Quick Answer
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Well Reviewed?
Largely, yes. U.S. News & World Report scored the 2026 Equinox 8.7/10 and ranked it #8 among compact SUVs, Car and Driver gives it 8/10, and verified owners rate it about 4.0/5 on Edmunds and 3.8/5 on KBB. Owners praise the bold styling, comfortable ride, roomy interior, and big standard touchscreen; the honest critiques are modest power on paper and gas-only fuel economy versus hybrid rivals. See it - and our 4.4-star, 2,500-plus-review service - at Bob Stall Chevrolet in La Mesa, CA.
The Praise and the Fair Critiques
We think the most useful endorsement comes from people who've actually driven and lived with a vehicle - and from independent reviewers who score every SUV the same way. So this page gathers both, with credit and links to the originals.
The good news is consistent: experts and owners alike point to the Equinox's strong value, roomy and comfortable cabin, and generous standard technology. U.S. News ranks it #8 among compact SUVs with an 8.7/10 and Car and Driver gives it an 8/10.
We'll also be straight about the critiques. On paper the 175-hp turbo is modest, and the Equinox is gas-only, so hybrid rivals beat it on fuel economy. Edmunds' expert score (5.7/10) reflects that, even as its owners rate it around 4.0/5. Interestingly, several owners push back on the "underpowered" label, saying the early torque makes it feel stronger than the number suggests.
Read the reviews, then come judge for yourself. Call us at 619-460-1311 or visit us in La Mesa for a test drive - no pressure.
Expert Reviews
Here's what the automotive press says about the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. We link directly to the full reviews so you can read everything for yourself.
U.S. News scores the 2026 Equinox 8.7 out of 10 and ranks it #8 among compact SUVs, based on a blend of professional reviews and data. The assessment highlights strong overall value - noting you can get a well-equipped Equinox for under $35,000 - along with a spacious, comfortable interior and generous standard technology. Modest acceleration is the main knock.
Read Full ReviewCar and Driver rates the Chevrolet Equinox 8 out of 10. The Equinox earns marks for its comfortable ride, roomy cabin, and the big standard touchscreen with Google built-in, positioning it as a sensible, value-oriented compact SUV. As with other reviewers, the turbo four's modest output is noted as the trade-off for its easygoing character.
Read Full ReviewEdmunds' test team gives the Equinox a 5.7 out of 10 expert score, reflecting a focus on ride comfort over driving engagement and efficiency that trails hybrid competitors. Notably, verified Edmunds owners are far warmer, averaging about 4.0 out of 5 - a gap that suggests the Equinox suits buyers who value comfort and value over outright performance.
Read Full ReviewWhat Owners Are Saying
These are paraphrased highlights from verified owner reviews on Edmunds. We encourage you to read the full reviews directly at edmunds.com/chevrolet/equinox for the complete picture.
"Was cross-shopping a RAV4 and an HR-V and stumbled onto this. It has way more power than the naysayers suggest - a torquey motor that gets you going quickly. On long highway trips I've seen as much as 33 mpg, and the suspension tuning gives it a near-luxury ride. Heated and ventilated seats, heated rears, huge moonroof - really, really good."
Source: Edmunds.com consumer reviews, March 2026"We love the Equinox ACTIV. We skipped the AWD after researching the improvements to the '26 CVT, and it rides smooth with surprising comfort and power - it gets up and goes on the highway. The Cacti Green with the tan-and-black interior, big info screen, and panoramic sunroof all go together so well."
Source: Edmunds.com consumer reviews, May 2026"I have the LT with the safety and convenience packages. After eight months, every trip - short errands and long voyages - has been fun, rain or shine. The so-called underpowered engine is no problem; the torque makes it easy to change lanes. The safety features have already helped me avoid a few incidents. I'd recommend it and buy it again."
Source: Edmunds.com consumer reviews, November 2025"This is my fourth Equinox and the styling truly stands out. After a steep learning curve the electronics are fantastic, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. I'm averaging about 26 mpg overall, and 30-plus on rural summer drives. Honest trade-offs: a few blind spots from the big fenders (the surround cameras help) and a bit more wind noise than before."
Source: Edmunds.com consumer reviews, January 2026Reviews above are paraphrased highlights from verified owner submissions. Read all owner reviews at Edmunds.com.
What the Reviews Keep Coming Back To
Read enough Equinox reviews - expert and owner alike - and the same themes surface again and again. Here's the honest consensus, the good and the trade-offs.
Styling & Presence
- - Bold, redesigned look draws repeat-owner praise
- - Cacti Green on the ACTIV is a standout
- - Trade-off: large fenders create some blind spots
Comfort & Ride
- - Smooth, comfortable ride is a recurring highlight
- - One owner likened the suspension to a near-luxury feel
- - Roomy, comfortable interior for five
Tech & Safety
- - 11.3-inch screen and Google built-in called a highlight
- - Owners credit the safety features with avoiding incidents
- - Short learning curve on the electronics, then well-liked
Honest Trade-offs
- - Modest power on paper; gas-only (no hybrid)
- - Fuel economy trails hybrid rivals like the RAV4
- - Standard audio described by some owners as average
Why Buyers Choose Bob Stall
The reviews above are about the vehicle. Just as important is who you buy it from. We hold a 4.4 out of 5 star rating on Google based on over 2,500 customer reviews - earned the family-owned way since 1959.
4.4 out of 5 stars across more than 2,500 Google reviews. San Diego County families have trusted Bob Stall Chevrolet for sales, financing, and service for more than 65 years - and we'd be glad to add you to that list with your 2026 Equinox.
Read our customer reviews at Google or search Bob Stall Chevrolet La Mesa to see all 2,500-plus reviews.
More About the 2026 Equinox
Reviews are just one part of the picture. Here's everything else you need to make your decision.
Ready to Judge for Yourself?
Reviews are helpful, but a test drive tells you more. Come visit us at 7601 Alvarado Road in La Mesa and we'll put you in a 2026 Equinox. Call us at 619-460-1311 or get directions and hours here.
Expert review scores and summaries are sourced from publicly available third-party publications (U.S. News & World Report, Car and Driver, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book) and are believed accurate at time of publication; scores are subject to change by the original publishers. Owner reviews are paraphrased highlights of verified submissions - read the originals at Edmunds.com. Bob Stall Chevrolet is not affiliated with any third-party publication listed here. Bob Stall Chevrolet serves San Diego, La Mesa, Santee, El Cajon, and Chula Vista at 7601 Alvarado Road, La Mesa, CA 91942. Call 619-460-1311.
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