2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV: Refined Looks, Familiar Limits

A clear step forward from the previous generation, but the 1.5-liter turbo still leaves it trailing stronger compact rivals

The first thing that hits you about the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV isn’t the power or the price. It’s the stance. Parked under the late-afternoon Texas light, the Sterling Gray body with its Summit White roof and white mirror caps looks sharper and more intentional than any Equinox I’ve driven before. The General Grabber AT tires fill the wheel wells just right, the black roof rails sit clean against the white top, and the whole package carries a quiet confidence the last generation never quite managed.

I last spent serious time with a gas Equinox back in 2022. That one felt like a mild refresh of an already aging design. This one is all-new, and it shows. The question is whether the rest of the vehicle has caught up to the exterior.

Looks That Stick

Chevrolet finally gave the Equinox a design that feels current. Up front, a wide horizontal grille sits cleanly between slim LED headlights that stretch toward the fenders. Black Chevrolet badging keeps the nose from looking overly busy. The ACTIV trim adds just enough visual muscle without tipping into costume.

Along the side, the two-tone treatment does real work. The white roof and matching mirror caps create an almost floating-roof effect, especially with the black cladding that wraps the rear quarters. Black roof rails and the panoramic sunroof finish the look. The 17-inch wheels wearing those General Grabber AT tires give the crossover actual presence. They look purposeful instead of trying too hard.

Around back, the horizontal taillights follow the same language you’ll see on the Trailblazer and Blazer. An ACTIV badge sits on the liftgate, and a subtle spoiler runs across the top of the rear glass. Nothing here is revolutionary, but everything feels deliberate. From front to rear, the new Equinox looks cleaner, more modern, and more cohesive than the vehicle it replaces.

If you want to see the details in motion, the full video review is up on TXGarage’s YouTube channel.

Inside the Cabin

Open the door and the step up from the previous generation is immediate. The dual-screen setup—an 11-inch driver display and 11.3-inch center touchscreen—gives the dashboard a modern, clean look. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work without drama. Physical climate controls sit right below the screen, a small but welcome decision in a world full of buried menus.

The Maple Sugar interior on this ACTIV uses Evotex and sueded microfiber in a way that feels more intentional than previous Equinox cabins. Upper surfaces are decent. The places your hands rest most often have some softness. It doesn’t pretend to be premium, but it no longer feels cheap in the way the last generation often did.

The seats are a mixed bag. They’re supportive enough for daily driving and short hops around the DFW area, yet after longer stretches they start to feel firm in the wrong places. The driver’s seat offers solid power adjustments and lumbar support; the passenger side is less generous. Rear passengers get decent knee and headroom, their own USB ports, and air vents. It’s a usable family space, not a lounge.

Sight lines are generally good thanks to the tall greenhouse, though the rear headrests can block a portion of the view when backing up. The digital cluster stays clear even in bright Texas sun. Overall, the cabin feels like a genuine improvement—modern, functional, and no longer apologetic.

On the Road

Under the hood sits the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that has powered Equinox models for years. In this AWD version it makes 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. On paper the numbers look reasonable for a compact crossover. In practice the engine remains the clearest reminder that this is still an Equinox.

Around town the powertrain is adequate. The turbo helps low-end response, and the eight-speed does its best to keep the engine in its happy range. The moment you need to merge onto a highway or climb a mild grade with passengers and gear, the 1.5-liter works noticeably harder. It never feels dangerous, just uninspiring. The transmission hunts a bit under load, and the overall character is more “get the job done” than “eager to go.”

Ride quality is one of the better surprises. The suspension soaks up typical expansion joints and broken pavement better than the bouncy 2022 model I remember. On smooth roads it feels composed. Road noise stays reasonable at highway speeds. Handling is neutral and predictable—safe rather than engaging. The all-wheel-drive system provides confident traction in wet conditions, and the ACTIV’s all-terrain tires add a bit of extra grip and presence without turning the vehicle into a trail machine.

I didn’t take it far off-road. Light gravel and dirt roads would be fine. Anything more ambitious would quickly expose the modest power. This is a daily driver with light adventure styling, not a true off-roader.

Everyday Usability

The cargo area is one of the Equinox’s quiet strengths. The load floor is flat and the opening is useful. It swallows a week’s worth of family luggage without complaint and handles strollers, soccer gear, or weekend bags with ease. Behind the rear seats you get roughly 30 cubic feet; fold them and the space roughly doubles. The hands-free power liftgate is convenient when your arms are full, though it occasionally opened while I was simply walking past the rear of the vehicle—an annoyance more than a deal-breaker.

Practical touches show up throughout. Multiple USB-C ports, a pass-through console, and decent storage cubbies make daily life easier. The panoramic sunroof brings in light without making the cabin feel cramped. For a compact crossover aimed at families and everyday drivers, the Equinox covers the basics well.

The Price Question

The ACTIV AWD starts at $35,600 before options and destination. Our tester, equipped with the panoramic sunroof, Convenience Package III, Safety and Technology Package, and the included Summit White roof, landed at $40,985. That number puts it at the upper end of the compact crossover segment.

At this price the competition gets serious. The Kia Sportage offers similar adventure styling, all-terrain tires, terrain modes, a stronger 2.5-liter engine, and Kia’s longer warranty, usually for comparable money. The Honda CR-V brings a more refined driving experience, better real-world efficiency in hybrid form, and Honda’s reputation for durability. Both feel more complete packages when the as-tested price climbs near $41,000.

The Equinox looks better than it used to and the interior has improved, but the value equation is where it struggles. You are paying modern-crossover money for a powertrain that still feels a generation behind the best in class.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is a clear step forward from the vehicle I drove in 2022. The exterior design finally feels intentional. The cabin is more modern and usable. Ride quality has improved. For buyers who want a simple, comfortable compact crossover for short commutes and family errands, and who prioritize looks and everyday practicality over strong acceleration, it can still work.

For everyone else, the modest power and the near-$41,000 as-tested price make stronger alternatives more compelling. The Sportage X-Pro and CR-V Trailsport both deliver more complete experiences in this price range.

The new Equinox looks the part. It just never quite feels as willing as it looks.

If you want to see the full walk-around, drive impressions, and real-world details, the complete video review is available on the TXGarage YouTube channel.