Best Chevy Equinox Trim for Buffalo Commuters & Family Drivers
Best Equinox Trim Level for Value-Conscious Buyers — LT
Any version of the Equinox is priced extremely competitively compared to other vehicles in its class. That begins with the base-level LT, which starts at just $29,000 MSRP*. However, this shouldn’t be taken as a case where you’ll be trading off vital features for a lower cost. Remarkably, there’s very little missing on the Equinox LT, versus the Activ or RS. It carries the same engine as its siblings, a 1.5L Inline-4 setup offering 175 horsepower, and similarly features a standard front-wheel drive powertrain, with all-wheel drive available. That’s largely true inside the cabin as well; some comfort packages and features are set aside for the higher trims, but most of the infotainment and tech is identical.
Best Equinox Trim Level for Winter Weather — Activ
Whether “off-road” means a trail, or simply any of those numerous occasions when the Western New York roads are covered in snow and ice, the Equinox Activ is set up with everything you need to navigate the unknown and arrive safely. Like all Equinox trim levels, it has available all-wheel drive, and it comes standard with aggressive 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, helping to offer sure and responsive footing through any conditions. The Activ’s available fog lamps can prove incredibly useful for seeing what’s in front of you underneath flying snow at night and its standard 4-link rear suspension helps smooth out uneven terrain created by tire tracks or plows.
Best Equinox Trim Level for Daily Driving — RS or Activ
You truly can’t go wrong with either the RS or Activ when it comes to routine daily driving, and the correct choice comes almost entirely down to preference. Both are identically priced and carry similar lists of features, with the Activ offering a sportier posture and the RS retaining classical SUV styling. Whichever you choose, you’ll benefit from the Equinox’s ability to function as a compact urban commuter, but also from a spacious interior — it’s larger than competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and the Honda CR-V — that is remarkably versatile for balancing both passenger and cargo needs.
Best Equinox Trim Level for Family Use — RS or Activ
On a similar note, the RS and Activ trims are equally capable of serving as a family vehicle. The Equinox has five seats in total, with ample legroom for both front (40.9 inches) and rear (39.9 inches) passengers. If required, those back seats can be folded down for an impressive 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Even if you need those seats for people, the 29.8 cubic feet behind the second row is plenty for everyone’s weekend bags, grocery shopping, or just about any typical day-to-day family needs. The standard Chevy Safety Assist package of driver assistance technologies helps ensure a smooth journey.
Best Equinox Trim Level for Comfort and Technology — RS
One important thing to understand about the Chevrolet Equinox is that most of the best available features are found through upgrade packages. The highest of these, called Convenience Package III, is only available on the RS and Activ trims. It includes ventilated driver and front passenger seats, along with eight-way power front passenger seats, two-way power front passenger lumbar adjustment, and driver memory settings. The RS’s impressive list of standard features offers wireless charging, a hands-free programmable liftgate, cabin humidity and windshield sensors and, of course, an 11.3-inch infotainment system with Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility and plenty of USB connections.
* The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes destination freight charge. Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment not included. Dealer sets final price.