2027 Chevrolet Equinox Review: Big Screens, Modest Power
The 2027 Chevrolet Equinox makes sense for shoppers who want a lot of standard technology, a roomy rear seat and a straightforward lineup for a little over $31,000 delivered. Its single 175-hp engine, mid-20s fuel economy and lack of a hybrid keep it behind the class leaders, so it is a solid value pick rather than a top choice.
Well equipped and fairly priced, but power, fuel economy and cargo space all trail the best compact SUVs.
What we like
- An 11.3-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital gauges are standard
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel on every trim
- Eight-speed automatic replaces the CVT on front-drive models for 2027
- Good IIHS scores in the updated moderate overlap and side tests
What could be better
- 175 hp is below average for the class, and there is only one engine
- 26–27 mpg combined trails most rivals, and no hybrid is offered
- Cargo space is smaller than the CR-V’s, and the passenger-side small overlap result kept it from an IIHS award
Trims and Pricing
The Equinox keeps its lineup simple: LT, Activ and RS, each with front- or all-wheel drive. AWD adds $2,000 on every trim. For 2027, Chevrolet raised prices (by $1,000 on the LT and $1,500 on the Activ and RS according to early reports, then by another $300 across the board in October 2026). The prices below are the latest published figures and include the $1,995 destination charge.
| Trim | FWD from | AWD from |
|---|---|---|
| LT | $31,295 | $33,295 |
| Activ | $36,195 | $38,195 |
| RS | $36,195 | $38,195 |
Because destination is built into these figures, compare them with rivals’ delivered prices rather than their base MSRPs. Chevrolet’s $1,995 charge is also higher than the $1,550 Honda lists for the 2027 CR-V or the $1,525 Subaru lists for the 2027 Forester.
The LT is the clear value pick. It already includes the big screens, heated front seats and heated steering wheel, and the Chevy Safety Assist suite. The Activ and RS are priced the same and differ mostly in styling: the Activ leans toward a rugged look, while the RS uses sporty dark trim, and for 2027 it swaps blue interior accents for Torch Red stitching. Both cost almost $5,000 more than an LT, so pick one only if you want its look and extra features.
Other 2027 changes are small. Cacti Green paint is replaced by Autumn Harvest Metallic, a rear camera washer becomes available, and an interior camera is part of the optional Safety and Technology Package. The factory Trailering Package can no longer be ordered; buyers who need a hitch can have one installed by a dealer.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy
Every Equinox uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 175 hp. The biggest mechanical change for 2027 is the transmission. In 2026, front-drive models used a CVT and made less torque than AWD models. For 2027 Chevrolet dropped the CVT entirely, and all models now use an eight-speed automatic, with 203 lb-ft of torque reported for the lineup.
That change matters because reviewers of the 2026 model, including Kelley Blue Book, preferred the AWD version’s eight-speed and noted the CVT could drone under acceleration. Power is still the weak point. Reviewers describe the engine as adequate on the highway and easy to live with in town, but 175 hp is modest next to rivals offering around 190 to 200 hp or hybrid boost.
EPA ratings for 2027 are:
- FWD: 25 mpg city, 29 highway, 27 combined (city is down 1 mpg from 2026)
- AWD: 25 mpg city, 29 highway, 26 combined (unchanged)
Those numbers trail the gas versions of the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V and fall well behind hybrid rivals. The fuel tank holds 14.8 gallons. Towing is rated at 1,500 lb across the lineup, which is typical for the class, though for 2027 the hitch is a dealer-installed item.
Interior and Cargo
The cabin is the Equinox’s highlight in most reviews. The 11-inch digital instrument display and 11.3-inch touchscreen are standard, and the column-mounted gear selector frees up space in the center console. A drive-mode dial is standard on every trim.
Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard across the lineup. That is a meaningful perk at this price, since some rivals reserve those features for higher trims or packages; the Nissan Rogue, for example, bundles them into its Dark Armor package.
