Review Impressions Of The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox From Master (50 Year Experience) Auto Journalist
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European Bureau Chief
Letter From Europe
The Auto Channel
Belvedere, California (London is too dam cold) , February 7, 2026; It isn’t often that I am lost for words but when I got into this very attractive light blue Equinox I was dumbstruck.
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Spent a minute or two looking for the start button until I’ve discovered that wasn’t one!
As I’ve found out putting my footing on the brake pedal and moving the gearshift into D or R I was off. Off to a very quiet start..discreet is the word.
Being a compact SUV it does all the things it is supposed to do. Tidy, modern, elegant and will not break the bank.
As with all cars and SUVs there are lots of option. If your cruising in total peace and comfort from Santa Clara where the road is as flat as a pancake the 220 hp fooonrt wheel drive would be all you need.
On Highway 17, which is quite hilly you would be better off with the all wheel drive where you get 300 hp and a 300 mile range.
Before you get all starry eyed over Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N which is the nearest thing to a rocket ship do remember that a. You are not a boy racer and b that you can get an Equinox for something like 36 thousand dollars as opposed to thou more!
In fact I would pick the cheapest version at 36 thou as opposed to the one with all the bells at 46.
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I readily admit that the 36 thou version is sluggish with a 0-60 time of 7.7 seconds, not earth shattering but perfectly adequate.
The cabin is reassuringly familiar - GM decided not to re-invent the wheel. The controls are great and it is a product that even people without a degree in mechanical engineering can figure out.
My partner Kata visiting from Europe absolutely loved it.
Loved the visibility, the seats, the whole ambiance.
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We popped into the parking lot at the SF Yacht Club and got admiring glances from the sailors. They loved the color, as did we.
Think about it. You are trying to find your car at the Whole Foods or Costco car park and the little blue SUV is easy to spot.
Incidentally the ride is great and it even coped with the pot holes on Tiburon’s truly awful roads full oft holes.
The Equinox will not make headlines and it won't make you heart race but it will start every morning, carry the family in safety and comfort and will never try to be what it isn’t.
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As to the question of would I buy one?If I was in the market for a comfortable no-nonsense EV at around 36 grand-absolutely.
GM have had some quality problems over the years , I certainly did not spot any.
Chevrolet Equinox Specs, Trims, Comparisons & Reviews
If you’re shopping compact SUVs, the Equinox usually lands in the “right-size, right-price” zone: easy to live with, family-friendly cabin space, and straightforward trim choices. And if you want an EV in the same general footprint, Equinox EV coverage is included here too—so you can compare gas vs. electric shopping decisions in one place.
Equinox: Specs Snapshot (Fast Reference)
Use this table as your “at a glance” box. Update exact numbers by model year and trim as you publish new coverage.
| Category | Equinox (Gas) — Typical Specs to List | Equinox EV — Typical Specs to List |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Engine size / turbo / hp / torque (by trim) | Motor(s) / hp / torque (FWD/AWD if offered) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD availability | FWD / AWD availability |
| Transmission | Automatic type / gear count | Single-speed reduction (typical for EV) |
| Fuel Economy / Range | City/Highway/Combined MPG (by trim) | EPA range estimate (by trim/wheels) |
| Dimensions | Wheelbase / length / width / height | Wheelbase / length / width / height |
| Passenger / Cargo | Seating (usually 5) / cargo cu-ft | Seating / cargo cu-ft (note underfloor) |
| Towing | Max towing rating (if equipped) | Towing rating (if offered) |
| Safety | Standard driver-assist highlights | Standard driver-assist highlights |
| Pricing | MSRP range by trim (placeholder) | MSRP range by trim (placeholder) |
Trim Guide (Use This as Your “Shopping Map”)
Equinox (Gas) — Trims & What They’re For
- Value / Core trim: best for budget-minded shoppers who still want modern safety tech.
- Mid trim: adds comfort/convenience features (heated seats, upgraded infotainment, etc.).
- Top trim: more premium touches (wheels/lighting/audio/driver-assist options).
Equinox EV — Trims & Battery/Range Notes
- Range vs. wheels: larger wheels can reduce range—note wheel/tire combos in your specs.
- FWD vs. AWD: AWD often improves traction but can change range and pricing.
- Charging: list DC fast-charge peak rate and typical 10–80% claims (as published).
Comparisons People Actually Shop
- Equinox vs. CR-V: value/features vs. reputation/resale.
- Equinox vs. RAV4: packaging and trim content vs. hybrid availability.
- Equinox vs. Rogue: cabin tech and comfort vs. efficiency.
- Equinox EV vs. Model Y / ID.4 / EV6: range, price, charging curve, and incentives.
Tip for internal linking: As you publish, link each comparison bullet to your dedicated comparison pages or to your review-library search results page filtered for those models.
Owner Notes: What to Watch For
- Real-world MPG/range: depends on speed, temperature, tire choice, and driving style.
- Options vs. trims: some “must-have” features may be bundled—call out best-value packages.
- Recalls & service bulletins: keep a running link section below for easy reference.
The Auto Channel: Equinox Library Links
Editorial Note
The Auto Channel updates this hub as Chevrolet releases new Equinox and Equinox EV details and as we publish first-drive impressions, ownership reports, recalls, and long-term notes.