2025 vs 2026 Chevy Equinox: Key Features Shoppers Need to Know

If you’re shopping for a compact SUV that combines family-friendly practicality with modern technology, look no further than the Chevrolet Equinox! 

But is the 2025 or 2026 Equinox the better fit for you and your family? While both model years share the same proven foundation, there are some differences, like design upgrades, tech enhancements, performance tuning, and safety features. Understanding these differences will help you determine which model year is the best value for your needs and budget, so you can be confident you’re getting an SUV that will serve your family well for years to come.

Read on to discover why, no matter which model year you choose, the Equinox is one of the best compact SUVs for families!

Exterior Design Updates: Comparing 2025 and 2026 Models

One glance at the 2025 and 2026 Equinox models and you’ll notice the difference. 

For the 2026 model, Chevy embraced a bolder, more athletic design philosophy. The new Equinox boasts a sportier front fascia with a more aggressive grille design and more balanced proportions. Sleeker LED lighting elements provide both enhanced visibility and a more premium appearance.

Beyond visual appeal, the 2026 model year brings functional improvements through refined body dimensions. Chevrolet has made the new Equinox longer and wider, adding curb appeal and more interior space. These changes, along with the availability of all-terrain tires on certain configurations, make the 2026 model more capable and versatile than the 2025 version.

The Chevrolet Equinox trim level lineup has also undergone significant changes between model years. While the 2025 model offered LS, LT, RS, and Premier trim levels, the 2026 lineup streamlines to LT, RS, and the new adventure-ready Activ trim, with the Premier level being discontinued. 

In addition, Chevy updated the Equinox package options. The Convenience II package no longer includes roof rails, while the new Midnight Edition adds distinctive black roof rails that create a sportier, contrasting aesthetic against the body color. 

Interior Features and Technology: Comfort, Connectivity, and Convenience

Step inside the 2026 Equinox, and you’ll enjoy a thoroughly modern cabin experience with a redesigned dashboard. The new Chevy Equinox features larger touchscreens and soft-touch surfaces that elevate the entire look and feel. The gear selector has been strategically repositioned to maximize space, while the center console features a practical pass-through design that keeps the essentials within easy reach. In contrast, the 2025 model has a more traditional interior approach with fewer digital enhancements, which may be just what you need if you prefer conventional controls and layouts.

While the 2025 model offers solid connectivity features, the 2026 model’s comprehensive digital ecosystem provides a more seamless and contemporary user experience that tech-savvy families will particularly appreciate.

From a practical standpoint, both model years offer impressive cargo versatility with approximately 29.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 60/40-split folding rear seats with convenient underfloor storage bins. However, the 2026 model edges ahead with about 64.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space compared to the 2025 model’s 63.9 cubic feet when seats are folded. 

Perhaps more importantly for busy families, the 2026 Equinox expands hands-free power liftgate availability across more trim levels, making loading and unloading more convenient when your hands are full. 

All of these improvements position the 2026 model as the clear choice if you prioritize cutting-edge technology, enhanced safety features, and maximum convenience in your daily driving experience. While the 2025 Equinox is still a solid option, the 2026 model’s upgrades can’t be missed.

Performance, Safety, and Efficiency: What’s Improved in 2026

Both the 2025 and 2026 Equinox models share identical foundations, featuring the proven 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 175 horsepower. This consistency means the Equinox fuel economy ratings are similar between the two model years, with standard FWD models getting approximately 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

However, the 2026 model offers refined driving dynamics and ride quality that make every drive a little better. Chevrolet engineers have revised the suspension tuning to deliver a noticeably smoother and more stable ride, particularly beneficial during highway cruising and when navigating rough roads. The steering response is sharper, making the 2026 Equinox feel more connected and engaging during daily driving. 

The new Chevrolet Equinox safety features include the latest version of Chevy Safety Assist, which goes beyond basic driver assistance. The updated system includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
• Improved Lane Centering technology

These advanced safety features are expected to maintain or even improve upon the strong IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings.

Discover the Chevy Equinox at Lancaster Motor Company!

If you’re looking for a Chevy Equinox in Lancaster, SC, you’re in the right place! We have a great selection of new Equinox models waiting for you. Our team is here to make it easy to find the right new, used, or certified pre-owned Chevrolet for your lifestyle and budget.

As your trusted Chevy dealer, we proudly serve drivers in Lancaster, York, Rock Hill, Charlotte, and beyond!

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