Chevy Equinox Trim Levels Ranked: Best to Worst
This buyer’s guide aims to help shoppers compare the 2025 lineup in plain English while still covering the technical details that matter in daily ownership.
The current US-market model is built around three core trims with starting MSRPs of $29,995 for LT and $34,395 for RS and ACTIV, per Tom Kelley Chevrolet Decatur research.
This piece outlines side-by-side differences, driving feel, safety tech, seating and climate comfort, infotainment and charging, exterior styling, and popular packages.
Deciding the “right” choice depends on how you drive most days commute, family hauling, or weekend trips and which comfort and tech items you refuse to compromise on.
Practical buying lens: prioritize the features you use every day, then weigh whether style or utility upgrades justify the extra monthly cost.
Later sections include a test-drive checklist so readers can validate seat comfort, visibility, and control layout in person before choosing a final option.
What’s New in the Current Chevy Equinox Lineup for the United States?
The 2025 update sharpens the range so buyers can find a match fast. The lineup centers on three core choices built around a turbocharged 1.5L engine with either FWD or AWD. This keeps powertrain options simple while covering most buyer needs.
Quick strategy: one value-oriented model, one sport-styled option, and one adventure-themed variant. That makes it easy to self-sort by priorities.
- LT: baseline for budget-minded shoppers who still want modern screens and standard driver-assist features.
- RS: appearance and convenience focus with blacked accents, larger wheels, and nicer cabin trims for a sportier vibe.
- ACTIV: rugged look with all-terrain tires and tougher cabin materials for active lifestyles.
Use this guide to pick features in three steps: lock in must-have safety and tech, test seating and climate comfort, then choose the exterior design and wheel package that suits your use. For commercial buyers, understanding these distinctions saves time by eliminating mismatched vehicles early in the search.
| Focus | LT | RS | ACTIV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary appeal | Value and essentials | Sporty appearance | Adventure-ready |
| Key features | Modern screens, driver assist | Black accents, upgraded cabin | All-terrain tires, durable surfaces |
| Best for | Daily commuting | Style-conscious buyers | Outdoor and active use |
Chevy Equinox Trim Levels Compared: LT vs RS vs ACTIV
How the three main models differ in exterior appearance, interior comfort, and everyday convenience so you can pick the right fit quickly.
- Exterior: RS shows gloss-black accents and larger wheel styling; ACTIV features all-terrain tires and distinct rugged wheels.
- Interior: LT uses cloth upholstery; RS upgrades to Evotex; ACTIV gets sueded microfiber. RS and ACTIV add power and lumbar for the driver seat.
- Convenience: LT has a manual liftgate. RS and ACTIV include AutoSense hands-free power programmable liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless charging.
| Feature | LT | RS / ACTIV |
|---|---|---|
| Upholstery | Cloth | Evotex / sueded microfiber |
| Liftgate | manual | AutoSense power |
| Wheels & tires | Standard | Larger wheels / all-terrain |
| Rear comfort | Basic | Improved climate and charging |
Who each model suits: LT fits commuters and budget-focused buyers. RS appeals to shoppers after sharper style and cabin upgrades. ACTIV targets those who want a trail-ready look without sacrificing family practicality.
Powertrain and Driving Experience Across Equinox Trims
The 1.5L turbo four-cylinder produces 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, which translates to strong low-end pull for merging and city starts. It is tuned for fuel economy rather than track bursts, so expect responsive everyday performance instead of aggressive launches.
FWD vs AWD: choose by weather and roads
Front-wheel drive with a CVT works well for most highway and urban use. It offers smooth, efficient shifts and steady highway cruising.
All-wheel drive pairs with an eight-speed automatic and helps in snowy states, heavy rain, or on gravel. AWD gives more confidence on loose surfaces and during winter commutes.
Transmission notes and drive modes
The CVT emphasizes smoothness and economy. The eight-speed automatic feels more traditional, with discernible gear changes and quicker passing response.
RS and ACTIV models add a drive mode selector that adjusts throttle mapping and traction settings. It is a simple way to tailor the system for wet roads or light off-road use without technical setup.
