2026 Chevrolet Equinox Interior Specs and Technology
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox pairs a tech-forward cabin with genuinely premium materials — and puts dual digital screens, Google Built-In, and Chevy Safety Assist on every trim, including the base LT. For drivers around Riverside, Eastvale, and the wider Inland Empire, it’s a lot of standard equipment for a compact SUV.
2026 Equinox Interior Highlights
| Highlight | Detail |
|---|---|
| Digital Cockpit | 11-inch driver display + 11.3-inch touchscreen (standard all trims) |
| Infotainment | Google Built-In with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Passenger Volume | 104.3 cu ft, seating for 5 |
| Max Cargo Volume | 63.5 cu ft (seats folded) |
| Starting MSRP | $30,795 (LT, includes destination) |
| Safety | Standard Chevy Safety Assist + Adaptive Cruise Control |
The Digital Cockpit and Google Built-In Infotainment
Dual Screens, Standard on Every Trim
The 2026 Equinox’s standout is its dual-screen digital cockpit, standard across the lineup. An 11-inch Driver Information Center reconfigures from a classic speedometer view to full-screen navigation, paired with an 11.3-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Screens this size are usually reserved for top trims — here they’re on the base LT.
Google Built-In and Smartphone Connectivity
Google Built-In runs Google Maps, Assistant, and Google Play apps natively, so navigation stays live even without a connected phone, and voice commands handle navigation, climate, and audio. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for those who prefer their phone.
Infotainment & Connectivity at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Driver Information Center | 11-inch diagonal digital cluster (standard) |
| Infotainment Touchscreen | 11.3-inch diagonal (standard) |
| Native Apps | Google Built-In (Maps, Assistant, Google Play) |
| Smartphone Integration | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (standard) |
| Wireless Charging | Available on RS and ACTIV |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Available |
| Software Updates | Over-the-air capable |
Pricing, Trims, and Seating Materials
Pricing and Upholstery by Trim
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Standard Upholstery |
|---|---|---|
| LT | $30,795 | Cloth |
| RS | $35,595 | Evotex synthetic leather |
| ACTIV | $35,595 | Evotex with sueded microfiber |
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
How the Trims Differ Inside
The LT covers the essentials with cloth seating plus standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The RS and ACTIV share the same starting MSRP but take the cabin in different directions.
| Interior Detail | LT | RS | ACTIV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Material | Cloth | Evotex synthetic leather | Evotex + sueded microfiber |
| Color Theme | Standard | Torch Red & Santorini Blue stitching | Black & Maple Sugar |
| Steering Wheel | Standard heated | Flat-bottom | Standard |
| Head Restraints | Standard | Debossed RS logo | “ACTIV” stitched |
| Climate / Power Seat | Standard | Dual-zone auto + 8-way power driver | Dual-zone auto + 8-way power driver |
Passenger Comfort and Space
With 104.3 cubic feet of total passenger volume, the Equinox seats five comfortably, and the rear seat is roomy enough for adults, not just kids. An available panoramic sunroof brightens the cabin further.
| Measurement | Front Row | Second Row |
|---|---|---|
| Headroom | 40.0 in | 39.2 in |
| Legroom | 40.9 in | 39.9 in |
The center console uses a pass-through design, opening storage beneath the controls thanks to a rotary gear selector that clears the space between the front seats. Active noise cancellation keeps the cabin quiet by using the audio system to counter road and engine noise.
Cargo Capacity and Smart Storage
The Equinox offers 29.8 cubic feet behind the second row — enough for a large grocery run or several bags — expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-bench folded flat.
Dimensions and Capacity
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Overall Length | 183.2 in |
| Width | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row | 29.8 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 63.5 cu ft |
Smart Storage Touches
- Under-floor storage: A compartment beneath the rear cargo floor keeps valuables or emergency items out of sight.
- AutoSense Power Liftgate: Available hands-free liftgate opens automatically when it detects your key fob — handy when your hands are full.
- Pass-through center console: Gives smaller items a dedicated home on longer drives.
Chevy Safety Assist and Driver-Assist Tech
Standard Driver-Assistance Features
Every 2026 Equinox includes Chevy Safety Assist, working through the digital cockpit, with Adaptive Cruise Control standard across all trims.
| Driver-Assistance Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard |
| Front Pedestrian Braking | Standard |
| Forward Collision Alert | Standard |
| Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Following Distance Indicator | Standard |
| IntelliBeam Automatic High Beams | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard |
| HD Surround Vision, Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Pedestrian Alert | Available (Safety & Technology Package) |
Teen Driver technology, built into the infotainment system, can set audio volume limits and generate a report on driving habits to encourage safer behavior for new drivers.
Engine and Performance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbocharged I4 |
| Horsepower | 175 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT (FWD) / 8-speed automatic (AWD) |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available |
Independent Safety Testing
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| IIHS Whiplash Prevention | Acceptable (applies to 2025–26 models) |
Full IIHS crashworthiness ratings and updated NHTSA crash-test results for the 2026 model year had not yet been published at the time of writing — we recommend confirming the latest ratings at IIHS.org and NHTSA.gov.
Quick Answers Before You Visit
Does the 2026 Equinox offer a third row of seating?
The Equinox is a two-row, five-passenger SUV. Focusing on two rows lets Chevrolet provide a competitive 39.9 inches of rear legroom and 29.8 cubic feet of cargo behind the seats — often more useful for families than a cramped third row.
Is the 11.3-inch touchscreen standard on the base LT trim?
Yes. Every 2026 Equinox features the 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen and the 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center, so you don’t have to step up to a higher trim to get the full digital cockpit.
What is the benefit of the Google Built-In system?
Google Built-In lets the vehicle run apps like Google Maps natively, so navigation works even when your phone isn’t connected, and you can use Google Assistant to control functions like climate using your voice.
Can I get leather seats in the new Equinox?
Traditional leather isn’t offered, but the RS and ACTIV feature Evotex — a synthetic material designed to be durable and easy to clean while delivering a premium look and feel.
Is the Equinox front-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Front-wheel drive is standard on every trim, paired with a CVT. All-wheel drive is available with an eight-speed automatic for added grip in poor weather or light trail use.
Experience the 2026 Equinox at Riverside Chevrolet
Our showroom often stocks multiple trim levels, so you can compare these interior upgrades side by side. Come test the Google Assistant voice commands, feel the Evotex seating, and see how much fits in the under-floor storage — then take one out for a drive.