New & Used 2026 Chevrolet Equinox for Sale nearMadison, NE

How much does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox cost?

Prices have softened 11.02% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,365 listings available, which suggests you should have a healthy range of choices.

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’s a balanced compact crossover with stylish design, a well-executed interior, and easy-to-use technology, so it fits you well if you want a straightforward SUV that covers the basics without much fuss. The trade-offs are less cargo space than rivals and fairly pedestrian performance, plus an irritating transmission.

The market also looks reasonably accommodating, with 38.8% of listings priced as good or great deals.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

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

The Equinox is presented as a well-rounded compact crossover with a familiar formula, and its core strengths are consistency, usability, and broad appeal rather than novelty. Its standard powertrain is simple, and the available all-wheel-drive setup adds a conventional automatic transmission.

The performance notes point to adequate everyday capability rather than standout pace, which usually means you should focus on how the drivetrain feels in real-world driving. If you’re buying used, the main long-term ownership risk is that the transmission behavior and modest performance may be more noticeable over time than outright mechanical complexity.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.6% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with optional equipment. Focus on overall condition, how the transmission behaves on a test drive, and whether the cabin and tech features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: LT, Active, and RS each bring distinct styling and cabin details, with the LT using chrome grille mesh and 17-inch wheels, the RS adding more black trim and larger wheels, and the Active leaning into a more rugged look with all-terrain tires. The base LT is the most value-oriented choice if you want the core Equinox experience without paying for appearance extras.
• Powertrain: The only engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four with 175 horsepower. Front-wheel drive uses a CVT, while all-wheel drive brings an eight-speed automatic and 203 lb-ft of torque.
• Safety package: Standard driver aids include 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, digital rear-view mirror, rear pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition.
• Infotainment: You get 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 over-the-air-style connected functionality through its Android-based interface.
• Fuel efficiency: The Equinox is 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, Active, RS.

Here's the short version:

• LT: This is the best-value trim if you want the Equinox’s core strengths without paying for extra styling or off-road-themed touches. It gives you the standard tech, the standard safety suite, and the most straightforward entry point into the lineup.
• Active: Choose this if you want the more rugged appearance and the unique cabin touches, including the model-specific seat materials and all-terrain tires. It suits you best if style and a slightly tougher look matter more than maximum value.
• RS: Pick this if you want the sportier appearance package, with more black trim, larger standard wheels, and a more aggressive visual presentation. It’s the right choice if you care most about the top-end look rather than added capability.

The standard safety package is strong across the lineup, and the available Safety and Technology Package adds useful upgrades if you want more camera and alert coverage.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 38.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,365 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.02% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 93.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $27,670, 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 $27,671 sits slightly below last year's $31,098.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may pressure future resale if you plan to sell soon. For a seller, the softer pricing means you may need to be more competitive on condition, mileage, and equipment to stand out.

The good news is that the Equinox still has broad appeal as a balanced compact crossover with useful tech and a polished cabin. 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 Chevrolet Equinox received a Good rating in the updated moderate overlap front and side-impact tests from IIHS, along with an Acceptable rating 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, digital rear-view mirror, rear pedestrian alert, and traffic-sign recognition. The mixed IIHS results are the main caveat, especially the Acceptable 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:

• 38.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.6% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.02% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It keeps the focus on the Equinox’s core strengths: balanced packaging, easy-to-use tech, and a well-executed interior.

Consider the 2025 if:

• At $26,011, the 2025 costs less than the current year's $27,671 average.
• It brings a fresher redesign with new standard tech and safety features.

The bottom line: If you want the newer model-year pricing context and a broad selection, the 2026 is the better all-around target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2025 is the smarter value play and still delivers the redesign’s core appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 20, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.