2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV AWD Review

AutoNetwork's expert review of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV AWD , including POV test drive footage, 360° walkaround, real-world driving impressions, and honest pros and cons for car buyers.

Read the full 2026 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV AWD review with detailed photos, video walkaround, and buyer guidance.

Quick Facts

Well, hello again, AutoNetwork family. Roosevelt Gist here, coming to you from the front lines of what’s new in the automotive world. For over forty years, I’ve been kicking tires and telling you what’s what, and today is no different. The compact SUV market is hotter than a two-dollar pistol, with every manufacturer fighting for your hard-earned dollar. It seems like every other car in the school pickup line is one. But the question I hear from so many of you is, “Roosevelt, how do I get something that feels a little special, a little more upscale, without having to step into a full-blown luxury brand and its high-priced maintenance?” Chevrolet thinks they have the answer with this all-new 2026 Equinox, specifically in this ACTIV trim. I recently got some quality time with one, and I’m here to tell you what I think.

Let’s be clear from the jump: I was at a media event, which means I got to climb all over this vehicle, touch every surface, poke every button, and measure every nook and cranny. But I did not get to drive it. So this is a deep-dive walkaround, a close-up inspection to see if the promise matches the reality before you even think about a test drive. The model I examined was an Equinox ACTIV with all-wheel drive, dressed in a handsome Radiant Red Tintcoat. Right away, this thing looks different from the Equinoxes of the past. It’s got a tougher, more squared-off stance, almost like a miniature Traverse. The ACTIV trim takes that a step further. It’s not just a badge; you get a unique front end, rugged-looking 17-inch aluminum wheels with a machined face, and honest-to-goodness all-terrain tires. It’s a look that says you’re ready for a weekend adventure, even if your biggest adventure is navigating the potholed streets on the way to work in Camden, New Jersey. It’s stylish and confident without trying too hard.

But where this Equinox really starts to make its case is when you open the door. The model I sat in had a Maple Sugar interior, and it felt immediately welcoming and a clear step up. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the technology. There’s a massive 11.3-inch color touchscreen right in the center of the dash, and right in front of the driver is another 11-inch screen for your gauges. This is the kind of screen real estate you used to only find in high-end German cars, and it makes the cabin feel thoroughly modern. More importantly, it’s not just flash for flash’s sake. The center screen has Google built-in, which means the navigation and voice commands are as smart and easy to use as your phone. And for those of us who live by our phones, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. No more fumbling with cords, folks. You just get in, and it works. That’s the kind of practical luxury that makes a real difference every single day.

Now let’s talk comfort, because that’s what really matters on the daily commute or a long family road trip. This ACTIV was loaded. We’re talking heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which is a blessing on a cold morning. But this one went further, adding ventilated front seats for those hot summer days, and even an 8-way power adjustable seat for the front passenger. How many times has your spouse complained about sliding a seat back and forth with a manual lever? Problem solved. They even included memory settings for the driver’s seat. And they didn’t forget about the folks in the back, either. The outboard rear seats are heated, which means you’ll hear a lot less complaining from the kids on a cold morning. The front seats felt comfortable and supportive during the time I spent sitting in them, and visibility all around seemed excellent. The second row had plenty of room for a full-grown adult, which is critical for a family vehicle. These are the kinds of thoughtful, premium features that can make or break a vehicle’s appeal, and Chevrolet got them right here.

So, it looks good and it feels great inside. What’s powering it? Here’s where you need to pay close attention. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission in this all-wheel-drive model. Now, I haven’t driven it, but based on the numbers and my experience with similar powertrains, this is an engine built for efficiency and everyday driving. It’s going to be perfectly fine for getting the kids to school, merging onto the freeway in Gardena, California, and cruising to the grocery store. It’s what we in the business call “adequate.” If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s going to snap your head back when you hit the gas, this ain’t it, chief. The ACTIV trim is about a rugged style and added confidence in bad weather, not about extra horsepower. For many families, that’s a trade-off they’re more than willing to make. They’ll take the ventilated seats and big screens over a quarter-second faster 0-to-60 time every day of the week.

Safety is non-negotiable for a family vehicle, and Chevrolet has packed this Equinox with a suite of features that should give you real peace of mind. It’s not just about airbags anymore. We’re talking about active, thinking safety systems. Standard gear includes Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking that can see pedestrians and bicyclists, and Blind Zone Steering Assist, which can actually nudge you back into your lane if you try to merge into an occupied space. You also get Adaptive Cruise Control, which is a lifesaver in highway traffic. This particular model I saw was optioned up with even more, including an HD Surround Vision camera system that gives you a 360-degree bird’s-eye view for parking, a Rear Camera Mirror, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking, which can automatically stop the car if it detects cross-traffic while you’re backing up. This is a comprehensive package that puts the Equinox at the top of its class for safety technology.

So, we come to the bottom line. The price on the window sticker for the vehicle I examined was $41,480. Is it worth it? You’re getting a lot of vehicle for that money. You’re getting a sharp, modern design, a genuinely premium-feeling interior packed with useful technology, and a full suite of advanced safety features. You’re getting the kind of comfort and convenience features—ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, power passenger seat—that are often expensive options on competing vehicles from Japan, or simply not available at all. The only real question mark is the powertrain, which is competent but not exhilarating.

Here’s my verdict. For the young family that’s looking to upgrade from their first car, for the household that wants near-luxury features and technology without the luxury price tag and maintenance costs, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is a definite BUY. It’s for the buyer who prioritizes daily comfort, ease of use, and safety over raw performance. It feels thoughtfully designed for how real people actually live with their cars. If you’re a speed demon who needs to feel a rush every time you touch the accelerator, you’ll want to skip this one and look elsewhere. But for everyone else, Chevrolet has built a comfortable, stylish, and tech-forward SUV that feels more expensive than it is. And in this market, that’s a winning combination. This is Roosevelt Gist for AutoNetwork.com. I’ll see you on the road.

The Bottom Line

Buy it if you are a young family looking to upgrade from a first car, or a household wanting near-luxury features and technology without the luxury price tag and maintenance costs. It prioritizes daily comfort, ease of use, and safety over raw performance.

Best For

• Young families looking to upgrade
• Households wanting near-luxury features without luxury price
• Buyers prioritizing daily comfort, ease of use, and safety

Skip It If

• You are a speed demon needing a rush from acceleration

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