2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Standard Heated Seats, Google Built-In, and Real Cargo Room

The Equinox competes with the RAV4, the CR-V, and the Tucson — and for 2026 it makes a strong value argument: heated front seats and a heated steering wheel come standard, along with remote start and a hands-free liftgate.

Most competitors charge for all four.

Here’s what the 2026 Equinox offers.

Powertrain

A turbocharged 1.5-liter four producing 175 horsepower, with torque varying by drivetrain:

That difference is worth knowing before you drive one. The all-wheel-drive version makes more torque and uses a conventional eight-speed automatic instead of a CVT.

If you’ve driven a CVT and didn’t like the drone under acceleration, drive the AWD model. It’s a noticeably different experience, and you get the extra torque with it.

Towing up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped — a small trailer, a pair of jet skis, or recreational gear.

What Comes Standard

This is the Equinox’s strongest argument, and it’s easy to overlook in a feature list:

• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Remote start
• Keyless open and start
• Hands-free liftgate
• LED headlights across all trims
• Chevy Safety Assist in full

Through an Alabama winter the heated seats and steering wheel earn their keep, and remote start earns it the other nine months. Getting all of that without moving up a trim is unusual in this class.

Space

29.8 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

That’s generous for a compact SUV, and the shape is as useful as the volume. Bring what you actually carry and load it — that test decides between an Equinox and a RAV4 faster than any comparison chart.

Seating for five with real rear legroom.

Technology

An 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built in, paired with a customizable 11-inch driver display.

Google Maps runs natively rather than mirrored from your phone — no pairing required, live traffic included, and apps download directly to the vehicle. “Hey Google” handles voice commands properly.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you’d rather use your phone, plus SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports.

Available upgrades include dual-zone climate control, leatherette or sueded microfiber upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a digital rearview mirror, and an HD surround vision camera.

The Trims

LT — the entry point, and already well equipped given everything standard above.

RS — the sport treatment, with a model-specific front fascia, darkened accents, and distinctive wheels.

ACTIV — the outdoor-oriented trim, with its own fascia design, two-tone roof options, and rugged styling.

Both RS and ACTIV get unique front-end treatments rather than just badges, and available 17- or 19-inch wheels across the range, plus privacy-tinted rear glass and solar-absorbing windows.

Safety

Chevy Safety Assist is standard, including:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Alert
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Following Distance Indicator
• IntelliBeam auto high beams

New for 2026: Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking and enhanced radar sensing with pedestrian detection. Intersection AEB addresses one of the most common and most serious crash types — the turn across oncoming traffic — and it’s not something every competitor offers.

Available: Adaptive Cruise Control with lane-centering, Reverse Automatic Braking, HD Surround Vision, Side Bicyclist Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition, and a Rear Camera Mirror.

More than fifteen driver-assistance features in total.

Which Equinox Should You Buy?

• Best value, well equipped as-is → LT
• Want the sportier look → RS
• Outdoor styling and two-tone roof → ACTIV
• Dislike CVTs, or want more torque → any trim with all-wheel drive

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have? A turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower, with 184 lb-ft of torque in front-wheel-drive form and 203 lb-ft with all-wheel drive.

What transmission does the Equinox use? Front-wheel-drive models use a CVT. All-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic.

How much cargo space does the 2026 Equinox have? 29.8 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Are heated seats standard on the Equinox? Yes. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard across the lineup, along with remote start, keyless open and start, and a hands-free liftgate.

How much can the 2026 Equinox tow? Up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.

What is Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking? A safety feature new for 2026 that can detect and help avoid collisions when turning across oncoming traffic — one of the more common and serious crash types.

What infotainment does the Equinox use? An 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built in, including native Google Maps and “Hey Google” voice control, plus an 11-inch driver display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What trims does the 2026 Equinox offer? LT, RS, and ACTIV, each with distinct front-end styling and wheel options.

Where can I test drive an Equinox near Gadsden? Team One Chevrolet of Gadsden at 413 E. Meighan Blvd in Gadsden, AL, serving Gadsden, Anniston, Albertville, and Sand Mountain. Browse our Equinox inventory or contact us at (256) 459-2614.

Come Drive One

Two things to try while you’re here. Drive a front-drive and an all-wheel-drive model back to back — the transmission difference is immediately obvious. And use the Google navigation without pairing your phone; most people are surprised how much better native Maps is than a mirrored screen.

Browse our Equinox inventory, read more on our 2026 Equinox page, or see our full new inventory, pre-owned, and certified pre-owned selections.

Want something smaller? The Trax or Trailblazer. Need more room? The two-row Blazer or three-row Traverse.

Use Build and Price to spec one out, or start online with Shop Click Drive.

Check current offers and new vehicle specials — Equinox financing programs change monthly and are worth asking about.

Estimate a payment, value your trade, or apply for financing before you visit.

Our service center handles Equinox maintenance and warranty work, and you can schedule service online any time.