Find Your Best Chevrolet Equinox Trim Package

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The Chevrolet Equinox has become one of the most popular compact SUVs on the road, and a big part of its appeal is choice. That said, do the latest Chevrolet Equinox trim packages offer enough variety to match your distinct driving style? The answer is a resounding yes; the lineup is built around three trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV that share the same dependable foundation, while each brings its own personality. Whether you prioritize everyday value, sporty style, or light-adventure capability, there’s a configuration to match. Here is how the three Equinox trims compare, and how to decide which one fits your driving.

One Turbocharged Engine, Two Drivetrains

Every Equinox trim runs the same powertrain, so your choice comes down to features and drivetrain rather than raw output. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower. 

Torque depends on how the vehicle is driven: front-wheel-drive (FWD) iterations paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) make 184 pound-feet of torque, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions with an eight-speed automatic step up to 203 pound-feet of torque. A Drive Mode Selector now comes standard across the lineup, letting you tailor the driving feel to conditions. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available across all trims.

Chevrolet Equinox LT

The LT is the entry point to the lineup, and it arrives far better equipped than most introductory trims. It covers the technology and comfort essentials that carry over to the rest of the lineup, making it the reference point for understanding what the RS and ACTIV add on top.

• 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel
• 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in
• 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Six-speaker audio system
• Single-zone climate control
• 17-inch machined-face wheels
• Chevy Safety Assist driver-assistance suite

Chevrolet Equinox RS

Building on the LT, the RS trades understated styling for a sport-inspired look and a more upscale cabin. Mechanically, it matches the rest of the lineup, but its visual and interior upgrades give it a noticeably more energetic presence on the road.

• Blacked-out exterior accents on mirrors, moldings, and badging
• 19-inch machined wheels, with available 20-inch wheels
• Flat-bottom heated steering wheel
• Evotex seating with contrast stitching
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Eight-way power driver’s seat
• Wireless charging
• AutoSense hands-free power liftgate
• Rainsense automatic wipers
• Roof-mounted side rails

Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV

Building on the LT, the ACTIV leans toward light adventure. It keeps the same comfort and technology upgrades found on the sportier RS but swaps the on-road styling for rugged touches designed to handle the occasional trip off the pavement.

• All-terrain tires
• Rugged, uniquely styled front fascia
• 17-inch machined wheels
• Sueded microfiber and Evotex seating surfaces
• Roof-mounted side rails
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Eight-way power driver’s seat
• Wireless charging
• AutoSense hands-free power liftgate
• Rainsense automatic wipers

Choosing Your Equinox Trim

With a shared engine and a lot of overlapping equipment, picking the right Equinox comes down to how you drive and what you want the vehicle to say about you. The LT is the value choice, delivering the core technology and comfort features most drivers need without extras they may not use. 

The RS is for shoppers who want a spirited, more distinctive look inside and out. The ACTIV suits those who spend weekends outdoors and want all-terrain confidence. All three offer available all-wheel drive, so capability doesn’t need to dictate your trim.

What Is the Difference Between the Equinox LT and RS?

The LT and RS share the same engine, transmission options, and core technology, so the differences are about style and refinement rather than performance. The RS adds blacked-out exterior accents, larger wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and upgraded Evotex seating, along with conveniences like dual-zone climate control and a power liftgate. If you want the Equinox to look and feel more athletic, the RS delivers that without altering its driving dynamics.

Which Equinox Trim Is Best for Off-Road-Ready Driving?

The ACTIV is the most capable-looking trim for drivers who venture beyond paved roads. It comes with all-terrain tires and rugged exterior styling, and pairing it with available all-wheel drive unlocks an Off-Road drive mode that retunes the powertrain for loose surfaces. The RS shares many of the same interior upgrades but keeps its focus on-road, so choose the ACTIV when light-adventure readiness matters most.

Discover Your Equinox

Ready to see which Chevrolet Equinox trim package fits your driving needs? Explore the LT, RS, and ACTIV in person and take your favorite for a test drive. Our team can walk you through features, drivetrain options, and availability. Browse our current lineup to get started today.