Same Strong Foundation, Three Directions
The nice thing about the 2026 Equinox lineup is that the important stuff doesn't change as you move up. Every trim gets the 1.5L turbo, the standard Drive Mode Selector, the 11.3-inch Google built-in screen, and more than 15 standard safety features. You're choosing a personality, not buying back the basics.
That keeps the decision simple. Start with how you want it to look and feel, then match the trim to it - the rest of the substance is already there on the LT.
LT is the comfortable, sensible default and our best value. RS leans into sporty black styling and the biggest wheels. ACTIV trades pavement manners for all-terrain tires and rugged looks. None of them is a downgrade - they're just built for different drivers.
Read the breakdowns below, then stop by our La Mesa showroom off Fletcher Parkway and sit in all three. Comparing them in person takes about ten minutes and usually settles it. We've been helping San Diego County families do exactly that since 1959.
The 2026 Equinox Lineup
Every trim runs the same 1.5L Turbo engine with standard FWD and available AWD, plus the standard tech and safety suite. Here's where they start to differ.
- 11.3" screen, Google built-in
- Heated front seats + steering wheel
- 17" Grazen Metallic wheels
- Drive Mode Selector standard
- Cloth seats, Evotex available
- Black or white roof available
- Black high-gloss grille + trim
- 19" Carbon Flash wheels (20" avail)
- Flat-bottom steering wheel
- Evotex with color stitching
- Wireless charging
- Black roof rails
- Rugged grille + gray accents
- 17" wheels, all-terrain tires
- Uniquely tuned suspension
- Maple Sugar + Black interior
- Evotex + sueded microfiber
- Black roof rails
LT - The Sensible Default
From $28,800 Starting MSRPThe LT is where most Equinox shoppers start, and for good reason. It pairs the full standard tech and safety suite with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, then leaves room to add comfort features as you like. Nothing essential is held back for the pricier trims.
Technology
- 11.3" touchscreen, Google built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay + Android Auto
- 11" Driver Information Center
- Standard Wi-Fi Hotspot capable
- Six-speaker audio
Comfort
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Remote Start
- Drive Mode Selector standard
- Available wireless charging (ZQ3)
Exterior
- 17" Grazen Metallic machined wheels
- 19" black machined wheels available
- Body-color accents, chrome badging
- Available black or white two-tone roof
- All-LED lighting
Interior
- Cloth seating standard
- Available Evotex (Convenience Pkg II)
- Single-zone AC (dual-zone available)
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Teen Driver standard
Who It's For
The LT is the easy pick for commuters and growing families who want the full tech and safety package without paying for styling extras. If you split your week between a La Mesa school run and the I-8 commute, the LT covers it - and adding all-wheel drive is a smart call for trips up to the mountains in winter.
RS - The Expressive One
From $33,600 Starting MSRPThe RS is the Equinox with attitude. A black high-gloss grille, black mirrors and badging, and standard 19-inch Carbon Flash wheels give it a sharper, sportier presence, while the cabin adds Evotex seating with contrast stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Added Over LT
- Black high-gloss grille + lower fascia
- Black mirrors, moldings, badging
- 19" Carbon Flash wheels (20" available)
- Flat-bottom steering wheel
- Wireless charging
- Black roof rails
Interior
- Evotex seating surfaces
- Torch Red + Santorini Blue stitching
- RS debossed front head restraints
- Heated front seats + steering wheel
- Dual-zone climate control
Available
- Convenience Package III (ventilated front, heated rear seats, memory)
- Safety & Technology Package (HD Surround Vision, Rear Camera Mirror)
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Available all-wheel drive
Roof Options
- Available two-tone black roof
- Black roof rails standard
Who It's For
The RS is for drivers who want the Equinox to look as modern as it drives. If you like the blacked-out aesthetic and the largest available wheels - and you'd notice the contrast stitching every time you get in - the RS is the one. It looks right pulling up to dinner in La Mesa Village or cruising Mission Valley.