- Real-world tip: During a test drive, evaluate steering weight, throttle response, and cabin noise those subjective cues often decide satisfaction more than numbers.
| Item | FWD (CVT) | AWD (8-speed) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower / Torque | 175 hp / 203 lb-ft | |
| Primary focus | Efficiency and smoothness | Traction and passability |
| Best for | Daily commute, highway | Snow, rain, gravel |
| Drive mode selector | No | Available on RS and ACTIV |
2025 Chevy Equinox LT Trim Highlights
The LT is the value-oriented choice, offering the key comforts and daily systems most drivers want without extras that raise the price. It starts at $29,995 and focuses on practical features and sensible comfort for commuting and family life.
Key comfort items
The LT includes heated front seats and a heated wrapped steering wheel for cold-weather comfort. A six-way manual driver seat adjusts fore and aft, up and down, and offers tilt so most drivers can find a good position.
Tech essentials
An 11.3-inch advanced color display with Google built in handles navigation, media, and voice search without extra hardware. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto reduce cable clutter and make phone-based maps and music easy to use.
Safety baseline
The LT comes with Chevy Safety Assist as the core suite. Expect lane-keeping alerts, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking—basic yet important safety features for daily driving.
- Practical ownership: manual liftgate and durable cloth seating keep costs down.
- Upgrade note: moving up adds power seats, automatic liftgate, and premium upholstery.
| Item | LT | Higher trims |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Heated front seats, heated steering | Power & ventilated seats |
| Infotainment | 11.3″ display, wireless Apple / Android | Wireless charging, larger options |
| Safety | Chevy Safety Assist basics | Surround cameras, added alerts |
2025 Chevy Equinox RS Trim Highlights
The RS packs sporty looks and practical upgrades into a package aimed at buyers who want flash without fuss. It starts at $34,395 and makes its presence known with darker accents and distinct wheel finishes.
Sport-inspired exterior and wheels
Visual cues include high-gloss black mirror caps and 19-inch Carbon Flash metallic machined-face aluminum wheels. Those items give the vehicle a sharper, street-ready style that stands out in traffic.
Interior upgrades that change daily life
Inside, Evotex upholstery is easier to clean than basic cloth and looks more upscale. A wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel adds a sport feel and helps with quick hand placement during city driving.
Comfort and convenience you notice
Dual-zone automatic climate control keeps driver and passenger happy when temperatures diverge. A cabin humidity sensor helps keep the interior comfortable through seasonal swings.
- Convenience features: AutoSense hands-free power programmable liftgate for grocery runs and gear loading.
- Wireless charging and a universal home remote reduce small daily frictions for commuters with multiple devices.
- Drive mode selector and other options tune performance and traction for varied roads.
| Item | RS | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $34,395 | Sport appearance + practical features |
| Seats | Evotex upholstery | Easy care interior |
| Tech | Wireless charging | Convenience |
2025 Chevy Equinox ACTIV Trim Highlights
C andidate for buyers who want an adventure-ready look without stepping up to a full off-road SUV, the ACTIV pairs practical upgrades with rugged styling. It starts at $34,395 and focuses on features that help on gravel roads, snowy mornings, and campsite tracks.
Rugged-ready setup
The ACTIV rolls on all-terrain tires and 17-in Dark Android machined-face aluminum wheels. All-terrain tires give better grip on gravel driveways, forest tracks, and light snow, while still behaving on pavement. Expect improved traction, not rock-crawling capability.
Interior vibe and seat comfort
Sueded microfiber seats lift the cabin feel above basic cloth. The eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar makes a real difference on long drives, reducing fatigue and improving posture.
