Chevrolet Equinox

Name: 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Brand: Chevrolet

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The redesigned Chevrolet Equinox sits on a new platform with a longer wheelbase and a wider track, which translates to increased interior room compared to the previous generation. This is an important vehicle for Chevrolet; not only is it in the highly competitive compact SUV class, but it’s also Chevy’s second-best-selling vehicle, after the Silverado pickup truck.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Chevrolet Equinox

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Envision

Dodge Hornet

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2005

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2007

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2009

2010

2011

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2013

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2015

2016

2017

2018

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2021

2022

2023

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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2026 Chevrolet Equinox

$28,800 - $35,600

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Buick Envision

$41,000 - $50,700

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Dodge Hornet

$29,995 - $41,645

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid

$41,645 - $46,990

32 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford Escape

$30,350 - $37,210

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford Escape Hybrid

$30,350 - $37,210

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

$35,400

37 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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$32,450 - $42,075

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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$40,325 - $48,550

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Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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CR MPG

Road test

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2026 Kia Sportage

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Road test

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$30,290 - $40,390

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid

$40,490 - $47,190

34 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

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EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mazda CX-50

$29,900 - $42,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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$34,750 - $40,450

CR MPG

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Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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$40,445 - $50,445

38 miles

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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CR's
Take

2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid

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38 miles

26 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Subaru Forester

$29,995 - $41,595

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Road test

Predicted Reliability

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2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid

$36,595 - $43,295

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Predicted Reliability

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CR's
Take

2026 Toyota RAV4

$31,900 - $43,300

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Toyota RAV4

$29,800 - $41,155

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$29,800 - $41,155

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

$44,265 - $48,135

52 miles

41 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

$44,815 - $48,685

42 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan

$30,805 - $43,085

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

1.5-liter 4 turbo (175 hp)

8-speed automatic
CVT

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic NA
Drivetrain NA
Corrosion NA
Roadside Aid NA
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2025-Present

Current Generation

Redesigned for 2025, the Chevrolet Equinox is similar in size and mechanical details to the SUV it supplants. It is again powered by a 175-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but this time it is paired with either a CVT (FWD) or 8-speed automatic transmission (AWD). The Equinox is offered in three trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV, each with their own styling touches. The RS is positioned as the sporty-looking choice, and the ACTIV is dressed for adventure. All share an interior that houses twin 11-inch screens and boasts standard niceties like heated seats and steering wheel. We managed 25 mpg overall for the AWD model we tested, which lags behind class leaders. The ride is mostly comfortable, handling is responsive but not sporty, and stopping distances are competitively short. The front seats are reasonably comfortable and the rear seat is spacious. The LT AWD we tested comes well-equipped with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start.The Equinox features standard Chevy Safety Assist, a bundle of active safety and driver assistance features.

2018-2024

2018 Redesign Year

The new Equinox has tidier dimensions, bringing it in line with the small-SUV segment dominated by the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Equinox packs the latest infotainment and safety technology, and two small-displacement turbocharged engines, plus a diesel choice that's promised to deliver an estimated 40 mpg on the highway. Power comes from a 170-hp 1.5-liter mated to a six-speed automatic; the uplevel engine is a 252-hp, 2.0-liter four mated to a nine-speed automatic. The MyLink infotainment system is offered in 7- and 8-inch forms, each with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The interior has some cheap touches, however, the seats are quite comfortable. Updates for the 2020 model year saw the discontinuation of the diesel engine. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine option was dropped for 2021. The Equinox received a number of exterior styling updates for 2022. Other changes include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

2010-2017

2010 Redesign Year

The redesigned 2010 model, which offers four-cylinder and V6 engines, is light years better than its predecessor. It still has a roomy rear seat, but the interior is much nicer. The ride is taut, yet supple and controlled. Handling is responsive and secure. But fuel economy still falls short of the best small SUVs. We recommend skipping the base Equinox and jumping right to an LT, which comes with a power driver's seat. While the four-cylinder engine manages to get the job done, the V6 is more enjoyable. The 2013 models brought a much quicker optional 3.6-liter V6, as well as a revised interior with new infotainment technology. WiFi debuted in 2015. For 2016, Equinox got a smattering of cosmetic updates and advanced safety features, including available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which join forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems. Also, a rear-view camera became standard on all trim lines.

2005-2009

2005 Redesign Year

The first-generation Chevrolet Equinox is a mediocre SUV. While it has a roomy rear seat, the interior is crafted of subpar materials. The old-tech 185-hp, 3.4-liter V6 lacks refinement and returns poor fuel economy. A tip-up onto two wheels in the government rollover test was another negative until electronic stability control became standard in 2007. Ride and interior noise are improved in 2007 models, though handling remains clumsy, even with electronic stability control. The body also leans a lot in turns. Curtain airbags were made standard for 2009 (they were previously an option).