2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Now in its 2026 model year, the Chevrolet Equinox is a SUV priced from $28,600 to $35,000 across 6 trims. This page compiles safety, fuel cost, reliability, and ownership data from six independent sources, all linked to the original publisher.
Among value SUVs, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox grades at A for fuel cost. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Published crash-test coverage is incomplete for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Within the currently available data, the clearest positive signals are lower estimated fuel cost.
- fuel cost
Strongest published signals
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,600. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA and IIHS data is not available for this model yet.
- NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on file, above the 8-complaint average for 2026 SUVs.
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $3,691 above the similar-vehicle average.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $28,600 - $35,000
- EPA Combined MPG
- 26-27 MPG
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,600 - $1,700/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $250 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 24 on file
- Brand Origin
- United States
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Among SUVs, the average recall count is 1.8. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. This is well above the average of 8 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
15 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-02-26
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported, injury reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- ADAS / Safety Tech13
- Brakes6
- Powertrain6
- Visibility4
- Restraints2
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox achieves up to 27 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,600. That is $204 more per year than the $1,396 average for value SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 26 to 27 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $1,600/yr |
| LT AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 25 | 29 | $1,700/yr |
| ACTIV FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $1,600/yr |
| RS FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $1,600/yr |
| RS AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 25 | 29 | $1,700/yr |
| ACTIV AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 25 | 29 | $1,700/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ranges from $80,420 to $111,420 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873/yr |
| Depreciation | $5,074/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $862/yr |
| Financing | $1,815/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.84/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 6 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Trims Compare?
6 trims are available for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, spanning $28,600 to $35,000. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT FWD GAS | $28,600 | 27 MPG | $1,600/yr | FWD | 3,428 lbs | $80,420 |
| LT AWD GAS | $30,600 | 26 MPG | $1,700/yr | AWD | 3,583 lbs | $107,020 |
| ACTIV FWD GAS | $33,000 | 27 MPG | $1,600/yr | FWD | 3,452 lbs | $84,820 |
| RS FWD GAS | $33,000 | 27 MPG | $1,600/yr | FWD | 3,474 lbs | $84,820 |
| RS AWD GAS | $35,000 | 26 MPG | $1,700/yr | AWD | 3,629 lbs | $111,420 |
| ACTIV AWD GAS | $35,000 | 26 MPG | $1,700/yr | AWD | 3,607 lbs | $111,420 |
The Chevrolet Equinox lineup has contracted from 12 trims in 2024 to 6 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $2,000 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- ACTIV FWD GAS (added 2025)
- ACTIV AWD GAS (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
- LS FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- LS Fleet FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- LT Fleet FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- LS AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- LS Fleet AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- LT Fleet AWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Premier FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- Premier AWD GAS (last available 2024)
Price changes since 2024
- RS AWD GAS $32,550 (2024) → $35,000 (2026) +$2,450
- RS FWD GAS $30,950 (2024) → $33,000 (2026) +$2,050
- LT FWD GAS $29,495 (2024) → $28,600 (2026) -$895
- LT AWD GAS $31,095 (2024) → $30,600 (2026) -$495
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS FWD GAS | $26,600 28 MPG | — | — |
| LS Fleet FWD GAS | $26,850 28 MPG | — | — |
| LT Fleet FWD GAS | $28,150 28 MPG | — | — |
| LS AWD GAS | $28,200 26 MPG | — | — |
| LS Fleet AWD GAS | $28,450 26 MPG | — | — |
| LT FWD GAS | $29,495 28 MPG | $28,600 27 MPG | $28,600 27 MPG |
| LT Fleet AWD GAS | $29,750 26 MPG | — | — |
| RS FWD GAS | $30,950 28 MPG | $33,000 27 MPG | $33,000 27 MPG |
| LT AWD GAS | $31,095 26 MPG | $30,600 26 MPG | $30,600 26 MPG |
| Premier FWD GAS | $31,800 28 MPG | — | — |
| RS AWD GAS | $32,550 26 MPG | $35,000 26 MPG | $35,000 26 MPG |
| Premier AWD GAS | $33,400 26 MPG | — | — |
| ACTIV FWD GAS | — | $33,000 27 MPG | $33,000 27 MPG |
| ACTIV AWD GAS | — | $35,000 26 MPG | $35,000 26 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for value SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Chevrolet's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Come With?
Chevrolet provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Equinox. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 1yr/1visit |
What Are the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 1.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 175 hp |
| Torque | 184 - 203 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic, 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 14.8 - 15.6 gal |
| Length | 183.2 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 74.9 in |
| Height | 65.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,428 - 3,629 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
No changes detected from the 2025 model year. Specifications, pricing, and ratings carry over.
Data Coverage
The following data categories are not yet available for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: NHTSA has not yet published crash test results for this vehicle. IIHS has not yet tested this vehicle for crashworthiness. Learn how we collect, verify, and present vehicle data.
This page reflects published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The trim evolution section above shows how pricing and lineup composition have changed since 2024. All data updates automatically when source agencies publish new information.
Verify this data
2026 Chevrolet Equinox FAQ
How does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox has a fuel cost grade of A, a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 6 available trims, the LT FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $80,420, starting at $28,600 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $111,420. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Chevrolet Equinox insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium SUV class at $1,873 per year, or about $156 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Chevrolet Equinox maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium SUV class at $1,817 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,873/yr) and depreciation ($5,074/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $13,584 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium SUV class depreciates about $5,074 per year, or roughly $25,370 over five years. On a base MSRP of $28,600, that represents about 89% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most efficient 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim costs an estimated $1,600 per year in fuel, or about $133 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $204 more than the average for similar suvs. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox include 2026 Kia Sportage, 2026 Nissan Rogue, and 2026 Hyundai Tucson. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added, 8 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $2,000 for the Chevrolet Equinox lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $133 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,265 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Has the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox been recalled?
No. As of this writing, NHTSA has zero recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Recalls can be issued at any time, so this status may change. You can check for updates on the NHTSA website. See our Zero-recall cars 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.