Is the 2027 Chevy Equinox RS Ready for Ontario Winters?
Yes. Every new Chevy Equinox RS comes with all-wheel drive. AWD is standard on all three trims (LT, ACTIV and RS). There’s no front-wheel-drive Equinox, and every model uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. That matters if you drive through Mississauga winters. Slush on the 401, snow on side streets, salt on everything. It’s all part […]
Yes. Every new Chevy Equinox RS comes with all-wheel drive. AWD is standard on all three trims (LT, ACTIV and RS). There’s no front-wheel-drive Equinox, and every model uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.
That matters if you drive through Mississauga winters. Slush on the 401, snow on side streets, salt on everything. It’s all part of the season. The Chevy Equinox RS pairs AWD with heated seats, remote start, and a full suite of driver-assistance features.
Below, you’ll see how the RS drivetrain is set up, which winter features it includes, how it stacks up against the LT, and what warranty protects you during salt season. To see one in person, browse the Chevrolet Equinox inventory at Addison GM.
Is the 2027 Chevy Equinox RS AWD?
It is, and you don’t need to add a package to get it. Chevrolet Canada lists all-wheel drive as standard on all Equinox trims. The RS uses the same powertrain as the LT and ACTIV, so the drivetrain doesn’t change by trim.
What changes is equipment and styling.
Equinox Drivetrain by Trim
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT | 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder | 8-speed automatic | AWD |
| ACTIV | 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder | 8-speed automatic | AWD |
| RS | 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder | 8-speed automatic | AWD |
Other powertrain details on the Equinox:
- 3.47 final drive ratio
- Automatic Stop/Start (standard)
- Drive Mode Selector (standard on all trims)
- E15 fuel capable
For horsepower, torque and towing questions, contact Addison GM’s team. For the full spec sheet, visit the Chevrolet Equinox page on chevrolet.ca.
Chevy Equinox RS Winter Features for Mississauga Drivers
AWD is only one part of a good winter setup. The surrounding equipment matters just as much on a January morning in Mississauga, and the RS is well equipped.
Comfort Features for Cold Mornings
Several cold-weather features are standard on every Equinox:
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Remote Start
- Keyless Open and Start
- Active Noise Cancellation
The RS adds more standard equipment:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- RainSense automatic wipers
- Wireless Phone Charging
- 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar control
- AutoSense power liftgate
Think about a snowy weekday. You start the Equinox from your kitchen, then step into a warm cabin with a heated seat and steering wheel, no digging for keys. And when slush starts flying off the truck ahead of you, the RainSense wipers adjust on their own.
Safety and Visibility When Roads Get Slick
Winter driving means short days, dirty windows and tight parking lots. Driver assistance features earn their keep here. The Chevrolet Safety Assist package is standard on all trims, and the Equinox includes over 15 standard safety and driver assistance features.
Highlights for winter driving include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (standard on all trims)
- HD Rear Vision Camera (standard)
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking (standard)
- Reverse Automatic Braking (standard)
- HD Surround Vision (optional on all trims)
Cold air also drops tire pressure, so read about Equinox tire pressure monitoring to keep your readings accurate.
How the Chevy Equinox RS Compares With the LT
Both trims use the same AWD system, engine, and 8-speed automatic transmission. The choice comes down to style and equipment.
The RS is the sport-appearance trim. Here’s what Chevrolet Canada lists for it:
- 19-inch Carbon flash metallic machined-face aluminum wheels with all-season blackwall tires (standard)
- 20-inch Black machined-face aluminum wheels and tires (optional)
- Black mirrors, mouldings, emblems and badging
- Wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel (standard)
- Evotex seat trim in Black with Red Accents (standard)
- Driver memory and Universal Home Remote (standard)
- Mosaic Black Metallic two-tone roof (optional)
The LT keeps things simple. It has 17-inch Grazen metallic wheels, a 6-way manual driver seat, single-zone manual climate control and a manual liftgate. But it still includes heated seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and the safety suite that come on every trim.
The LT suits drivers who want AWD and key winter comforts in a clean, straightforward package; the RS suits drivers who want a bolder look and more power-adjustable comfort every day.
Fuel Economy, Weight and Tank Size
Chevrolet Canada estimates the Equinox at 9.6 L/100 km in the city and 8.1 L/100 km on the highway. That estimate applies to all trims, including the RS. The RS has a base curb weight of 1,646 kg (3,629 lbs) and a 59 L fuel tank.
Automatic Stop/Start is standard.
Warranty Coverage for Ontario Salt Season
Road salt is a fact of life in Ontario, which makes the corrosion coverage on the Equinox worth knowing.
| Coverage | Term |
|---|---|
| Basic | 3 years / 60,000 km |
| Corrosion | 3 years / 60,000 km |
| Rust-Through | 6 years / 160,000 km |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 100,000 km |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 100,000 km |
Roadside Assistance is especially reassuring on a cold night. Regular care at a GM Certified Service centre also helps keep your Equinox running well in salt season. When it’s time for maintenance, you can book a service appointment at Addison GM. For maintenance timing, read about the Equinox’s first transmission service.
Final Thoughts
The Chevy Equinox RS answers the AWD question simply. All-wheel drive and the 8-speed automatic come on every trim, and the RS adds sporty styling, 19-inch wheels and more standard comfort. Add heated seats, remote start, strong safety features and 6-year rust-through coverage, and it’s ready for Ontario winters.
To compare the RS, LT and ACTIV side by side, browse the new Chevrolet Equinox inventory at Addison GM in Mississauga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD?
Yes. All-wheel drive is standard on the RS, LT, and ACTIV. You don’t need to order a package to get it. Every trim uses the same 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder and 8-speed automatic, with a 3.47 final drive ratio. The RS also includes the standard Drive Mode Selector. So any RS you see at Addison GM in Mississauga is set up with AWD.
Is the Equinox RS better than the LT?
It depends on what you value most. Both trims share the same AWD powertrain, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, remote start and Chevrolet Safety Assist. The RS adds 19-inch Carbon flash wheels, black exterior accents, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-way power driver seat, RainSense wipers, wireless charging and an AutoSense power liftgate. The LT offers a clean, simple setup with the same core winter features. Test-driving both is the easiest way to decide.
Will the 2027 Chevy Equinox be redesigned?
For the latest on future model years, see the Chevrolet Canada website or contact Addison GM.
Are Chevrolet Equinox good SUVs?
The Equinox offers a lot to compact SUV buyers. Every trim includes all-wheel drive, Adaptive Cruise Control, an HD Rear Vision Camera, remote start, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. It includes more than 15 standard safety and driver-assistance features. Chevrolet Canada estimates 9.6 L/100 km city and 8.1 L/100 km highway. And in Ontario’s salt season, the rust-through coverage is a real bonus.
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 and feature availability.