Climate and convenience
Dual-zone automatic climate control and a cabin humidity sensor keep the interior comfortable through big temperature swings. Wireless charging, universal home remote, roof rails, AutoSense hands-free power liftgate, and a drive mode selector round out the convenience and practical options for active owners.
| Feature | ACTIV | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels & tires | 17-in Dark Android aluminum + all-terrain tires | Better traction on loose surfaces; distinctive wheel design |
| Seats | Sueded microfiber; 8-way power + lumbar | Upscale feel and long-drive comfort |
| Climate | Dual-zone automatic climate + cabin humidity sensor | Stable comfort in changing weather |
| Convenience | Wireless charging, AutoSense liftgate, roof rails | Easier gear loading and device charging on the go |
Safety Features and Driver Assistance Tech by Trim
Start with the basics: a strong set of standard protections keeps daily drives safer. The base LT comes with Chevy Safety Assist as the core safety package, providing collision alerts, lane-keeping aids, and automatic emergency braking.
Standard safety foundation
The LT’s suite gives drivers dependable, always-on protection for routine commuting. These systems handle common hazards and reduce the chance of low-speed impacts.
Higher trims and options make some items easier to access. Buyers often find that adding a package brings camera-based tools and more active alerts without swapping vehicles.
Advanced visibility tools
Safety and Technology Package (available on all trims) adds HD surround vision, a rear camera mirror, and traffic sign recognition. Those items help in tight parking lots and on busy streets.
- HD surround vision: clear top-down view for tight garages and parking aisles.
- Rear camera mirror: unobstructed rear view when cargo blocks the glass.
- Traffic sign recognition: displays speed limits and warnings in the instrument cluster.
Parking and awareness shoppers ask for
Rear park assist and blind zone steering assist are on the 2025 options list. These are practical for backing out of crowded pickup areas and changing lanes on multilane roads.
Alerts provide visual, audible, or seat-based cues so a driver notices hazards sooner. Confirm exact availability on the vehicle you test; packages control what arrives on each model.
| Item | LT (standard) | With Safety & Technology Package |
|---|---|---|
| Core systems | Chevy Safety Assist (AEB, lane-keep) | Core systems + enhanced camera aids |
| Visibility tools | Standard rear camera | HD surround vision, rear camera mirror |
| Awareness & parking | Rear park assist (available) | Rear park assist, blind zone steering assist, pedestrian alert |
| Signaling & alerts | Basic audible/visual alerts | Advanced alerts with traffic sign recognition |
Interior Comfort, Seats, and Climate Control Options
Seats and climate choices are where daily comfort and long-term value meet. Small adjustments to ergonomics and temperature systems shape every commute and road trip.
Front seat and driver upgrades
The base model uses manual seat adjustments. Moving up adds an eight-way driver seat with power controls and lumbar support. Power adjustment and lumbar reduce fatigue on long drives by letting the driver dial in posture and visibility quickly.
Climate control options
LT keeps a single-zone manual climate system for straightforward operation. RS and ACTIV include dual-zone automatic climate for set-it-and-forget-it temperature stability. Automatic climate helps when passengers prefer different temperatures.
Seasonal comfort and rear seating
Convenience Package III on higher models offers ventilated front seats for hot summers and heated rear outboard seats for winter comfort. These options improve passenger comfort on long trips and in extreme weather.
Upholstery guide and choices
Upholstery choices range from durable cloth to Evotex and sueded microfiber. Cloth is easy to keep clean and affordable. Evotex is low-maintenance and upscale. Sueded microfiber feels premium and holds up on rough use.
| Item | LT | RS / ACTIV |
|---|---|---|
| Driver seat | Manual adjustments | 8-way power + lumbar |
| Climate | Single-zone manual | Dual-zone automatic climate |
| Comfort upgrades | Basic heating for front | Ventilated front, heated rear outboard (with package) |
| Upholstery | Cloth | Evotex or sueded microfiber |
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Charging Technology
Modern infotainment ties a vehicle to your daily life, and choosing the right system makes trips simpler. The 2025 setup focuses on fast smartphone access, easy charging, and enough ports to keep everyone powered on long drives.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — daily benefits
The base LT includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so navigation, calls, and music run without a cable. This keeps the dash uncluttered and makes voice commands easier to use while driving.
Why it matters: commercial buyers can switch vehicles without losing familiar apps and workflows if their phone ecosystem stays the same.
Where wireless charging appears?
Wireless charging is standard on RS and ACTIV. LT buyers can add it via Convenience Package II. Plan for charging when budgeting so you don’t miss this convenience on delivery day.
