2026 Chevrolet Equinox near Ruth, NC

2026 Chevrolet Equinox interior dashboard near Ruth NC with Bowtie steering wheel, large touchscreen showing Google Assistant and myChevrolet, tan and black two-tone seats, and center console

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV offered in LT, RS, and ACTIV trims, each with distinct wheel, tire, and drivetrain configurations. For the 2026 model year, Chevrolet introduces a new Polar White exterior color and makes the Drive Mode Selector Dial standard across the lineup. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox combines a turbocharged engine with Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive configurations, supported by dedicated transmission choices and suspension systems. Its dimensions, passenger accommodations, cargo space, and trailering capabilities reflect a focus on versatility and functional design.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS front seat interior near Ruth NC featuring black and red leather bucket seats with RS headrest embroidery, red accent stitching, center armrest, and cup holders

Engine Performance and Powertrain

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine equipped with dual overhead camshafts, direct injection, variable valve timing, and automatic stop/start functionality. The engine features a cast-aluminum block and cast-aluminum cylinder head construction, contributing to its overall design. Chevrolet specifies four valves per cylinder, providing a modern valvetrain layout intended to support airflow management. Bore and stroke measurements are 2.9 inches by 3.4 inches, or 74 millimeters by 86.6 millimeters. This engine produces 175 horsepower, or 130.5 kilowatts, at 5,600 rpm.

Torque Characteristics

Torque output varies according to drivetrain configuration in the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Front-Wheel Drive models produce 184 lb-ft, or 250 Nm, between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. All-Wheel Drive models generate 203 lb-ft, or 275 Nm, between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. These output ranges provide sustained torque across a broad portion of the operating range. Chevrolet also equips every trim with a standard Drive Mode Selector Dial for 2026.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS near Ruth NC in red and black two-tone finish with Bowtie grille, RS badging, black roof, and dark alloy wheels driving through an urban street

Transmission and Driveline Systems

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox pairs its engine with transmission systems that vary by drivetrain. Front-Wheel Drive models use a continuously variable transmission. Models equipped with All-Wheel Drive receive the Hydra-Matic 8T45 eight-speed automatic transmission. These configurations provide distinct driveline arrangements depending on the selected model. Chevrolet also specifies different final drive ratios for Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive applications. Front-Wheel Drive models use a 5.81 final drive ratio, while All-Wheel Drive models use a 3.47 ratio.

Hydra-Matic Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

The Hydra-Matic 8T45 transmission used in All-Wheel Drive models incorporates eight forward gears. First gear carries a ratio of 4.69, followed by ratios of 3.31 in second gear and 3.01 in third gear. Fourth gear uses a 1.92 ratio, while fifth gear uses a 1.45 ratio. Sixth gear is a direct 1.00 ratio, followed by 0.75 in seventh gear and 0.62 in eighth gear. This arrangement provides a wide range of gear ratios throughout the transmission. The transmission operates with the All-Wheel Drive final drive ratio of 3.47.

Chassis and Suspension Design

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox uses an independent suspension layout combined with electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes. Chevrolet designs the front suspension around MacPherson® struts with specifically tuned coil springs and a direct-acting stabilizer bar. The rear suspension uses a four-link independent arrangement. Together, these components establish the chassis architecture used throughout the model range. The steering system employs a dual-pinion rack electric power steering design.

Steering Specifications

Chevrolet specifies a steering ratio of 17.0:1 for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle has a turning circle of 37.1 feet, or 11.3 meters. These measurements provide insight into the vehicle’s maneuvering characteristics. The electric power steering system uses a dual-pinion rack arrangement.

Braking System Components

The braking system of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox consists of four-wheel disc brakes supported by ABS and ESC. Chevrolet also incorporates Duralife™ rotors and low-drag calipers. These components combine mechanical braking hardware with electronic control systems. ABS and ESC are integrated into the braking package specified for the vehicle.

Wheels, Tires, and Exterior Dimensions

Wheel and tire specifications vary according to trim level and available equipment. LT and ACTIV models come standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels. RS models feature standard 19-inch aluminum wheels, while 19-inch aluminum wheels are also available on LT models. Chevrolet offers 20-inch aluminum wheels as an available option on RS models.

