2026 Chevrolet Equinox FAQs South Jersey

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Here are the most common questions about the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, answered by the team at Lucas Chevrolet. For the full picture, start with our Equinox research hub, or jump straight to the trim breakdown or see how it lines up against the GMC Terrain.

The questions below cover pricing, engines, fuel economy, features, trims, ownership, and what buying looks like for shoppers across South Jersey.

Vehicle shown is for illustration. Options, color, and trim may vary by availability.

Pricing and Availability

How much does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox cost?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox starts at about $28,800 for the front-wheel-drive LT, before the destination freight charge, taxes, and fees. Moving up the lineup, both the sporty RS and the rugged ACTIV start at $33,600 with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on every trim for an extra $2,000 (also before destination). Chevrolet has adjusted Equinox pricing during the model year, so the figure on a specific vehicle can vary by configuration and options. For current pricing on cars in stock near Burlington, Delran, and Lakewood, browse our Equinox inventory or call Lucas Chevrolet at (609) 288-7663.

When is the 2026 Equinox available, and should I lease or buy?

The 2026 Equinox is on sale now and in stock at Lucas Chevrolet. Choosing between leasing and financing depends on how you drive. Leasing usually means a lower monthly payment and a new Equinox every two to three years, which suits drivers who stay under typical mileage limits. Financing costs a bit more per month but builds equity and has no mileage caps, a better fit for higher-mileage commutes along Route 130 or longer family trips. Our finance team can run both numbers side by side so you can compare. You can start online through our financing page or visit our showroom.

Engines and Performance

What engine and horsepower does the 2026 Equinox have?

Every 2026 Equinox uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 175 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive models make 184 lb-ft of torque and pair the engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Choose all-wheel drive and Chevrolet swaps in an eight-speed automatic, with torque rising to 203 lb-ft. There is one engine across the lineup, so the LT, RS, and ACTIV all deliver the same power. It is tuned for efficient daily driving rather than outright speed, which fits commuting and errands better than hauling heavy loads.

What gas mileage does the 2026 Equinox get?

With front-wheel drive, the 2026 Equinox earns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive models give up about one mile per gallon, at 25 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Real-world numbers depend on your route and driving style; a steady highway run on Route 130 will return better mileage than stop-and-go traffic. The 1.5-liter turbo runs on regular unleaded, which keeps fuel costs reasonable for a compact SUV. For full EPA figures and tank range, see our Equinox specs page.

How much can the 2026 Equinox tow?

Properly equipped with all-wheel drive and the available trailering package, the 2026 Equinox is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds, enough for a small utility trailer, a pair of jet skis, or a lightweight pop-up camper. Front-wheel-drive models are rated lower, around 800 pounds. The Equinox is built as a commuter and family SUV rather than a dedicated tow vehicle, so for heavier trailers you would want to step up to a midsize SUV or a truck. If towing is a priority, our team can point you toward the right configuration.

Is all-wheel drive available on the 2026 Equinox?

Yes. Front-wheel drive is standard on every 2026 Equinox, and all-wheel drive is available on the LT, RS, and ACTIV for an additional $2,000 before destination. All-wheel drive adds traction for wet roads, light snow, and unpaved surfaces, which many South Jersey drivers value heading into winter. It also switches the transmission from the continuously variable unit to an eight-speed automatic and raises torque from 184 to 203 lb-ft. If you mostly drive paved roads in mild weather, front-wheel drive keeps the price lower and returns slightly better fuel economy.

Illustration may not match exact production model. See dealer for details.

Features and Technology

What technology comes in the 2026 Equinox?

Every 2026 Equinox includes an 11.3-inch color touchscreen paired with an 11-inch digital driver display, with Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features also include keyless entry and push-button start, remote start, six speakers, and a heated steering wheel with heated front seats. Higher trims add conveniences like a power liftgate, roof rails, and a power driver's seat. For a feature-by-feature look at how the trims compare, see our trim comparison. Available extras include a panoramic sunroof and a surround-view camera that helps with tight parking near Egg Harbor shopping centers.

What safety features are standard on the 2026 Equinox?

The 2026 Equinox comes with Chevy Safety Assist as standard across the lineup. That package includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, and a following-distance indicator. A rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control are also standard. RS and ACTIV trims can add rear automatic braking and a surround-view camera. These driver aids make merging onto Route 206 and parking in busy Freehold lots easier and more confident for families.

Trim Differences

What is the difference between the Equinox LT, RS, and ACTIV?

The 2026 Equinox comes in three trims. The LT is the value-focused starting point, with 17-inch wheels, cloth seats, heated front seats, and the full touchscreen and safety suite. The RS leans sporty, adding black exterior accents, a unique grille, and larger 19-inch wheels. The ACTIV takes a rugged, outdoorsy direction with its own grille treatment and exterior styling. RS and ACTIV share many features and sit at the same starting price; they differ mainly in look and wheels. All three use the same 175-horsepower engine. For a full side-by-side, see our all trims compared page.

Which 2026 Equinox trim is right for me?

It comes down to priorities. If you want to keep the price down and get strong value, the LT covers the essentials most families need: heated seats, the large touchscreen, and Chevy Safety Assist. If you like a sportier look with bigger wheels, the RS is the pick. If you want rugged styling for an active lifestyle, the ACTIV fits. Add all-wheel drive on any trim for winter traction. Take all three for a drive to compare, and see how the SUV stacks up in our Equinox vs Honda CR-V comparison.

Illustration may not match exact production model. See dealer for details.

Service and Ownership

What warranty comes with the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

Chevrolet backs the 2026 Equinox with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, whichever comes first. Coverage also includes 5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance and a 6-year/100,000-mile rust-through warranty. These terms match Chevrolet's standard new-vehicle coverage across the lineup. Routine upkeep like oil changes is not covered long term, but our service department keeps factory-recommended intervals on file. For the full service timeline, see our Equinox maintenance schedule.

Is the 2026 Equinox reliable, and what does maintenance cost?

The current Equinox generation, redesigned for 2025, uses a proven 1.5-liter turbo engine and a conventional automatic or continuously variable transmission, so there is a solid track record behind the drivetrain. Routine upkeep is typical for a compact SUV: oil and filter changes, tire rotations, cabin and engine air filters, and brake service as needed. Costs stay reasonable because the Equinox runs on regular unleaded fuel and uses widely available parts. Following the factory maintenance schedule is the simplest way to protect reliability and resale value. Our Lumberton service team handles everything from the first oil change to major intervals.

Buying at Lucas Chevrolet

Can I test drive the 2026 Equinox at Lucas Chevrolet?

Yes. You can schedule a test drive at Lucas Chevrolet at 1622 Route 38 in Lumberton, an easy drive from Burlington, Westville, and the Philadelphia suburbs. Driving the LT, RS, and ACTIV back to back is the clearest way to feel the differences in ride, wheels, and styling, and to decide between front- and all-wheel drive. To set it up, call (609) 288-7663 or reach us through our contact page, and we will have the trims you want ready. Walk-ins are welcome too if you would rather stop by.

What financing and trade-in options does Lucas Chevrolet offer?

Lucas Chevrolet works with multiple lenders to fit a range of credit situations, and you can start a secure application online before you visit. We also accept trade-ins and can apply your vehicle's value toward a new Equinox, which lowers the amount you finance. To see what your current vehicle is worth, use our online trade-in tool, and to get the ball rolling on a loan or lease, start a loan or lease application. Buyers from Delran, Egg Harbor, and across South Jersey work with us by phone, online, or in person, whichever is easiest.