2026 Chevy Equinox Trim Levels:
LT vs. RS vs. ACTIV Compared
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox arrives with a redesigned, three-trim lineup built around three distinct driver personalities — not just a feature ladder. Every trim shares the same 1.5L turbocharged engine (175 hp), the same standard 11.3-inch infotainment screen with Google Built-In, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and Chevrolet's full Safety Assist suite. Where they diverge is in looks, ride feel, and intended lifestyle.
This guide breaks down exactly what changes across the LT, RS, and ACTIV — so you can zero in on the right Equinox before you visit our Raynham showroom.
New for 2026: Chevrolet has streamlined the Equinox lineup. The old LS base trim is gone, and LTZ no longer applies to the gas-powered Equinox. The LT is now the entry point — and it's more generous than most base trims. The ACTIV replaces the old upper trim with a distinct adventure-ready focus.
- ? 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- ? Google Built-In (Maps, Assistant)
- ? Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- ? 8-inch digital driver display
- ? Wi-Fi hotspot capable (4G LTE)
- ? Wireless phone charging (available)
- ? Heated front seats — standard
- ? Heated steering wheel — standard
- ? Power-adjustable driver's seat (6-way)
- ? Cloth seating surfaces
- ? 17-inch aluminum wheels
- ? Dual-zone climate control (available)
- ? Automatic Emergency Braking
- ? Lane Keep Assist & Lane Departure Warning
- ? Forward Collision Alert
- ? Following Distance Indicator
- ? IntelliBeam auto high beams
- ? Rear Park Assist
- ? Confidence & Convenience Package available
- ? Midnight Edition styling available
- ? AWD available (approx. +$2,000)
- ? Power liftgate available
- ? Sunroof available
- ? Two-tone roof on select colors
Commuters and families who want a modern, tech-forward compact SUV at a sensible price. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel as standard — not optional extras — put the LT well ahead of most competitors at this price point.
- ? 20-inch black machined aluminum wheels
- ? Sport-specific front fascia & unique grille
- ? Black exterior badges & RS badging
- ? Black roof rails & mirror caps
- ? Available Midnight Edition (gloss black trim)
- ? Available two-tone Mosaic Black or Summit White roof
- ? Evotex premium seating with RS logo on headrests
- ? Flat-bottom RS-logo steering wheel
- ? Sport-accented interior trim
- ? Firmer sport-tuned suspension vs. LT
- ? Available ventilated front seats
- ? Red & black accent color scheme options
- ? Full LT tech & safety suite
- ? Upgraded ambient interior lighting
- ? Enhanced audio system available
- ? Blind-spot monitoring available
- ? Rear cross-traffic alert available
- ? AWD available on RS
- ? Same 175 hp 1.5L turbo as LT
- ? Firmer damping — sportier character
- ? 20-inch wheels = sharper steering response
- ? Slightly reduced MPG vs. LT (larger tires)
- ? Sport mode in drive selector
- ? FWD standard, AWD available
Drivers who want their Equinox to stand out — in the parking lot and in the cabin. The RS doesn't add horsepower, but the blacked-out accents, RS-badged Evotex seats, and flat-bottom wheel make every drive feel more intentional. Strong pick for New England drivers who want style without sacrificing everyday practicality.
- ? 17-inch machined wheels with all-terrain tires
- ? Adventure-inspired exterior accents
- ? Earth-tone & orange styling cues
- ? Distinct rugged front fascia
- ? Raised ride height vs. LT & RS
- ? ACTIV badging throughout
- ? Sueded microfiber seat upholstery
- ? Unique ACTIV interior accents
- ? All-weather floor liners available
- ? Enhanced cargo organization options
- ? Heated front seats & wheel standard
- ? Power liftgate available
- ? All-terrain tires for gravel & light off-road
- ? Adventure-tuned suspension
- ? AWD available for all-weather grip
- ? Same 175 hp turbo engine as LT & RS
- ? Designed for gravel, unpaved parks, light trails
- ? Ideal for MA seasonal road conditions
- ? Full Chevrolet Safety Assist suite
- ? 11.3-inch infotainment with Google Built-In
- ? Blind-spot monitoring available
- ? Rear cross-traffic alert available
- ? Wireless charging available
- ? Enhanced sound system available
Weekend adventurers who want an SUV ready for gravel roads, state park parking lots, and unpredictable New England weather. The all-terrain tires and raised ride height give real extra confidence in slippery or uneven conditions — especially paired with AWD for southeastern Massachusetts winters.
Full Trim Comparison
| Feature | LT | RS | ACTIV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo | 1.5L Turbo | 1.5L Turbo |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp |
| AWD | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| City / Hwy MPG (FWD) | 25 / 29 | 24 / 28 | 24 / 28 |
| Wheels & Ride | |||
| Wheel Size | 17-inch alloy | 20-inch black machined | 17-inch machined |
| Tire Type | All-season | Performance all-season | All-terrain |
| Ride Character | Comfortable | Sportier / firmer | Trail-tuned |
| Technology | |||
| Infotainment Screen | 11.3-inch | 11.3-inch | 11.3-inch |
| Google Built-In | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 8" Digital Driver Display | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Charging | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Comfort | |||
| Heated Front Seats | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Seat Material | Cloth | Evotex premium | Sueded microfiber |
| Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel | — | Standard | — |
| Power Liftgate | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Dual-Zone Climate | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sunroof | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Exterior Style | |||
| Blacked-Out Accents | — | Standard | — |
| 20-Inch Wheels | — | Standard | — |
| All-Terrain Tires | — | — | Standard |
| Two-Tone Roof | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Midnight Edition Package | Optional | Optional | — |
| Safety | |||
| Auto Emergency Braking | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Park Assist | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | Optional | Optional | Optional |
*MSRPs are estimates and subject to change. Contact McKay Chevrolet for current pricing and availability.
Which Equinox Is Right for You?
- Want maximum value for your budget
- Prioritize ride comfort over sporty feel
- Commute daily and want great tech standard
- Plan to add AWD, sunroof, or packages
- Prefer the softer sidewall on rougher roads
- Don't need a sport or adventure look
- Want a sportier look without sports car cost
- Prefer blacked-out, aggressive styling
- Like premium seat feel and a flat-bottom wheel
- Value curb appeal as part of your daily drive
- Don't need off-road or trail capability
- Want the Midnight Edition package option
- Drive on gravel, dirt, or seasonal roads often
- Want all-terrain tires without buying a truck
- Take trips to Cape Cod, state parks, or trails
- Prefer an outdoorsy look over a sporty one
- Want AWD + all-terrain for New England winters
- Need a capable but still practical family SUV
For most drivers in the Raynham area, the LT with AWD delivers the best everyday value — especially for southeastern Massachusetts winters. If you want that extra identity on the road, the RS is satisfying at every stop light. And if your weekends take you somewhere unpaved, the ACTIV with AWD is the Equinox built for it.
Curious about the electric version? Check out the 2026 Equinox EV — a separate model with up to 319 miles of range. Or explore our full Chevrolet model research hub for more comparisons.
Find Your 2026 Equinox at McKay Chevrolet
LT and RS models in stock now in Raynham, MA — serving Taunton, Brockton, Plymouth, and all of southeastern Massachusetts.