Chevrolet Equinox LT vs RS vs ACTIV
Chevrolet Equinox · Trims · 2026–2027
Equinox LT vs RS vs ACTIV: the three builds that matter
Every Equinox has the same engine, 8-speed, safety tech and screens, so you're choosing looks and comfort. Here's each trim from GM's 2027 order guide and prices, and the three builds we recommend most.
Short answer
Three builds cover almost everyone
- LT with Convenience Package II: the value pick. Power seat, dual-zone climate, wireless charging and a hands-free liftgate for about $2,850 less than RS or ACTIV.
- RS: the sporty one. Black accents, 19-inch wheels, and the Mosaic Black roof at no charge.
- ACTIV: the rugged one. All-terrain tires, roof rails, Maple Sugar seats, and the Summit White roof at no charge.
Side by side
2027 Equinox LT vs RS vs ACTIV
| LT | RS | ACTIV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 MSRP, before destination (FWD / AWD) | $29,300 / $31,300 | $34,200 / $36,200 | $34,200 / $36,200 |
| Look | Chrome and body color; Midnight Edition available | High-gloss black accents | Unique grille, rugged trim |
| Wheels | 17" Grazen Metallic | 19" Carbon Flash machined | 17" Dark Android machined |
| Tires | All-season | All-season | All-terrain |
| Seats | Cloth; Evotex with Convenience II | Black Evotex, red accents | Maple Sugar sueded microfiber |
| Driver seat | 6-way manual; 8-way power with Convenience II | 8-way power with lumbar | 8-way power with lumbar |
| Climate | Single-zone; dual-zone with Convenience II | Dual-zone automatic | Dual-zone automatic |
| Power liftgate | With Convenience II | Hands-free | Hands-free |
| Wireless charging | With Convenience II | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering wheel | 3-spoke, heated | Flat-bottom sport, heated | 3-spoke, heated |
| Roof rails | With sunroof or Midnight Edition | ✓ | ✓ |
| Contrast roof | Black or white, $495 | Black, no charge | White, no charge |
| Convenience III (ventilated seats) | – | $1,095 | $1,095 |
GM 2027 order guide; base prices from Chevrolet.com (Oct 2026), before destination; option prices from GM launch data.[3][1][2]
Our picks
Which build fits you
LT + Convenience II
Commuters and families who want the comforts that matter without paying for styling. Add AWD and the block heater for winter.
RS
You want it to look sharp: black trim, 19s, and a black roof on Sterling Gray, Lakeshore Blue, Reef Blue, Radiant Red or Polar White.
ACTIV
Gravel roads, cabin trips and slush. All-terrain tires, roof rails and a white roof that pops on darker colors.
Standard on all
What every Equinox already has
| Area | Standard on LT, RS and ACTIV |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.5L turbo (175 hp), 8-speed automatic, Stop/Start |
| Safety | Chevy Safety Assist, adaptive cruise, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Reverse Automatic Braking, Rear Park Assist |
| Tech | 11.3" touchscreen with Google built-in, 11" driver display, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Comfort | Remote start, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, keyless open and start |
| Lighting | LED headlamps and taillamps |
GM 2027 order guide.[1]
Price check
LT vs RS vs ACTIV price, verified
| Trim (2027) | FWD MSRP | AWD MSRP | Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT | $29,300 | $31,300 | Value; add Convenience II |
| RS | $34,200 | $36,200 | Black accents, 19-in wheels |
| ACTIV | $34,200 | $36,200 | All-terrain tires, rugged trim |
The $4,900 gap buys looks plus equipment LT buyers get in Convenience II. RS and ACTIV are the same price; choose by personality: RS for black trim and 19-inch street wheels, ACTIV for all-terrain tires, suspension tune and sueded microfiber seats. Only RS and ACTIV offer Convenience III with ventilated front seats.
Swant Graber offers invoice pricing on new Chevrolets with no mandatory dealer add-ons. Our only dealer fee is the $127.50 doc fee; sales tax, title and registration are extra (how Wisconsin out-the-door pricing works).
Figures checked on chevrolet.com/suvs/equinox October 31, 2026 (2027 model year: LT from $29,300, $29,300–$36,200 starting range, 175 hp / 203 lb-ft, up to 1,500 lb, 63.5 cu ft). Package prices from GM 2027 pricing via GM Authority (June 2026). Prices exclude destination and are subject to change. The exact price is on the window sticker — ask us for an out-the-door quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Equinox LT vs RS vs ACTIV?
Chevrolet.com lists the 2027 Equinox LT from $29,300 and the RS and ACTIV from $34,200 (FWD, before destination); AWD adds $2,000, so the top starting MSRP is $36,200. 2026 models started roughly $600 lower (about $28,700 LT and $33,600 RS/ACTIV). The exact price is on the window sticker; ask us for an out-the-door quote.
What is the difference between the Equinox RS and ACTIV?
RS is the street look: black mirrors, moldings and badging, 19-inch wheels standard (20-inch available), a flat-bottom wheel and an available black roof. ACTIV is the rugged look: all-terrain tires, uniquely tuned suspension, its own grille, Evotex and sueded microfiber seats and an available white roof. Same engine, price and packages.
What comes standard on the base Equinox LT?
Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, an 11-inch digital driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 1.5L turbo and Chevy Safety Assist.
Does the Equinox have ventilated seats?
Yes, ventilated front seats come with Convenience Package III, which is offered on RS and ACTIV only. LT does not offer them.
What's the difference between the Equinox LT, RS and ACTIV?
They share the engine, transmission, safety tech and screens. LT is the value trim with cloth seats and 17-inch wheels; add Convenience Package II for a power seat, dual-zone climate, wireless charging and a hands-free liftgate. RS is the sporty one with black accents, 19-inch wheels, a flat-bottom wheel and black-and-red Evotex seats. ACTIV is the rugged one with all-terrain tires, roof rails and Maple Sugar sueded microfiber seats. RS and ACTIV include Convenience II.
Is the Equinox LT with Convenience Package II worth it?
For most families, yes. For $2,050 it adds an 8-way power driver seat with lumbar, dual-zone automatic climate, wireless charging, Rainsense wipers, a hands-free power liftgate, a universal home remote and Evotex seats. That still keeps the LT about $2,850 under an RS or ACTIV.
Equinox RS vs ACTIV: which is better?
They cost the same. Pick RS for the sporty look (19-inch Carbon Flash wheels, black trim, flat-bottom wheel, black with red seats) and the available black roof. Pick ACTIV for all-terrain tires, standard roof rails, Maple Sugar sueded seats and the available white roof.
Which Equinox trims have ventilated seats?
RS and ACTIV, with Convenience Package III ($1,095). It adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an 8-way power passenger seat and driver memory. LT can't get it.
Are all Equinox trims available with AWD?
Yes. FWD or AWD on LT, RS and ACTIV, and AWD adds $2,000.
Which Equinox trim is best for northern Wisconsin?
Any of them in AWD, with the $100 engine block heater. ACTIV's all-terrain tires help on gravel and slush; the LT and RS come on all-season tires.
Chevrolet store
Talk with an Equinox specialist in Barron
Sit in an LT, RS and ACTIV back to back. 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)
- 2026 vs 2027 Equinox: what changed
- 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
Pick your Equinox
Shop Equinox in stock, or order the exact trim and options. 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
- Chevrolet, Equinox: chevrolet.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.