USB ports and cabin convenience
Front and rear USB ports come standard on LT, keeping devices charged for driver and passengers. RS and ACTIV add a wireless pad plus extra ports for tablets and back-seat occupants.
- Practical routines: commute with a work phone on the dash, keep tablets charged for kids, and use the pad for overnight top-ups.
- During a test drive, check infotainment responsiveness and whether the wireless charging pad fits your phone and case.
| Item | LT | RS / ACTIV |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Apple / Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging | Optional (Convenience II) | Standard |
| Front / rear USB ports | Standard | Standard + extra ports |
Exterior Style, Wheels, and Appearance Options
A vehicle’s visual package speaks first wheels, roof color, and exterior features shape that first impression.
Aluminum wheel sizes and the stance they create
Wheel size and finish change the stance and attitude. Larger 19-in Carbon Flash metallic aluminum wheels give a sportier look and firmer visual presence.
Smaller 17-in Grazen Metallic machined-face or 17-in Dark Android aluminum wheels emphasize comfort and a smoother ride feel.
Two-tone roofs and standout paint choices
Two-tone roof options, like Mosaic Black Metallic or Summit White roofs, raise perceived value and add contrast. A contrasting roof makes the design feel more premium without mechanical changes.
Daily-use exterior features and liftgate options
Roof rails on sport and adventure models make hauling gear easy. Heated power outside mirrors help visibility in winter. Fog lamps are available with the Safety & Technology package and improve contrast in rain, snow, or rural roads.
Liftgate choices: the base uses a manual liftgate while higher models add AutoSense hands-free power liftgate practical when loading strollers, groceries, or sports gear hands-full.
| Item | LT | RS / ACTIV |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel | 17-in Grazen Metallic machined-face | 19-in Carbon Flash (RS) / 17-in Dark Android (ACTIV) |
| Roof rails | Not standard | Standard |
| Liftgate | manual | AutoSense hands-free power |
Equinox Packages and Options Worth Adding
Choosing the right packages makes it easy to get premium features without jumping to a pricier model.
Midnight Edition (LT)
The Midnight Edition is the quick way to a darker, sportier look. It adds black bowtie emblems, 19‑in black aluminum wheels, a black grille/mesh, and roof rails.
Convenience Package II (LT)
This package is the comfort jump. It swaps in Evotex upholstery, an eight‑way driver seat with lumbar, and wireless charging.
It also adds dual‑zone automatic climate control, cabin humidity/windshield sensor, Rainsense wipers, heated wiper park, and an AutoSense hands‑free power liftgate.
Convenience Package III (RS & ACTIV)
For premium daily comfort, this bundle includes ventilated front seats, an eight‑way front passenger seat with lumbar, driver memory settings, and heated rear outboard seats.
Safety & Technology Package (all)
Safety and visibility get a clear boost: rear camera mirror, front fog lamps, HD surround vision, traffic sign recognition, and a rear pedestrian alert.
- Smart buy: bundled packages often cost less than piling on single options.
- Decide if you prefer to move up a trim or build an LT with the right bundles for the same outcome.
| Package | Key additions | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Midnight Edition | Black emblems, 19‑in wheels, grille | Sporty appearance without higher cost |
| Convenience II | Evotex, 8‑way driver, dual‑zone climate, power liftgate | Daily comfort and hands‑free loading |
| Safety & Technology | HD surround, rear camera mirror, pedestrian alert | Better parking visibility and low‑speed alerts |
How to Choose the Best Equinox Trim for Your Budget and Lifestyle?
Pick the right model by matching daily needs to concrete options, not glossy brochures. Start with a clear budget, then list which features you truly use every day and which are merely desirable.
Value pick vs feature pick
LT as value pick: keeps the payment lower while providing modern infotainment and a solid safety baseline. It fits buyers who want essentials without premium bells.
RS/ACTIV as feature picks: choose these if you want power seat upgrades, dual-zone climate, hands-free liftgate, and distinct styling or off-road cues.