Tire Specifications and Ground Clearance

The ACTIV trim uses 235/65R17 all-terrain tires as standard equipment. LT models use 235/65R17 all-season tires, with 235/55R19 all-season tires available. RS models include 235/55R19 all-season tires as standard equipment, while 235/50R20 all-season tires are available. Ground clearance measurements vary slightly by trim. LT models provide 8.08 inches, or 205.3 millimeters, of ground clearance. RS models provide 8.2 inches, or 207.7 millimeters, while ACTIV models provide 8.05 inches, or 204.7 millimeters.

Exterior Measurements

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox rides on a wheelbase measuring 107.5 inches, or 2,730 millimeters. Overall vehicle length is 183.2 inches, or 4,653 millimeters. Width measures 74.9 inches, or 1,902 millimeters, while height measures 65.6 inches, or 1,667 millimeters. Front track width measures 63.8 inches, or 1,620 millimeters. Rear track width measures 63.9 inches, or 1,622 millimeters.

Interior Space and Passenger Accommodations

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provides interior dimensions that vary depending on sunroof configuration. Front headroom measures 40.0 inches, or 1,015 millimeters, in models without a sunroof. Rear headroom in those models measures 39.2 inches, or 995 millimeters. Models equipped with a sunroof provide 38.2 inches, or 970 millimeters, of front headroom and 37.8 inches, or 960 millimeters, of rear headroom. These measurements show how roof configuration affects available space. Passenger volume also changes according to the presence of a sunroof.

Passenger Dimensions

Front shoulder room measures 57.7 inches, or 1,465 millimeters. Rear shoulder room measures 55.8 inches, or 1,417 millimeters. Front hip room is 55.2 inches, or 1,403 millimeters, while rear hip room measures 50.8 inches, or 1,291 millimeters. EPA passenger volume totals 104.3 cubic feet, or 2,952.8 liters, in models without a sunroof. Models equipped with a sunroof provide 100.1 cubic feet, or 2,834.9 liters of passenger volume.

Cargo Capacity and Utility Features

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provides multiple cargo configurations through its rear seating arrangement. Cargo volume behind the rear seat measures 29.8 cubic feet, or 845 liters. Folding the rear seat expands cargo capacity to 63.5 cubic feet, or 1,799 liters. These measurements illustrate the available storage volume in different seating configurations. Chevrolet notes that cargo and load capacity are influenced by weight and distribution.

Trailering Capability

Trailering capacity differs according to drivetrain configuration. Front-Wheel Drive models have a maximum trailering capacity of 800 pounds, or 363 kilograms. All-Wheel Drive models increase that rating to 1,500 pounds, or 680 kilograms. Passenger weight, cargo weight, and installed equipment may reduce available trailering capacity. Chevrolet specifies separate ratings for Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive models.

Fuel Tank Capacity

Fuel tank capacity varies according to drivetrain configuration. Front-Wheel Drive models use a fuel tank with an approximate capacity of 14.8 gallons, or 56 liters. All-Wheel Drive models use an approximate 15.6-gallon, or 59-liter, fuel tank. These capacities correspond to the specific drivetrain layouts available for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The different tank sizes are part of the distinctions between Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive configurations.

Trim Configurations and Exterior Details

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox lineup consists of LT, RS, and ACTIV trims. Chevrolet displays the LT trim in Sterling Gray Metallic, the RS trim in Radiant Red Tintcoat with a Mosaic Black Metallic roof, and the ACTIV trim in Cacti Green with a Summit White roof. For the 2026 model year, Chevrolet also adds Polar White to the available exterior color range. Each trim uses distinct wheel and tire combinations that align with its equipment configuration. Ground clearance measurements also vary slightly among the three trims.

Visit Friendship Chevrolet GMC of Forest City for a Test Ride

Our team at Friendship Chevrolet GMC of Forest City near Ruth, NC, invites drivers to experience the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in person. We can help you explore the turbocharged performance, drivetrain configurations, handling characteristics, and utility features available across the lineup. A test drive provides an opportunity to evaluate passenger comfort, cargo flexibility, steering response, and braking systems. You can also become familiar with the standard Drive Mode Selector Dial and the various wheel and tire configurations offered on different trims. We look forward to helping you experience the performance, comfort, and functional features of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.

 

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