Tim Lally Chevrolet · 24999 Miles Rd, Warrensville Heights, OH 44128Sales: (440) 374-8221
2026 Equinox · RS Trim

2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS

The sport-styled Equinox: a 175-hp turbo, blacked-out RS accents, an 11.3-inch screen and available all-wheel drive in Chevy's best-selling compact SUV. See it at Tim Lally Chevrolet near Cleveland.

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The short answer

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS is the sport-appearance trim of Chevy's compact SUV. It runs a 1.5L turbo four making 175 hp, offers front- or all-wheel drive, seats five, starts at $35,595 and adds blacked-out styling over the LT. It's the gas Equinox — separate from the electric Equinox EV RS.

If you like the value and efficiency of the Chevy Equinox but want it to look the part, the RS is the trim to see. It keeps the Equinox's efficient turbo powertrain and roomy five-seat cabin, then layers on the sport-appearance package: gloss-black grille, black bowtie badging, dark exterior accents and unique 19-inch wheels. Below are the verified specs, how the RS compares to the LT, and how it fits between the Blazer and Traverse in Chevy's SUV family.

Specs

2026 Equinox RS specifications

Specification2026 Equinox RS
Engine1.5L turbocharged I4
Horsepower175 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque184 lb-ft (FWD) · 203 lb-ft (AWD)
TransmissionContinuously variable automatic (FWD) · 8-speed automatic (AWD)
DrivetrainFWD standard, AWD available
Fuel economy (FWD)26 city / 29 hwy / 27 combined mpg
Seating5 passengers
Cargo (behind 2nd row)29.8 cu ft
Cargo (max, seats folded)63.5 cu ft
Touchscreen11.3-inch display with Google built-in
Max towing*800 lbs (FWD) · 1,500 lbs (AWD)
Body styleCompact two-row SUV
Starting MSRP*$35,595 FWD · $37,595 AWD

*Towing requires proper equipment. Starting MSRP includes the destination freight charge and excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. AWD fuel economy is rated slightly lower than FWD. Figures reflect current Chevrolet specifications and change by configuration and model year — see dealer for full details.

Note on the transmission: FWD and AWD are not the same

This is the detail most Equinox comparisons get wrong. On the 2026 Equinox, front-wheel-drive models use a continuously variable automatic while all-wheel-drive models get a conventional 8-speed automatic — which is also why AWD is rated for more torque and nearly double the towing. If you want the 8-speed, you want AWD.

RS vs LT

What the RS adds over the LT

The RS is about attitude, not extra power — it shares the LT's 175-hp turbo. What changes is the look and the equipment list.

RS style cues

Gloss-black grille, black Chevrolet bowtie badging, dark exterior trim and body-color accents, plus standard 19-inch wheels and RS interior detailing for a sportier stance.

Everyday tech & comfort

Synthetic leather seating, a power-adjustable driver's seat, wireless phone charging, an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Chevy Safety Assist driver aids.

What changes for 2027

The 2027 Equinox drops the CVT: front-wheel-drive models move to the same 8-speed automatic the AWD uses, which raises FWD towing from 800 to 1,500 pounds. Styling and the 175-hp turbo carry over. If towing with a front-drive Equinox matters to you, it's worth asking what's on the lot — we can show you both model years side by side.

Coming from the 2026 Equinox LT? The RS is the natural step up for shoppers who want the sportier look. Prefer to go electric? Compare the gas RS with the Equinox EV RS. Need more room? Step up to the two-row Blazer or three-row Traverse — see how they stack up in Blazer vs Traverse.

People Also Ask

2026 Equinox RS FAQ

What engine does the 2026 Chevy Equinox RS have?

A 1.5L turbo four with 175 horsepower.

It makes 184 lb-ft of torque in front-wheel drive and 203 lb-ft in all-wheel drive. FWD models use a continuously variable automatic; AWD models use an 8-speed automatic.

Is the Equinox RS a gas or electric SUV?

The Equinox RS covered here is the gas model.

Chevy also sells an all-electric Equinox EV with its own RS trim. This page is about the gas 2026 Equinox RS; if you want electric, see the Equinox EV RS.

What makes the Equinox RS different from the LT?

The RS is the sport-appearance trim.

It adds blacked-out exterior accents, a gloss-black grille, black bowtie badging and 19-inch wheels over the LT, plus synthetic leather and RS interior touches, while sharing the same 175-hp turbo engine.

How much does the 2026 Equinox RS cost?

It starts at $35,595 with front-wheel drive.

All-wheel drive brings it to $37,595. Both figures include destination freight and exclude options, tax, title and dealer fees. Call (440) 374-8221 for today's pricing and current incentives.

Does the Equinox RS come with all-wheel drive?

AWD is available; FWD is standard.

All-wheel drive is a popular pick for Northeast Ohio winters, and on the 2026 Equinox it also brings the 8-speed automatic, more torque and a higher tow rating.

What is the gas mileage of the 2026 Equinox RS?

26 city / 29 highway mpg in front-wheel drive.

That's 27 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive models are rated slightly lower.

How much can the 2026 Equinox RS tow?

Up to 1,500 pounds with all-wheel drive.

Front-wheel-drive 2026 models are rated at 800 pounds. Towing requires proper equipment — never exceed the rating for your configuration.

How many people does the Equinox RS seat?

Five, across two rows.

The Equinox is a compact SUV — a step below the two-row Blazer and the three-row Traverse in Chevy's lineup. Cargo space runs from 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats to 63.5 with them folded.

Why buy your Equinox RS at Tim Lally Chevrolet?

Tim Lally Chevrolet24999 Miles Rd
Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
HoursMon & Thu 9–8
Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 9–6 · Sun closed

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