If You’re Shopping for a Chevy Equinox, Here’s the Best Trim Level to Buy
If you're wondering which trim level of the Chevy Equinox to buy, we recommend either the RS or Activ.Largely the same aside from aesthetics, the RS and Activ add several items not found on the base LT trim.Opt...
- If you're wondering which trim level of the Chevy Equinox to buy, we recommend either the RS or Activ.
- Largely the same aside from aesthetics, the RS and Activ add several items not found on the base LT trim.
- Optional extras on the RS and Activ include all-wheel drive, a tow package, and a safety package that adds a 360-degree camera system among other features.
See Our Comprehensive Chevrolet Equinox Make-Model Page
In addition to being a competent compact SUV, the Chevy Equinox is now stylish thanks to a recent redesign. Choosing from among three available trim levels can be confusing, though, not least because two of them are functionally similar. But we're here to untangle that hierarchy. If you're shopping for an Equinox, we can save you some time by recommending the trim level and options that pack the best value.
Which Equinox Trim Level Is the Best?
Chevy does something interesting with its top Equinox trims. The RS and Activ cost the same ($35,595) and come with the same functional features, but they differ in looks. The RS is the one with sportier styling—gloss black accents apparently mean sporty—while the Active has a more traditional SUV look, as if it were ready to get lost in the woods. The RS rides on 19-inch wheels with all-season tires, while the Activ gets more aggressive all-terrain rubber mounted to 17-inch wheels.
Equinox RS
Equinox Activ
Compared to the base LT model, these two fraternal twins add a long list of desirable features, such as a power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate.
What Options Should You Consider?
All Equinox models come standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is a $2000 upgrade. A towing package runs $1095 and brings towing capacity to 1000 pounds. The $950 Convenience Package III bundles ventilated front seats, memory settings for the driver, power adjustments for the front passenger seat, and heated rear outboard seats. For $945, the Safety and Technology package adds a rear-camera mirror, front fog lamps, pedestrian alert, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system that's useful when parking.
What Do You Miss Out On in the Higher Trim Levels?
Because the RS and Activ are at the top of the Equinox lineup, you don't miss out on anything by choosing one of them. That said, going for the Activ means smaller wheels than on the RS and all-terrain tires instead of all-seasons, and their interior motifs and materials differ as well.
Ever since David was a wee Car and Driver intern, he has kept a spreadsheet listing all the vehicles he’s driven and tested. David really likes spreadsheets. He can parallel-park a school bus and once drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. After taking a break from journalism to work on autonomous vehicles, he’s back writing for this and other automotive publications. When David’s not searching for the perfect used car, you can find him sampling the latest in gimmicky, limited-edition foodstuffs.