Rear legroom is 39.9 inches, which KBB calls roomy, though the Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V offer more. Cargo volume is 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded. That is usable space for a family, but it is well below the CR-V’s and the Nissan Rogue’s figures, so it is worth bringing a stroller or sports gear to the dealership to check fit.
The Equinox is built at GM’s plant in San Luis PotosÃ, Mexico, and rides on GM’s D2 platform. Reviewers generally find the cabin quiet at cruising speed.
Technology and Safety
Chevy Safety Assist is standard and includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and automatic high beams. Teen Driver, which lets parents set limits and view driving reports, is also standard. Upper trims and packages add more driver aids and the new interior camera.
IIHS results for the 2025–2027 Equinox are mixed. It scored Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, the updated side test, headlights, pedestrian front crash prevention, seat belt reminders and child-seat anchors. It scored Acceptable in the small overlap front test, where the driver side was rated Good but the passenger side showed higher risk of head, lower leg and foot injuries, and Acceptable in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. The small overlap result kept the Equinox from earning a Top Safety Pick award.
We could not find a published NHTSA star rating for the 2026 or 2027 gas Equinox when this review was written, so we have left it out. Check NHTSA.gov before you buy.
Reliability and Warranty
Chevrolet’s coverage includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, plus 5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance. That roadside coverage is longer than what Honda, Nissan and Subaru include. Chevrolet also includes a first-year complimentary maintenance visit.
The current fourth-generation Equinox launched for 2025, and the eight-speed automatic is now used across the lineup, so long-term data on this exact combination is limited. KBB projects resale value below the RAV4, CR-V and Forester, which affects long-term cost. Check open recalls and independent predicted-reliability ratings before buying.
How It Compares to the Honda CR-V
On price, the Equinox has a small edge. A 2027 Equinox LT FWD starts at $31,295 with destination, compared with $33,070 for a 2027 CR-V LX. The Equinox also includes larger standard screens and heated seats and steering wheel at its base price.
The CR-V wins on most other measures. Its 190-hp turbo engine is more powerful, its gas version returns 30 mpg combined in FWD form against the Equinox’s 27, and the CR-V Hybrid (204 hp, up to 40 mpg combined) has no Chevy equivalent. Honda also quotes 76.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space against the Equinox’s 63.5. If you want the most technology for the money and drive mostly short distances, the Equinox is a reasonable choice. If you care about fuel costs, space and resale value, the CR-V is the better buy. Our Honda CR-V vs Chevrolet Equinox comparison covers the matchup in detail, and our CR-V Hybrid guide explains Honda’s hybrid trims.
Who Should Buy It
- Tech-focused buyers who want big screens and heated seats without paying for an upper trim.
- Value shoppers who can live with average fuel economy and want a simple, three-trim lineup.
- Drivers in mild climates who will be happy with the FWD LT, the lowest-priced version.
Look elsewhere if you need a hybrid, the largest cargo area or strong passing power. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage offer hybrid options, and our Nissan Rogue review covers a gas-only rival with better mpg at a similar price. You can also compare warranty terms with our Honda CR-V warranty guide.
FAQ
Does the 2027 Chevy Equinox still have a CVT?
No. For 2027 Chevrolet dropped the CVT, and every Equinox, front- or all-wheel drive, now uses an eight-speed automatic.
What mpg does the 2027 Equinox get?
The EPA rates the FWD Equinox at 25 city, 29 highway and 27 combined, and the AWD model at 25/29/26.
Is there a Chevy Equinox hybrid?
No. The gas Equinox uses only a 1.5-liter turbo. Chevrolet sells the Equinox EV as a separate electric model.
How much can the Equinox tow?
The 2027 Equinox is rated to tow up to 1,500 lb on every trim. A factory trailering package is no longer offered, so the hitch is installed by a dealer.
How we rate: scores are based on published specifications, EPA estimates, IIHS/NHTSA results, warranty coverage and the consensus of independent expert reviews. Prices are manufacturer starting MSRPs and change often — confirm with a dealer.
