How much does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox cost?

Prices have softened 5.58% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,921 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $29,190.83, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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 comes across as a balanced compact crossover with stylish design, a well-executed interior, and easy-to-use technology. That makes it a sensible fit if you want a straightforward small SUV that covers the basics well rather than chasing class-leading performance.

The trade-offs are that it has less cargo space than rivals and a fairly pedestrian driving character, with an irritating transmission noted in testing. Even so, it remains a practical choice for everyday commuting and general family use.

32.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

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 simple, mainstream mission, and that usually helps ownership feel predictable. Its expert evaluation also points to a competent overall package rather than one built around complicated or experimental hardware.

The performance notes describe the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine as adequate, with the AWD transmission doing its job even if it can hesitate on downshifts. The cost-effectiveness notes also say the Equinox “lays an impressive foundation” and performs reasonably in fuel economy and everyday use.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the same transmission and cargo-space compromises that show up early are likely to remain part of the ownership experience.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.5% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and confirm the vehicle’s condition matches the listing photos and description. A pre-purchase inspection is especially useful if you want to check for signs of hard use, uneven tire wear, or any issues tied to the transmission behavior noted in testing. Focus on how the cabin, controls, and cargo area have held up, since those are central to the Equinox’s appeal.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: LT, Active, and RS each bring different styling cues, and the base LT is the most straightforward version with standard cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The RS adds more black trim and larger wheels, while the Activ leans into rugged styling with all-terrain tires and unique seat materials.
• 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 more 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, a 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 setup.
• 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, Active, and RS.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The LT is the most affordable path, but it keeps things simple with cloth seats and smaller 17-inch wheels.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Active is the best fit if you want a more distinctive look and a richer cabin without moving too far upmarket.
• Premium/top trim: The RS is the most style-forward choice, with more black trim, a wider grille, and standard 19-inch wheels.

The Safety and Technology Package is the key add-on to look for if you want the most complete driver-assistance and camera setup.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting deep distress pricing.

• Deal availability: 32.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,921 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.58% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 94.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $29,190.83, 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 $29,452 sits slightly below last year's $31,192.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For future resale, the current softness may also mean there is less immediate upside than there was a year ago, but the Equinox’s broad appeal should still support steady demand.

If you keep the vehicle in clean condition and avoid overpaying today, you should be in a better position when it is time to sell. 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 mixed safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with Good results in the updated moderate overlap front and side-impact tests and Acceptable results in the whiplash and small overlap front tests.

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

Standard driver-assistance 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 mean you should pay attention to the areas where the Equinox scored lower, especially if safety is a top priority.

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:

• 32.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.5% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.58% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It keeps the focus on a balanced design, easy-to-use tech, and a well-executed interior.

Consider the 2025 if:

• At $26,809, the 2025 costs less than the current year's $29,452 average.
• It brings a redesigned look with new standard tech and safety features.

The bottom line: If you want the newer model year with a softer market and strong inventory, the 2026 is the cleaner pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2025 is the better value path and still delivers the core Equinox formula.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.