The Chevrolet Equinox continues to evolve with each model year, offering crossover SUV buyers increasingly refined options. This comparison highlights the key differences between the Equinox models, helping potential buyers understand what each version offers. 

Design and Exterior Updates

Front Fascia Evolution

The new Chevrolet Equinox builds upon the design language established in previous years with subtle refinements to the front fascia. The split-level lighting design introduced in the last model continues, featuring slim LED daytime running lights at the hood level and the main headlights positioned lower on the front bumper. The new model introduces minor tweaks to the grille pattern and front bumper contours.

Last year’s Equinox represented a significant design update over the previous model, embracing the latest Chevrolet design language with a more distinctive, modern appearance. 

Side Profile and Rear Design

From the side, the new Equinox maintains the clean, sculpted lines established with the previous model. Character lines along the body create a sense of forward motion, while the floating roof design remains a distinctive styling element.

At the rear, the new model features refined LED taillights with a slightly updated lighting signature compared to the previous version. The older Equinox had a more conservative rear design, with different taillight shapes and a less prominent rear bumper.

Wheel designs have also evolved, with the latest Equinox offering new alloy wheel options ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim level. Last year’s model introduced several new wheel designs not available on the previous version.

Powertrain and Performance

Engine Options

The new Equinox continues with the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that became standard across all trims in the previous model year. This engine produces 175 horsepower and 275 Nm of torque, delivering responsive acceleration and good fuel efficiency.

Last year’s model featured the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, which represented a continuation of the powertrain strategy from the previous model. All three years utilize this efficient turbocharged engine, though with minor calibration improvements each year to enhance responsiveness and efficiency.

While the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine option was discontinued, the Equinox EV exists as a separate all-electric model with different specifications and is not covered in this comparison of the gas-powered versions.

Transmission and Drivetrain

All three model years are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, though the newer models feature refined shift programming for smoother operation than the previous version.

Front-wheel drive remains standard across all three model years, with all-wheel drive available as an option on all trim levels. The new model introduces minor refinements to the all-wheel-drive system for improved traction in slippery conditions, building on enhancements from last year’s version.

Ride and Handling

The new Equinox benefits from subtle suspension tuning updates that provide a slightly more composed ride over rough surfaces while maintaining responsive handling. The previous model introduced revised damper tuning, resulting in improved ride comfort without sacrificing handling precision.

Steering feel has also been progressively refined across these model years, with the new Equinox offering the most natural and responsive steering feedback of the three. The previous model had a slightly heavier steering feel that some drivers preferred for highway stability.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Dashboard and Control Layout

One of the most noticeable differences between these model years is the interior design. The new Equinox continues the redesigned dashboard introduced in the previous model, featuring a cleaner, more horizontal layout with improved materials and finishes.

Last year’s model represented a significant update over the previous Equinox, with a completely redesigned instrument panel, center console, and control layout. The older model featured a more traditional dashboard design with a driver-oriented center stack.

Infotainment System

The new Equinox comes standard with an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trim levels, retaining the larger display introduced as standard on the previous model. The older Equinox offered a smaller 7-inch screen as standard, with an 8-inch display available on higher trims.

The infotainment software has also evolved, with the new model featuring the latest generation of the Chevrolet infotainment system with enhanced graphics, faster response times, and improved voice recognition. Last year’s model introduced many of these improvements, while the previous system, though functional, lacked some of the refinements found in newer versions.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all three model years, but the newer versions offer more seamless integration and faster connection times.

Digital Cluster and Connectivity

The new Equinox offers an available fully digital instrument cluster on higher trim levels, continuing the technology introduced in last year’s model. This customizable display provides multiple information layouts and enhanced driver information. The older model featured traditional analog gauges with a smaller driver information center.

Connectivity options have improved with each model year. The new Equinox features multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin, wireless charging capability, and enhanced Bluetooth connectivity. The oldest model offered fewer charging options and relied more on USB-A ports.

Interior Space and Comfort

Seating and Materials

The new Equinox continues to offer a spacious interior with comfortable seating for five passengers. Seat designs have been progressively refined across these model years, with newer versions featuring improved cushioning and support compared to older models.

