The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $28,800 in front-wheel drive. That’s the LT, and it isn’t a stripped base model. You get the same 11.3-inch Google Built-In touchscreen, the same Chevy Safety Assist suite, and the same 175-hp turbo engine as the RS and ACTIV trims priced $4,800 higher. Destination adds $1,995, bringing the drive-away MSRP to $30,795.
Outten Chevrolet stocks the full Equinox lineup at 1701 W Tilghman St in Allentown, serving the wider Lehigh Valley. Below is what each price point gets you, what AWD costs, and how the Equinox compares on price to its closest competitor.
What Each Trim Costs
Three trims, one engine, a $4,800 spread from base to top:
| Trim | FWD MSRP | AWD MSRP | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT | $28,800 | $30,800 | Value trim — full tech, heated seats, cloth |
| RS | $33,600 | $35,600 | Sport styling — 19-inch wheels, blacked-out trim |
| ACTIV | $33,600 | $35,600 | Rugged — all-terrain tires, tuned suspension |
All prices exclude the $1,995 destination charge, tax, title, and fees. RS and ACTIV are priced identically because they’re lateral choices, not a higher rung. You’re choosing style (RS) or capability (ACTIV), not paying more for one over the other. For a full feature-by-feature breakdown, see our Equinox trim comparison.
What AWD Adds and What It Changes
All-wheel drive is a $2,000 add on any trim. It’s worth understanding what that upgrade actually changes under the hood, because it’s more than just extra grip.
In front-wheel drive, the Equinox uses a CVT and makes 184 lb-ft of torque. Add AWD and Chevy swaps in an eight-speed automatic and bumps torque to 203 lb-ft. Horsepower stays at 175 either way, but the transmission change makes the AWD Equinox feel more responsive on highway merges and through the rolling terrain around Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley. Fuel economy drops by one mile per gallon, from 27 to 26 combined. Towing capacity jumps from 800 to 1,500 pounds properly equipped.
For Lehigh Valley winters, the AWD upgrade is the single most worthwhile option on the Equinox. Pair it with the ACTIV’s all-terrain tires and you have a compact SUV that handles snow-covered roads with real confidence. Our specs and dimensions guide covers the full powertrain details.
How the Equinox Compares on Price
The Equinox’s closest competitor is the 2026 Honda CR-V, which starts at $30,920 before destination for the LX. That’s a $2,120 gap at the base level. The CR-V brings more cargo space (39.3 vs. 29.8 cubic feet) and 15 more horsepower, but the Equinox counters with a larger 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In standard on every trim. The CR-V reserves Google Built-In for its $42,250 Sport Touring.
If you’re cross-shopping, our Equinox vs. CR-V comparison lays out the full matchup across price, performance, cargo, and technology. On a pure price-per-feature basis, the Equinox LT is hard to beat in the compact SUV class.
Which Equinox Fits Your Budget
Budget under $31,000: the LT FWD at $28,800 (or $30,800 with AWD) is one of the best-equipped compact SUVs at this price. You’re not giving up tech or safety features to save money.
Budget $33,000 to $36,000: pick between the RS and ACTIV based on how you drive. The RS suits highway commuters who want a sharp-looking SUV. The ACTIV suits anyone who deals with gravel, dirt, or wants the extra ground-contact confidence of all-terrain tires. Add AWD to either for $2,000.
Not sure which trim: start with our Equinox buyer’s guide for the full picture, or come see all three trims in person. A side-by-side walk-around usually settles it faster than any spec sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting price of the 2026 Chevy Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $28,800 for the LT in front-wheel drive, excluding the $1,995 destination charge.
How much does AWD cost on the 2026 Equinox?
All-wheel drive adds $2,000 to any Equinox trim. It also changes the transmission from a CVT to an eight-speed automatic and increases torque from 184 to 203 pound-feet.
Is the 2026 Equinox cheaper than the Honda CR-V?
Yes. The Equinox LT starts at $28,800 before destination, while the CR-V LX starts at $30,920. That is a $2,120 difference at the base trim level.
See the Equinox at Outten Chevrolet
We carry the LT, RS, and ACTIV in both FWD and AWD configurations. Drivers from Bethlehem and across the Lehigh Valley can find us just off Tilghman Street.
View Equinox Inventory
Schedule a Test Drive
Ready to talk numbers? Get pre-approved online before your visit, or explore our full Equinox model page for the complete overview. For service on your current vehicle, our certified technicians are here too.
More Equinox research: cargo space and dimensions · maintenance schedule · Equinox FAQs
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