The compact SUV class is crowded, and shoppers have no shortage of choices. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox earns a long look because it packs technology, safety, and all-weather ability into a vehicle built for everyday driving.

Below is a closer look at the features that help the 2026 Equinox stand apart, from its standard driver-assistance package to its large screens and available all-wheel drive.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox at a glance

Feature	Detail
Engine	1.5L turbocharged, 175 hp
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive standard; available AWD
Fuel economy (FWD)	9.2 city / 8.1 highway / 8.7 combined L/100 km
Displays	11.3-inch touchscreen, 11-inch driver display
Trims	LT, ACTIV, RS

A deep standard safety package

Many compact SUVs reserve driver aids for higher trims. The Equinox makes a long list standard across the lineup, which is one of the clearest reasons it stands out.

Standard Chevrolet Safety Assist and related features include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, plus IntelliBeam high beams
• Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Zone Steering Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Rear Park Assist, and a Safety Alert Seat

Having these built in means a base 2026 Equinox arrives ready for highway and city driving without paying extra for the essentials.

Screens and connectivity built around the driver

The 2026 Equinox puts an 11.3-inch diagonal touchscreen and a separate 11-inch driver information display front and centre. Both screens are standard, so every trim gets the larger setup.

The system supports Google built-in compatibility, giving drivers familiar maps, voice help, and apps right in the dash. Wireless connectivity and available wireless charging keep phones topped up and clutter-free on longer drives. The cabin pairs that technology with a versatile layout, including folding rear seats that open extra room for gear, groceries, and weekend luggage.

Engine, drive modes, and all-weather capability

A 1.5L turbocharged engine rated at 175 horsepower powers the Equinox, paired with front-wheel drive on the LT and available all-wheel drive across the range. AWD comes standard on the ACTIV and RS.

The Drive Mode Selector lets you match the vehicle to conditions. FWD models offer Normal and Snow settings, while AWD adds an Off-Road mode that adjusts how power reaches the road. For Canadian winters and gravel-road weekends, that flexibility matters.

Fuel economy stays reasonable for the segment. Front-wheel-drive models return 9.2 city, 8.1 highway, and 8.7 combined L/100 km, so daily commuting and weekend trips stay affordable at the pump.

The ACTIV and RS add personality

Beyond the well-equipped LT, the Equinox offers two trims with distinct character. The ACTIV leans into an outdoor look with unique styling, all-terrain tires, and standard AWD for drivers who head off the pavement. The RS brings a sportier design with its own grille, wheels, and cabin accents.

Both build on the same standard safety and screen technology, so choosing a trim is about style and capability rather than giving up core features.

Which Equinox trim fits you

If you want a value-focused crossover with the full safety suite and big screens, the LT covers the basics well. Drivers who want all-wheel drive plus an adventurous look gravitate to the ACTIV, while the RS suits shoppers chasing a sportier presence. Every choice keeps the technology that makes the Equinox stand out.

See the 2026 Equinox at Island Chevrolet Buick GMC

The features that set the 2026 Equinox apart are easiest to judge from the driver’s seat. Book a test drive at Island Chevrolet Buick GMC in Duncan, sit behind the wheel, and see how the screens, safety tech, and available AWD fit the way you drive.