2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Price, Safety & Specifications
— NHTSA, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
Among value SUVs, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox scores well for fuel cost. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- Starting MSRP
- $28,600 - $35,000
- EPA Combined MPG
- 26-27 MPG
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,200 - $2,300 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $250 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 33 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,315 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- United States
Priced from $28,600 to $35,000, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is one of 95 value SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- Fuel cost $308 per year above value SUVs average
2026 Chevrolet Equinox at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $2,200. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA and IIHS data is not available for this model yet.
- NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on file, above the 9-complaint average for 2026 SUVs.
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $3,691 above the similar-vehicle average.
Similar vehicles to compare
NHTSA tests are federally mandated. IIHS tests are conducted by an insurance-industry nonprofit. The two programs use different crash configurations, so they catch different things.
Safety ratings measure crashworthiness. Recall data measures post-production quality. A vehicle can score well in crash tests and still have recall campaigns if a component turns out to be defective.
Does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Have Any Recalls?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox has 1 recall campaign on record with NHTSA, involving EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. That is below the 1.7 average for SUVs. Recall repairs are performed at no cost at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Most recent: February 2026
What Do 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. This is well above the average of 9 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
17 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-04-10
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 Tech17
- Brakes8
- Powertrain8
- Electrical6
- Visibility4
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
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 $2,200. That is $308 more per year than the $1,892 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 | $2,200 per year |
| LT AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 25 | 29 | $2,300 per year |
| ACTIV FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $2,200 per year |
| RS FWD GAS | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $2,200 per year |
| RS AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 25 | 29 | $2,300 per year |
| ACTIV AWD GAS | 26 MPG | 25 | 29 | $2,300 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $11,000 to $11,500 depending on trim.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox lineup.
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 | $2,200 per year | FWD | 3,428 lbs | $80,420 |
| LT AWD GAS | $30,600 | 26 MPG | $2,300 per year | AWD | 3,583 lbs | $107,020 |
| ACTIV FWD GAS | $33,000 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | FWD | 3,452 lbs | $84,820 |
| RS FWD GAS | $33,000 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | FWD | 3,474 lbs | $84,820 |
| RS AWD GAS | $35,000 | 26 MPG | $2,300 per year | AWD | 3,629 lbs | $111,420 |
| ACTIV AWD GAS | $35,000 | 26 MPG | $2,300 per year | 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
added 2025
- ACTIV (FWD, AWD)
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- LS (FWD, AWD)
- LS Fleet (FWD, AWD)
- LT Fleet (FWD, AWD)
- Premier (FWD, AWD)
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
Trim selection is about the first year. Reliability is about years two through ten. The section below summarizes the available third-party data on how dependable this vehicle has proven.
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.
The warranty is the manufacturer's own bet on the vehicle's durability. Chevrolet's coverage terms for the 2026 Equinox are shown below.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Come With?
Warranty coverage defines Chevrolet's financial commitment if something fails. The terms below apply to all 2026 Equinox trims. Longer powertrain coverage reflects the manufacturer's confidence in drivetrain durability.
| 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?
Technical specifications for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox from manufacturer data. Engine size, horsepower, curb weight, and dimensions are shown for the primary configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size crossover SUV
| Engine | 1.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 175 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 96.5 - 102.1 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $163 - $200 |
| 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 |
| Est. Range per Tank | 406 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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.
All data shown for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Data coverage & source links
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.
Verify this data
2026 Chevrolet Equinox FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in price and segment include 2026 Kia Sportage, 2026 Nissan Rogue, and 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The Kia Sportage is the closest in price (starting at $28,790, 5-star NHTSA, 26-28 MPG). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. 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 $183 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,315 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Chevrolet based?
Chevrolet is headquartered in United States. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Chevrolet vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our United States-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Chevrolet models are available for 2026?
Chevrolet offers multiple models for 2026. Our Chevrolet models page lists every available Chevrolet vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
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.