2026 vs 2027 Chevrolet Equinox: What Changed
Chevrolet Equinox · 2026 vs 2027
2026 vs 2027 Chevrolet Equinox: almost the same, and here's what changed
The 2027 Equinox is a carryover with a few real changes. Here's every difference from GM's 2027 order guide, what stayed the same, and how to get the exact one you want from Swant Graber.
Short answer
Same Equinox, better FWD
The 2026 and 2027 Equinox share the body, engine, trims, interiors and packages. For 2027, FWD models get the 8-speed automatic instead of the CVT (AWD already had it), FWD towing rises to 1,500 lb, Autumn Harvest Metallic replaces Cacti Green, and Safety and Technology adds a rear camera washer. Prices rose about $300.[1][2][3]
Line by line
What changed for 2027
| 2026 | 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission, FWD | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Transmission, AWD | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Max towing, FWD | 800 lb | 1,500 lb |
| Max towing, AWD | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb |
| Colors | Cacti Green available | Autumn Harvest Metallic (new); Cacti Green gone |
| Safety and Technology Package | Rear camera mirror, fog lamps, HD Surround Vision, Rear Pedestrian Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition | Adds rear camera washer; connected-camera capability later in the year |
| RS seats | Black Evotex with red accents | Same, with a small trim update |
| Trailer hitch | GM Trailering Package (dealer-installed) | GM Trailering Package, dealer-installed by us |
| Price | – | About $300 more |
GM 2027 order guide; GM-Trucks 2027 changes; GM Authority towing and pricing.[1][3][4]
Carryover
What stayed the same
| 2026 and 2027 | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder, 175 hp |
| Trims | LT, ACTIV, RS; FWD or AWD on each |
| Standard tech | 11.3" screen with Google built-in, 11" driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Standard safety | Chevy Safety Assist, adaptive cruise, Blind Zone Steering Assist, rear cross traffic braking, rear park assist |
| Standard comfort (Convenience I) | Remote start, heated front seats, heated steering wheel |
| Packages | Convenience II, Convenience III, Safety and Technology, Midnight Edition |
| Contrast roofs | Mosaic Black roof (LT, RS) and Summit White roof (LT, ACTIV) |
GM 2027 order guide.[1]
Decide
Which one should you get?
AWD buyers
Either year. The drivetrain is the same 8-speed AWD, so pick by build, color and price.
FWD buyers
Go 2027 for the 8-speed instead of the CVT and the 1,500-lb tow rating.
Color shoppers
Cacti Green means a 2026. Autumn Harvest means a 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2027 Equinox different from the 2026?
Barely. Same body, same 1.5L turbo, same three trims (LT, ACTIV, RS), same interiors and packages. The changes: FWD models trade the CVT for the 8-speed automatic (AWD already had it), FWD towing goes from 800 to 1,500 lb, Autumn Harvest Metallic replaces Cacti Green, and the Safety and Technology Package adds a rear camera washer. Prices went up about $300.
Should I buy a 2026 or 2027 Equinox?
If you want AWD, a 2026 is essentially the same vehicle, so buy whichever has the build and price you want. If you want FWD, the 2027 gets the 8-speed instead of the CVT and the higher tow rating. Want Cacti Green? That's a 2026. Want Autumn Harvest? That's a 2027.
Does the 2027 Equinox still have a CVT?
No. Every 2027 Equinox, FWD and AWD, uses the 8-speed automatic. On 2025 and 2026 models, FWD used a CVT and AWD used the 8-speed.
Did the 2027 Equinox lose the trailering package?
The hitch is still available, but it's a dealer-installed option. Even when it's on a factory order, GM doesn't install it at the plant; we install GM's hitch package here. Towing and hitch explained
What new colors does the 2027 Equinox have?
Autumn Harvest Metallic is new on LT and ACTIV. Cacti Green is gone. The rest carry over: Summit White, Sterling Gray, Mosaic Black, Lakeshore Blue, Reef Blue, Radiant Red Tintcoat and Polar White Tricoat, depending on trim.
Why order an Equinox instead of buying one in stock?
Because the Equinox is built in so many combinations (three trims, FWD or AWD, eight colors, two contrast roofs, sunroof, three packages, two wheel options) that the exact one you want is rarely sitting on any lot. When you order, you get exactly that one. How ordering works
Chevrolet store
Talk with an Equinox specialist in Barron
Compare a 2026 and a 2027 Equinox side by side, or order the exact build you want. Call ahead and we will have the vehicle pulled up, warmed up and priced out the door.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 East Division Avenue, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
More Equinox guides
- Chevrolet Equinox Buyer's Guide (2026–2027)
- Equinox LT vs RS vs ACTIV
- Equinox Convenience II, III and Safety and Technology packages
- Equinox colors and black or white roofs
- Equinox Midnight Edition and wheel packages
- Equinox towing and trailer hitch
- How to order an Equinox from Swant Graber
- Equinox specs, dimensions and cargo space
- Equinox reliability and warranty
- Equinox vs Trax, Trailblazer and Traverse
- Equinox AWD vs FWD
- Equinox features and tech you should know
- Equinox accessories and prices
- Used Equinox by year
- Buying an Equinox in Barron
- Shop new Equinox in Barron
Get the Equinox you actually want
Shop Equinox in stock, or let us order the exact trim, color, roof and packages. We work with national and local lenders.
Sources
- GM, 2027 Chevrolet Equinox order guide (published March 20, 2026); public copy: autoevolution.com
- 2027 Equinox pricing, options and packages from GM data (GM Authority, June 2026): gmauthority.com
- 2027 GM order guide changes (GM-Trucks, 2026): gm-trucks.com
- 2027 Equinox towing capacities (GM Authority, July 2026): gmauthority.com
Updated October 30, 2026. Specs, package content and prices are subject to change by Chevrolet. The window sticker and door-jamb labels on the vehicle are final. Not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors.