The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox keeps its lineup refreshingly simple: three trims — LT, RS, and ACTIV — spanning $28,800 to $33,600 in front-wheel drive. Every one runs the same 175-horsepower turbocharged engine, so the decision isn’t about power; it’s about equipment, look, and whether you add all-wheel drive. The LT is the value trim, the RS is the sport-styled one, and the ACTIV is the adventure-styled one — and because RS and ACTIV are priced identically, choosing between them comes down purely to personality.

Outten Chevrolet stocks the full Equinox lineup, and this guide walks each trim in depth, lays them out in a side-by-side matrix, and closes with a value verdict and a buyer’s decision framework. For the broader picture, start from the Equinox research hub, or see the full model overview.

At a Glance

2026 Equinox Trim Lineup at a Glance

• LT — $28,800 (FWD). The value play: heated front seats and heated steering wheel standard, 17-inch wheels, full Google-built-in tech.
• RS — $33,600 (FWD). The sport look: blacked-out styling, 19-inch wheels, flat-bottom steering wheel, plus standard blind-spot safety tech.
• ACTIV — $33,600 (FWD). The adventure look: all-terrain tires, tuned suspension, rugged fascia, and the same standard safety tech as the RS.

All prices exclude the $1,995 destination charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and options. Add $2,000 for AWD on any trim.

Trim by Trim

Trim-by-Trim Breakdown

Equinox LT — $28,800

The LT is the volume trim and the smart-money pick. It starts at $28,800 with front-wheel drive (the $1,995 destination charge, tax, and fees are extra). Power comes from the 1.5-liter turbo four making 175 horsepower, paired with a CVT in front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is a $2,000 option that swaps in an 8-speed automatic. What makes the LT punch above its price is the standard equipment: 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels, LED lighting, cloth seats, and — unusual at this price — heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and keyless entry. Tech is the same across the lineup, so the LT already gets the 11.3-inch Google-built-in touchscreen and 11-inch driver display. The one thing to know: blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking are not standard here — they come bundled in the Safety and Technology Package (about $945). Who it’s for: value-focused commuters and families who want the core Equinox without paying for styling upgrades. Shop LT inventory.

Equinox RS — $33,600

The RS is the sport-appearance trim, starting at $33,600 in front-wheel drive ($35,600 with AWD). It shares the LT’s 175-hp turbo and drivetrain choices — the RS badge is about look and content, not added power. Standard upgrades over the LT include 19-inch wheels (20-inch available), blacked-out exterior styling, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and sport interior trim. Importantly, the RS makes the safety features that cost extra on the LT — blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking — standard, and it adds a hands-free power liftgate. A Convenience package is available that bundles ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a power passenger seat. Who it’s for: buyers who want the sportiest-looking Equinox with the safety tech already included. Shop RS inventory.

Equinox ACTIV — $33,600

The ACTIV is the adventure-styled trim, priced identically to the RS at $33,600 FWD ($35,600 AWD) — so the choice between them is purely about character. Where the RS goes sporty, the ACTIV goes rugged: standard 17-inch all-terrain tires, a uniquely tuned suspension, a more rugged front fascia, and Evotex seats with sueded-microfiber inserts. It carries the same standard safety upgrades as the RS (blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, reverse braking) and the same hands-free power liftgate, and offers the same Convenience package. With AWD added, the ACTIV is the most capable-feeling Equinox for gravel, grass, and snow — though it’s a soft-roader look, not a true off-road trim. Who it’s for: buyers who want outdoorsy styling and extra all-weather footing. Shop ACTIV inventory.

Side by Side

Side-by-Side Comparison Matrix

Head to Head

Common Equinox Trim Comparisons

LT vs RS

This is the most common Equinox decision: the value trim versus the sport-look trim. The RS costs $4,800 more than the LT and gives you nothing extra under the hood — same 175-hp turbo, same drivetrains. What the RS adds is 19-inch wheels, blacked-out styling, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a standard power liftgate, and — the practical part — standard blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, and reverse braking that cost $945 extra on the LT. So the real gap is roughly $3,855 of styling once you account for the safety tech you’d likely add to an LT anyway. Choose the LT if you want the lowest price; choose the RS if the sport look matters and you want the safety suite baked in.

RS vs ACTIV

Because the RS and ACTIV are priced identically at $33,600, this comparison is purely about character — neither is “more expensive” or “higher” than the other. The RS leans street-sporty: 19-inch wheels, blacked-out trim, flat-bottom wheel. The ACTIV leans outdoorsy: 17-inch all-terrain tires, a tuned suspension, a rugged fascia, and Evotex-with-microfiber seats. They carry the same standard safety tech, the same power liftgate, and the same Convenience package option. Pick the RS if you want the sharper on-road look; pick the ACTIV if you want all-weather footing and adventure styling. Adding AWD ($2,000) makes the ACTIV the more natural all-conditions choice.

Value Verdict

The Equinox Value Verdict and Step-Up Guide

Step up	Price delta	What you gain
LT + Safety & Tech pkg	+$945	Blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, reverse auto braking
LT ? RS	+$4,800	19" wheels, blacked-out styling, flat-bottom wheel, standard safety suite, power liftgate
LT ? ACTIV	+$4,800	All-terrain tires, tuned suspension, rugged fascia, standard safety suite, power liftgate
Any trim + AWD	+$2,000	8-speed automatic, 203 lb-ft, all-weather grip

RS and ACTIV are lateral choices at the same price, not a higher rung — pick on character, not hierarchy.

Which Trim

Which 2026 Equinox Trim Is Right for You?

If value is the priority

Go LT. It has the same engine and tech as the rest of the lineup for $4,800 less; add the $945 safety package and you have a well-equipped Equinox at about $29,745 before destination.

If you want the sportiest look

Go RS. Blacked-out styling, 19-inch wheels, and a flat-bottom wheel, with the safety suite standard.

If you want adventure styling or all-weather footing

Go ACTIV, ideally with AWD. All-terrain tires and a tuned suspension give it the most confident foul-weather character in the lineup.

If you drive year-round in snow

Add AWD ($2,000) to whichever trim you pick. The 8-speed automatic and extra grip are the single most worthwhile upgrade for Lehigh Valley winters.

Shop Trims

Shop Equinox Trims at Outten Chevrolet

Outten Chevrolet of Allentown stocks the LT, RS, and ACTIV in both front- and all-wheel drive, so you can compare trims side by side in person. We’re at 1701 W Tilghman St, serving the Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Emmaus, Slatington, and Bally. Browse the full Equinox inventory, jump straight to the LT, RS, or ACTIV, or get pre-approved to start your deal.

Questions

2026 Equinox Trim FAQs