ACTIV - Built to Leave the Pavement
From $33,600 Starting MSRPThe ACTIV is the Equinox for people whose weekends start where the road ends. It gets a rugged grille and lower fascia with gray metallic accents, 17-inch wheels wrapped in genuine all-terrain tires, a uniquely tuned suspension, and a warm Maple Sugar and Black interior you won't find on the other trims.
What Makes It Different
- Rugged grille, gray metallic accents
- Black badging and emblems
- 17" Dark Android machined wheels
- All-terrain tires
- Uniquely tuned suspension
- Black roof rails standard
Interior
- Maple Sugar + Black theme
- Evotex + sueded microfiber
- ACTIV embroidered head restraints
- Heated front seats + steering wheel
- Dual-zone climate control
Available
- Convenience Package III (ventilated front, heated rear seats, memory)
- Safety & Technology Package
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Available two-tone white roof
- Available all-wheel drive with Off-Road mode
San Diego Ready
- All-terrain tires for fire roads
- Black roof rails for racks and baskets
- AWD Off-Road drive mode
- Great for Mount Laguna and the desert
- Shop accessories store
Who It's For
The ACTIV is for buyers who actually use their SUV outdoors. If your weekends involve trailheads near Mount Laguna, camping in Anza-Borrego, or just gravel roads the other trims would rather avoid, the all-terrain tires and AWD Off-Road mode earn their keep. Pair it with the available white two-tone roof for a look that stands apart.
Compare All Three Trims
Everything in one place. The LT column is highlighted because it's our best-value starting point - but the right answer depends on you. All prices are starting MSRP before destination and options.
| Feature | LT $28,800 |
RS $33,600 |
ACTIV $33,600 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo | 1.5L Turbo | 1.5L Turbo |
| Standard Wheels | 17" Grazen | 19" Carbon Flash | 17" Dark Android (A/T) |
| 11.3" Screen + Google Built-In | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heated Front Seats + Wheel | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Mode Selector | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual-Zone Climate | Available | Yes | Yes |
| Power Driver Seat | Available | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Available | Yes | Yes |
| Evotex Seating | Available | Yes | Yes + microfiber |
| Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel | Yes | ||
| All-Terrain Tires | Yes | ||
| Ventilated Front / Heated Rear | Available | Available | |
| Midnight Edition | Available | ||
| Two-Tone Roof | Black or White | Black | White |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Available | Available | Available |
| Available AWD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
All prices are starting MSRP before destination charge and optional packages, and are subject to verification against the GM order guide. See our pricing page for full details.
Not Sure Which Trim to Choose?
Choose the LT if...
You want the full tech and safety package at the best price, you're comfortable adding options as you like, and you'd rather put your budget into all-wheel drive than into styling. This is where most Equinox buyers land, and they don't look back.
Choose the RS if...
You want the sportiest look in the lineup - black grille and trim, the largest available wheels, and a cabin with contrast-stitched Evotex and a flat-bottom wheel. Same substance as the LT, more presence.
Choose the ACTIV if...
Your weekends head off the pavement. All-terrain tires, a tuned suspension, AWD Off-Road mode, and the Maple Sugar interior make it the most capable and most distinctive Equinox. Ideal for trips toward Mount Laguna and Anza-Borrego.
Still Not Sure?
That's what we're here for. Come by our La Mesa showroom and sit in all three back to back - it's the fastest way to decide. Call 619-460-1311 or check our hours here.
More About the 2026 Equinox
Now that you know the trims, here's where to go next.
Ready to Find Your Trim?
We keep 2026 Equinox models across trims in stock at our La Mesa showroom. Come sit in the ones you're weighing - it's the fastest way to decide between LT, RS, and ACTIV. Call us at 619-460-1311 or get directions and hours here.
Specifications and trim content based on GM data and the 2026 Equinox order guide and are subject to change without notice. MPG based on EPA estimates; actual results vary with driving conditions and configuration. Safety and driver-assistance features are no substitute for the driver's responsibility to operate the vehicle safely; see the Owner's Manual for details and limitations. MSRP excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Please confirm current trim availability and pricing with Bob Stall Chevrolet at 619-460-1311.
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