Material quality shows consistent improvement over the years. The new Equinox features soft-touch materials in more cabin areas, with higher trim levels offering premium leather seating surfaces and accent stitching. Last year’s model introduced many of these material upgrades, while the previous Equinox had more hard plastic surfaces throughout the interior.

Cargo Capacity and Flexibility

Cargo space remains consistent across all three model years, with approximately 846 litres behind the rear seats and about 1,809 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the newer models feature refinements to the cargo area, including an available hands-free power liftgate and improved organization options not found on the previous model.

All three model years offer 60/40 split-folding rear seats, but the newer versions include a more user-friendly folding mechanism that creates a flatter load floor when the seats are down.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Standard Safety Technology

Safety technology has seen significant evolution across these model years. The new Equinox comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist on all trim levels, including:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Alert
• IntelliBeam Auto High Beams
• Following Distance Indicator

Last year’s model standardized many of these features across the lineup, while the older Equinox offered some as standard and others as optional, depending on trim level.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The new Equinox offers the most advanced driver assistance features of the three model years, including enhanced versions of systems introduced in earlier models. The latest model includes available:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Park Assist
• HD Surround Vision camera system

Last year’s model introduced many of these advanced features, while the older version offered a more limited suite of driver assistance technologies, particularly on lower trim levels.

Trim Levels and Equipment

LS and LT Features

The base LS and popular LT trims have seen progressive improvements across these model years. The new Equinox LS comes better equipped than ever, including as standard:

• 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• LED headlights and taillights
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Full Chevy Safety Assist suite

Last year’s model introduced many of these features as standard equipment, representing a significant upgrade from the older LS trim, which had a smaller infotainment screen and fewer standard safety features.

RS Distinctive Elements

The sporty RS trim maintains its distinctive character across all three model years, with the latest model including:

• Black exterior accents and badging
• 19-inch dark aluminum wheels
• Unique RS interior with red accent stitching
• Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel
• Unique front fascia with black grille and accents

Last year’s RS offered similar sporty elements, while the previous model had slightly different styling cues, particularly in the exterior details and wheel designs.

Premier Luxury Appointments

The top-tier Premier trim showcases the best of what Chevrolet offers in each model year. The new Premier includes:

• Premium leather-appointed seating
• Available ventilated front seats
• Memory settings for driver’s seat and mirrors
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Available Bose premium audio system
• Hands-free power liftgate

Last year’s Premier introduced many of these luxury features, while the previous Premier, though well-equipped, lacked some of the refined touches found in newer models.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

All three model years deliver competitive fuel economy for the compact SUV segment. The new Equinox achieves approximately 8.7 L/100 km in city driving and 7.1 L/100 km on highway with front-wheel drive. Last year’s model delivered similar figures, while the previous Equinox was slightly less efficient due to differences in engine calibration and aerodynamics.

Environmental performance has improved slightly with each model year, with reduced emissions and more efficient operation, particularly during cold starts, when earlier models tended to use more fuel.

Facts About the Equinox

Does the 2026 Equinox offer a hybrid powertrain option?

• No, it does not offer a hybrid powertrain. Chevrolet offers an EV as its electric alternative in this size category.

Which model year introduced the larger 11.3-inch touchscreen as standard equipment?

• The 2025 Equinox was the first to standardize on the 11.3-inch touchscreen across all trim levels, replacing the smaller screens from the previous model.

Did the cargo capacity change between the 2024 and 2026 Equinox?

• No, cargo capacity remained consistent at approximately 846 litres behind the rear seats and about 1,809 litres with the rear seats folded across all three model years.

When did Chevy Safety Assist become standard on all Equinox trim levels?

• The complete Chevy Safety Assist suite became standard across all trim levels with the last year’s model year, a significant safety upgrade from the previous version.

Which Equinox model year first introduced the more distinctive RS trim with sporty styling elements?

• The RS trim was available on the 2024 model, but it received more distinctive styling elements and interior accents starting with the last year’s model year.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.