New & Used 2026 Chevrolet Equinox for Sale nearForreston, IL

How much does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox cost?

Prices have softened 7.55% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,623 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and prices.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox a good car?

Yes — the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Look and feel at 9/10.

It fits the compact crossover role well, with stylish design, a well-executed interior, and easy-to-use technology that give it broad appeal in a crowded segment. It also targets everyday usability rather than chasing extremes, which makes sense for buyers who want a balanced package.

The main trade-offs are less cargo space than rivals and fairly pedestrian performance, plus an irritating transmission. Even so, the Equinox’s broad-market positioning and strong tech presentation make it a sensible choice if you value comfort, usability, and a polished cabin over excitement.

Good and great deals account for 35.6% of listings, which is a healthy sign of market availability.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Equinox is built around a straightforward turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder setup, and the overall package is aimed at everyday dependability rather than complexity. Its balanced design and easy-to-use tech support low-stress ownership, and the expert evaluation describes it as a compact crossover that does what it should without trying to redefine the class.

The performance notes also point to a conventional, familiar powertrain layout, which can be reassuring for used buyers who want something simple to live with. If you plan to keep it long term, the biggest ownership risk is more about everyday drivability and refinement than mechanical ambition.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re comparing multiple trims or higher-mileage examples. Focus on overall condition, tire wear, brake feel, and whether the transmission behavior matches what you expect on a test drive.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LT has standard chrome grille mesh and 17-inch wheels, while the RS adds more black trim, a wider grille, and standard 19-inch wheels. The Activ leans into a more rugged look with a more prominent lower front fascia, more chrome trim, all-terrain tires, and unique microfiber and Evotex seats.
• Powertrain: The only engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four with 175 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive models use a CVT, while all-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic and 203 lb-ft of torque.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, and rear park-assist. The Safety and Technology Package adds a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, rear pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition.
• Infotainment: Standard equipment includes an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Google built-in apps are included, and the system supports Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play Store access.
• Fuel efficiency: The Equinox is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined, 26 mpg city, and 29 mpg highway. AWD models are rated 1 mpg lower in the combined and city categories.

Which 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trim should I buy?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is offered in 3 trim levels: LT, Activ, RS.

Here's the short version:

• LT: This is the best-value trim if you want the lowest starting price and the core Equinox experience. You still get the standard tech setup, the full safety suite, and the same basic powertrain, so it covers the essentials without pushing the price up.
• Activ: Choose this if you want the most distinctive look and the most rugged-leaning appearance. It adds the model-specific exterior treatment, all-terrain tires, and unique interior materials, but its main differentiator is visual character rather than meaningful off-road capability.
• RS: Pick the RS if you want the sportiest appearance in the lineup, with more black trim, a wider grille, and larger standard wheels. It’s the trim that leans hardest into style, making it a good fit if you care most about curb appeal.

The Safety and Technology Package adds useful features like the surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, rear pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

This looks like a moderate buyer’s market, so you have room to compare listings and negotiate.

• Deal availability: 35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,623 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.55% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 94.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $28,907, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox's resale value?

The current average of $28,907 sits slightly below last year's $31,268.

That softer pricing can help you buy more carefully now, but it also means future sellers may face a more competitive market if values continue to ease. For resale, the key advantage is that the Equinox still has broad appeal thanks to its styling, tech, and everyday usability.

If demand stays steady, well-kept examples should remain easy to market because the model sits in a popular segment. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox safe?

The 2026 Equinox received Good ratings in the updated moderate overlap front and side-impact tests from IIHS, with Acceptable ratings in the whiplash and small overlap front tests.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, and rear park-assist. GM also includes a vibrating driver’s seat for alerts and the Teen Driver system.

The Safety and Technology Package adds a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, rear pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. The mixed IIHS results are the main caveat, especially the lower ratings in whiplash and small overlap front testing.

Should I buy a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.55% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2026 keeps the redesigned Equinox’s strong styling, easy-to-use tech, and balanced everyday usability.

Consider the 2025 if:

• At $26,482, the 2025 costs less than the current year's $28,907 average.
• It brings a fresh redesign with new standard tech and safety features.

The bottom line: If you want the better-supported current-year shopping pool and don’t mind paying more, the 2026 is the cleaner pick. If your priority is saving money up front, the 2025 is the smarter value play and still gives you the redesigned Equinox formula.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.