Staying active is the key to living well. Whether you are a young student, a busy parent, or a retiree, you are going to want to lead an active lifestyle full of exercise, adventure, and fun. This is the best way to stay youthful and enjoy life. If you are looking for a vehicle that will help you keep active, then the 2026 Chevy Equinox is the right one for you, especially if you choose the ACTIV trim. This is because the Equinox ACTIV is designed for drivers who want to enjoy the ride while navigating the obstacles that may sometimes get in their way.
Chevy has been offering drivers the compact Equinox SUV since the 2005 model year. With over 20 years and counting, so many different drivers have found so much to love about this vehicle. Its efficient performance attracts students and commuters who want an affordable way to get around, while parents love its safety features. This is why we are proud to offer the 2026 Equinox at Edwards Chevrolet 280.
A Standard Efficient Engine to Keep You Going
Chevy updated the Equinox in time for the 2025 model year, ushering in the fourth generation of its popular compact SUV. This included introducing a new trim called the ACTIV. This slightly more ruggedly designed model is perfect for drivers who lead an active lifestyle.
As part of the fourth generation, the Equinox now has a standard engine with a different transmission based on your choice of drivetrain. This includes the Equinox ACTIV, which has a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive. While the front-wheel drive model gives you slightly better fuel economy, opting for the available all-wheel drive gives you improved traction, especially in inclement weather.
The standard engine on the Equinox is a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 that may be small, but it is fierce. The use of a turbocharger gives you exceptional output without compromising the vehicle’s efficient performance.
If you opt for a front-wheel drive Equinox ACTIV, your engine comes paired with a continuously variable transmission. This delivers 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque using direct fuel injection. Models with all-wheel drive feature an eight-speed automatic transmission that also increases torque. The result is an engine that provides up to 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque.
As expected, front-wheel drive Equinox ACTIV models have slightly better fuel economy than those with all-wheel drive. If you opt for front-wheel drive, you can expect to get an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in combined fuel economy, while all-wheel drive will give you an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined. Getting around is important for an active lifestyle, and the 2026 Equinox ACTIV will get there in good time with fewer stops at the pump.

Special Features for Drivers On-The-Go
The 2026 Chevy Equinox ACTIV not only looks rugged, but it has the features you need to handle the great outdoors. The Equinox ACTIV rides on 17-inch wheels that come wrapped with all-terrain tires. This provides traction and grip, especially when driving on unpaved surfaces. The Equinox ACTIV is also rated to be able to tow up to 1,500 pounds, so it is a great vehicle to take camping.
At the same time, the Equinox ACTIV is an ideal vehicle for drivers whose idea of adventure involves a shopping spree at a local mall. This model has a spacious trunk with room for up to 29.8 cu.ft. of cargo with the rear seats in the upright position. If you really went wild with your shopping, you can fit up to 63.5 cu.ft. of space for your purchases by simply folding down the rear row of seats. You can even open the trunk easily as the Equinox ACTIV has an AutoSense Hands-Free power programmable liftgate. This lets you open the trunk without using your hands, so you don’t have to put any of your packages on the ground.
A Spacious and Entertaining Interior for Active Friends and Family
The 2026 Equinox ACTIV seats up to five passengers very comfortably. There is a truly spacious 104.3 cu.ft of room inside the vehicle’s passenger compartment. The designers at Chevy have done a great job of apportioning the space between the two rows of seats, so all of your passengers can stretch out during the ride. While the front row has 40.9 inches of legroom and 57.7 inches of shoulder room, those seated in the back will enjoy 39.9 inches of legroom and 55.8 inches of shoulder room.
Chevy has upholstered the seats in the Equinox ACTIV with sueded microfiber material. This not only looks elegant, but is also quite comfortable and easy to clean. The front seats and steering wheel are also heated, which will come in handy on colder mornings.
Safety and Driver Assists for the Daily Grind
The Equinox ACTIV is designed to keep you and your passengers safe wherever you are driving. There are multiple airbags throughout the vehicle’s cabin to shield you in the event of a collision. But the key to staying safe often involves avoiding an accident in the first place. This is why it comes with a comprehensive set of Chevy Safety Assist active driver assist and safety features.
The Safety Alert Seat on this vehicle will give you vibrations in addition to sound alerts. This lets you know if there is a potential hazard that requires your attention. So, if the Forward Collision Alert detects a potential front-end collision with the vehicle in front of you, your driver’s seat will vibrate, alerting you to the need to take evasive action.
You also get Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking. This lets you know if another vehicle is going to cross the path of your Equinox ACTIV when you get to an intersection. This will help you avoid T-bone collisions, which can often be the most dangerous ones.
One of the most common causes of highway accidents is changing lanes. If you are not aware of a vehicle travelling in your blind spot, you risk colliding when you change lanes on the highway. Fortunately, the Equinox ACTIV comes with Blind Zone Steering Assist. Not only will this alert you to the presence of another vehicle in an adjacent lane when you signal to make a change, but it will also use slight steering adjustments to help you avoid a collision.
These and other safety features on the 2026 Equinox ACTIV will help you avoid getting into accidents. This is the best way to stay safe and enjoy the ride.

Staying Connected and Entertained to Keep Up
The technology on the 2026 Chevy Equinox ACTIV is also designed to keep you connected and entertained. The infotainment system features an 11.3-inch LCD touchscreen display that makes accessing your favorite apps easier than ever. Simply connect your smartphone using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can do this even if you left your charging cables at home, as the Equinox ACTIV features wireless connectivity. Once connected, you can make hands-free calls and texts using natural voice recognition. There is also a wireless charging pad inside the Equinox ACTIV, so you don’t have to worry about draining the charge from staying connected.
Connecting your phone also allows you to stream your favorite music over the vehicle’s six-speaker audio system. These have been positioned throughout the passenger cabin to give you the best sound quality possible. You can then enjoy the perfect soundtrack to your active lifestyle inside your Equinox ACTIV.
Make the Right Choice With a 2026 Chevy Equinox ACTIV
The Equinox ACTIV is truly the ideal vehicle for active people, whether they are students, commuters, families, or retirees. With its roomy interior, efficient performance, rugged design and capabilities, and advanced technology, the Equinox ACTIV gives you everything you could ever want in a compact SUV. Come in today and make the active choice by choosing a 2026 Chevy Equinox ACTIV as your next compact SUV!


