Chevrolet Equinox trim levels explained

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The 2025-and-newer Chevrolet Equinox has three trims: LT, RS and ACTIV. All use a 175-hp 1.5L turbo four, with a CVT on front-drive models and an eight-speed automatic with AWD. At launch for 2026 the LT started at $28,600 and the RS and ACTIV at $33,000, before destination; AWD adds $2,000.

Current Equinox trim levels: 4th generation (2025–present)

Boxier redesign with a slimmed-down three-trim lineup. The rugged ACTIV and sporty RS share most equipment and price. The battery-electric Equinox EV is a separate model with its own trims. Prices are 2026 launch MSRPs with the $1,395 destination charge removed; GM raised prices later in the model year.[1]

Chevrolet Equinox 4th generation (2025–present) trims in ladder order with 2026 model-year base MSRP (USD), engines and key standard equipment
TrimBase MSRP (2026, USD)EnginesKey standard equipment
LT$28,600FWD, excl. $1,395 destination
  • 1.5L turbo I-4 (175 hp)
  • 17-inch wheels, LED lights, remote start and heated front seats and steering wheel
  • 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
[1]
RS$33,000FWD, excl. $1,395 destination
  • 1.5L turbo I-4 (175 hp)
  • Black grille, 19-inch wheels and synthetic-leather seats
  • Hands-free liftgate, dual-zone climate and wireless charging
[1]
ACTIV$33,000FWD, excl. $1,395 destination
  • 1.5L turbo I-4 (175 hp)
  • All-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels, roof rails and synthetic-suede seats
  • Same comfort upgrades as the RS
[1]

MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a GM or press pricing source.

Previous Equinox trim levels: 3rd generation (2018–2024)

Smaller, lighter Equinox that launched with three turbocharged engines: a 1.5L gas four, a 252-hp 2.0L turbo and a 1.6L diesel, the latter two limited to LT and Premier. The 2022 refresh dropped the L trim, added the RS and left the 1.5L turbo as the only engine.[2][3][4]

Chevrolet Equinox 3rd generation (2018–2024) trims in ladder order, engines and key standard equipment
TrimBase MSRP (USD)EnginesKey standard equipment
L—dropped for 2022
  • 1.5L turbo I-4
  • Front-drive-only entry trim
[2][4]
LS—
  • 1.5L turbo I-4
  • AWD available
  • Became the base trim from 2022
[2][4]
LT—
  • 1.5L turbo I-4
  • 2.0L turbo I-4 (252 hp, pre-refresh)
  • 1.6L turbodiesel I-4 (pre-refresh)
  • Volume trim and the entry point for the optional engines before 2022
[2][4]
RS—2022–2024
  • 1.5L turbo I-4
  • Added with the 2022 refresh, slotted between LT and Premier
[4]
Premier—
  • 1.5L turbo I-4
  • 2.0L turbo I-4 (252 hp, pre-refresh)
  • 1.6L turbodiesel I-4 (pre-refresh)
  • Top trim of the generation
[2][4]

MSRP excludes destination unless noted. "—" means we could not confirm the price from a GM or press pricing source.

Related Equinox research

See which trim and packages a Equinox was ordered with.

Trim names on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Chevrolet Equinox VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — trim, engine, axle and the packages it was ordered with. $9.99, instant.

Chevrolet build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the 2026 Equinox trim levels?

LT, RS and ACTIV. The RS and ACTIV share most equipment and the same starting price, with the RS leaning sporty and the ACTIV leaning rugged.

What engine is in the new Equinox?

A turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder rated at 175 hp. Front-drive models make 184 lb-ft with a CVT; AWD models make 203 lb-ft with an eight-speed automatic.

Is AWD available on every Equinox trim?

Yes. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option on the LT, RS and ACTIV.

Is the Equinox EV the same as the Equinox?

No. The Equinox EV is a separate battery-electric model with its own trims and pricing; this page covers the gas Equinox.

Which older Equinox had the 2.0L turbo?

Early third-generation Equinox LT and Premier models offered a 252-hp 2.0L turbo. It was gone by the 2022 refresh, which left only the 1.5L turbo.

Sources

Prices and equipment are as published by Chevrolet for the model year shown; trim content changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its window sticker or build sheet.

  1. How Much Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox? — Cars.com
  2. 2018 Chevrolet Equinox research — Cars.com
  3. 2018 Chevrolet Equinox LS, LT, Premier pricing uncovered — GM Authority
  4. 2022 Chevrolet Equinox drops previous L model, adds new RS — The Herald (Everett)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors. Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Corvette, Duramax, Vortec and the model names are trademarks of their owner.