced, providing enough technology for modern drivers without overwhelming them with unnecessary gadgets.
Safety: Family-Friendly SUV
Safety is a key consideration for family buyers, and the Equinox performs reasonably well in this area. Standard safety features include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Forward collision warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind spot monitoring
The Equinox also comes with a suite of airbags and a strong safety cage. In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Equinox has earned high ratings for frontal and side-impact protection. While it may not be the absolute leader in safety technology, it provides enough reassurance for families and daily commuters.
Ride Quality and Comfort: Smooth Commuting
The Equinox is tuned for smooth and comfortable rides. Suspension settings prioritize comfort over sportiness, effectively absorbing potholes and rough roads. Noise insulation is decent, though engine noise is noticeable during hard acceleration.
For daily commuting and city traffic, the ride quality is more than adequate. Long highway trips are also comfortable thanks to supportive seats and a relatively quiet cabin. Handling is stable, and the SUV feels predictable even in wet conditions. All-wheel drive versions offer slightly improved traction in slippery weather, which is beneficial for buyers living in regions with rain or snow.
Price: Affordable and Competitive
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox starts at an estimated $27,000 for the base L trim, making it competitive in the compact SUV segment. Mid-level trims such as the LT and RS range from $30,000 to $34,000, while the top Premier trim approaches $38,000 with optional features and packages.
Given its combination of comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency, the Equinox represents good value for families and daily commuters who prioritize reliability over luxury.
Rivals: Strong Competition in the Segment
The Equinox competes with several popular compact SUVs in the U.S., including:
- Toyota RAV4: Offers stronger resale value and a slightly larger engine lineup.
- Honda CR-V: Known for reliability, cargo space, and smooth ride.
- Mazda CX-5: Praised for sporty handling and premium interior feel.
- Ford Escape: Offers multiple powertrain options, including hybrids.
- Hyundai Tucson: Stylish design and long warranty coverage.
While the Equinox may not lead in any single category, its well-rounded nature makes it a solid choice for buyers seeking a balanced SUV.
Buyer Suitability: Who Should Consider the Equinox?
The Chevrolet Equinox is ideal for:
- Daily commuters: Comfortable ride, good fuel efficiency, and easy handling make it practical for city traffic.
- Families: Spacious rear seating, safety features, and cargo flexibility suit small families.
- Moderate road travelers: Highway comfort and optional all-wheel drive help with longer trips.
- Value-conscious buyers: Competitive pricing and feature balance provide good bang for the buck.
It may be less suitable for those seeking a sporty drive, luxury interior, or maximum towing capacity, as the Equinox prioritizes comfort and practicality over performance.
Final Verdict: Practical Choice for Everyday Needs
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox remains a practical, family-friendly compact SUV. It offers a balanced package of comfort, fuel efficiency, features, and safety at a reasonable price. While it may not be the most exciting SUV in terms of performance or luxury, it excels in meeting the daily needs of commuters and families.
If you prioritize reliability, ease of use, and a smooth ride over sporty driving or premium features, the Equinox is a sensible choice in the crowded compact SUV segment. With multiple trims and optional packages, buyers can customize the vehicle to meet their specific needs without overpaying for unnecessary extras.
Pros:
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Decent fuel efficiency
- Family-friendly safety features
- Practical storage and cargo space
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Engine performance is adequate but not sporty
- Interior materials are average in lower trims
- Ride is comfortable but not engaging for enthusiasts
- Some rivals offer more advanced infotainment or hybrid options
Overall, the Chevrolet Equinox continues to serve as a reliable, easy-to-drive, and practical SUV for the average American driver. It may not grab headlines with flashy styling or extreme performance, but its balance of features, comfort, and price makes it a dependable choice for families and daily commuters.
