2027 Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevy Equinox is consistently one of the bestselling models in the popular compact SUV class. Although some of its rivals have bigger interiors and more powertrain options, the Equinox remains a practical tool with a simple model range and competitive pricing, making it a sensible choice in a competitive segment. A few updates this year make it a little more compelling, like a higher standard tow rating and a handsome new paint option.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the Chevrolet Equinox.

The Chevy Equinox used to feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in front-wheel drive (FWD) models and an 8-speed automatic in all-wheel drive (AWD) models. Now, for 2027, every Equinox gets the 8-speed. As a consequence, it raises the towing capacity of every Equinox to 1,500 pounds.

One aesthetic update this year is the subtraction of the Cacti Green paint option and the addition of Autumn Harvest to the color palette. Also, if you add the Safety & Technology Package, it now includes a rear camera washer and an interior camera.

2027 Chevrolet Equinox in Autumn Harvest Metallic

The starting price of the Chevy Equinox is on the lower end of compact SUVs, and even the upper trims are a strong value starting at around $35K. Other affordable SUVs in this class include the Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, and Mazda CX-5.

Before buying an Equinox, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Chevrolet Equinox resale value is about average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The sole powertrain option in the 2027 Chevy Equinox is a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. FWD is standard and AWD is optional.

This powertrain gets the job done in daily commuting and highway cruising duties, moving the Equinox along with 175 horsepower. That’s on the lower end of performance for this class, and fuel economy is merely okay, returning up to 27 combined mpg. Although we don’t have many complaints about this engine, the powertrain options in most rivals, some of which include hybrids, are simply better.

If towing is a consideration, the newly standard 8-speed transmission brings the towing capacity of every 2027 Equinox to 1,500 pounds. This is an improvement, but still puts the Equinox toward the bottom of its class for towing. Most of its compact SUV rivals can tow 2,500 pounds or more.

One strong suit of the Chevy Equinox is the technology available to the driver across the whole lineup. Every Equinox comes with an 11-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.3-inch central infotainment display. We’ve found this infotainment system to be a pleasure to use; it has a straightforward interface and user-friendly controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, making it easy to sync up the screen in your car with your phone.

When we climbed into the backseat of the Equinox, we found it to be pretty accommodating. Some rivals have more backseat legroom, but most adults and kids will be perfectly comfortable on long-distance drives in the back of an Equinox.

Where the Chevy is lacking is in cargo space. With 29.8 cubic feet of room behind the backseat, it lags behind the roomiest competitors in the compact SUV segment; the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Honda CR-V all have around 40 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Drivers looking for a small SUV with enough room for groceries, strollers, or other bulky cargo have roomier options in this class.

Simple model range
The Chevy Equinox has what General Motors calls a Y-shaped trim structure. You have the base LT model and two other trims with different personalities but the same starting price. The Activ trim has a more rugged personality, while the RS is on the sportier side. All of the above deliver the same practicality in a slightly different wrapper.

Standard heated seats and steering wheel
This Chevy’s generous list of standard features includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel across all trims. These features often cost extra, but they’re included in every 2027 Equinox.

Safety & Technology Package
This isn’t a new option package, but the 2027 model adds new perks to it, including a rear camera washer and even an interior camera. Interior cameras are often reserved for minivans and 3-row SUVs, so it’s nice to see in a compact 2-row SUV like the Equinox.