Style vs utility
The RS leans toward sport design and on-road presence. The ACTIV favors utility aesthetics and tougher tires for light off-road use. Decide if appearance or practical utility matters more to daily life.
15-minute test drive checklist
- Seat support and driver seat adjustments — comfort for long commutes.
- Steering weight and feedback — city turns and highway feel.
- Climate control simplicity — set temperature quickly and check vents.
- Camera visibility and parking aids — rear camera and surround view clarity.
- Cabin noise at cruising speed — road and wind noise levels.
New vs used considerations
Older names like LS, LTZ, and Premier may appear in local inventory and offer different comfort mixes at lower prices. They can be a smart choice if you want higher-spec features without the new-vehicle premium.
| Decision factor | Budget | Daily features | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value | $29,995 start | Infotainment, core safety | Commuters, budget buyers |
| Feature upgrades | $34,395 start | Power seat, dual-zone, hands-free liftgate | Style or utility seekers |
| Shopping tip | Filter local inventory | Compare packages, not just model name | Confirm exact options before buying |
Conclusion
Your best pick depends less on raw power and more on which features and packages you use every day. The three-model lineup shares the 1.5L turbo (175 hp, 203 lb-ft), so decisions center on interior comfort, exterior style, and useful options.
Simple takeaway: LT for value and essentials, RS for sport styling and convenience, and ACTIV for rugged looks with upgraded seats and wheels. Use packages to add dual-zone climate, surround-view safety, or wireless charging without jumping trims.
Practical next step: shortlist two equinox trim choices, then test seating, steering feel, camera visibility, and phone integration (including Android Auto). Confirm exact package names and options on listings so the vehicle delivered matches expectations.
When daily needs align with the right trim and package mix, buying becomes straightforward and low stress. Trust the system match use to features and drive with confidence.
FAQ
What are the main differences between the LT, RS, and ACTIV trims?
The LT is the value and comfort baseline with essential tech and safety features. The RS focuses on sport-inspired styling and cabin upgrades like Evotex upholstery and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The ACTIV adds rugged touches—all-terrain tires, distinctive wheels, and sueded microfiber seats—plus off-road-ready appearance and suspension tuning. Each step adds more convenience, styling, and available tech.
Which trims offer all-wheel drive and how does it affect the driving experience?
All-wheel drive is available on RS and ACTIV and can be selected for the LT depending on configuration. AWD improves traction in wet, snowy, or loose-surface conditions and pairs with different transmissions—CVT for front-wheel setups and an eight-speed automatic on many AWD 2025 models—resulting in a slightly firmer ride but better stability in poor weather.
What infotainment and connectivity features come standard?
Standard tech includes an 11.3-inch display with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple USB ports for front and rear passengers. Wireless charging and additional ports depend on trim and packages; RS and ACTIV typically offer more convenience features like enhanced charging and AutoSense liftgate options.
How do climate control and seat comfort vary across trims?
The LT provides manual or single-zone systems on base configs, while RS and ACTIV include dual-zone automatic climate control, cabin humidity sensor, and more comfort options. Heated front seats and heated steering wheel are common on higher trims; ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats appear in upper packages.
What safety and driver-assist tech should buyers expect?
All trims start with a strong safety foundation—Chevrolet Safety Assist—which includes lane-keep, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision alert. RS and ACTIV can be equipped with advanced tech like HD surround vision, rear camera mirror, traffic sign recognition, rear park assist, and blind zone steering assist through available packages.
Which packages are worth adding for daily convenience and comfort?
Useful add-ons include the Convenience Package II for climate, seat, and liftgate upgrades; Convenience Package III for memory settings, ventilated seats, and heated rear outboard seats; and the Safety and Technology Package for surround-view cameras and extra alerts. The Midnight Edition gives a blacked-out styling boost if appearance matters.
How should I choose the right trim for commuting, family driving, or adventure use?
For commuting and value, choose the LT for essential comfort and tech. For style and sportier cabin touches, pick the RS. For light off-road capability, rugged looks, and extra traction, go with ACTIV. Always test drive to evaluate seat comfort, steering feel, climate performance, visibility tech, and cabin noise before deciding.
