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2027 Chevrolet Equinox: LT vs RS vs ACTIV — Which Trim Should You Buy?
The 2027 Chevrolet Equinox LT, RS and ACTIV all share the same 175-hp turbo engine, eight-speed automatic and standard tech — so you’re choosing looks and equipment, not power. LT ($30,995) is the value pick, RS is the sporty blacked-out trim on 19-inch wheels, and ACTIV is the rugged trim with all-terrain tires and an available Off-Road mode. For most Okarche-area buyers, LT with available AWD is the smart money.
If you’ve narrowed your next SUV down to the 2027 Chevrolet Equinox, the good news is that picking a trim is refreshingly low-stakes. Unlike rivals that lock the strong engine behind the top trim, the Equinox gives every model the same powertrain and the same generous standard tech. That means the LT, RS and ACTIV decision comes down to style and a handful of comfort upgrades — not horsepower. Here’s how the three break down, and who each one is built for. For the full vehicle rundown, see our complete 2027 Equinox buyer’s guide.
What’s New for 2027 Across Equinox Trim Levels
The 2027 Equinox carries over the fourth-generation design introduced for 2025, with a couple of meaningful updates that apply across LT, RS and ACTIV. The biggest is mechanical: front-wheel-drive models now use the eight-speed automatic that all-wheel-drive versions already had, retiring the old CVT. Chevrolet also added a new Autumn Harvest Metallic paint color to the palette. Every trim continues to come standard with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start and Adaptive Cruise Control — equipment many competitors still charge extra for.
2027 Equinox Trim Overview
All three trims run the turbocharged 1.5-liter four making 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. Here’s where they differ:
| Feature | LT | RS | ACTIV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $30,995 | High-$30,000s | High-$30,000s |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo · 175 hp / 203 lb-ft (identical across all trims) | ||
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | ||
| Drive | FWD std, AWD opt. | FWD std, AWD opt. | FWD std, AWD opt. |
| Towing (max) | Up to 1,500 lbs (properly equipped 1.5L AWD) | ||
| Infotainment | 11.3″ touchscreen + Google built-in, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (all trims) | ||
| Standard wheels | 17″ Grazen (19″ avail.) | 19″ Carbon Flash (20″ avail.) | 17″ Dark Android + all-terrain |
| Seat material | Cloth (Evotex avail.) | Evotex, Torch Red stitch | Sueded microfiber |
| Convenience Pkg II | Available | Standard | Standard |
| Key differentiator | Most value per dollar | Sporty, blacked-out look | Rugged look + Off-Road mode |
LT — Who It’s For
LT is the foundation of the lineup, and it’s far from a stripped base model. For $30,995 it includes the 11.3-inch touchscreen, 11-inch digital driver display, Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start and Adaptive Cruise Control — the same core comfort and safety tech you’ll find on the trims above it. It rides on 17-inch Grazen Metallic wheels (19s are available) and comes with cloth seating. Want a little visual edge? The available Midnight Edition blacks out the badging, mirror caps and wheels.
The Convenience Package II — wireless charging, dual-zone climate, a power driver’s seat and a hands-free liftgate — is optional on LT, so you can add the niceties you want without paying for an appearance package you don’t.
Best for: value-focused families and commuters who want the Equinox’s full tech and comfort without paying for styling upgrades — the trim we steer most Okarche-area buyers toward.
RS — Who It’s For
RS is the sporty-looking Equinox. It swaps in a unique grille and fascia, blacks out the mirrors, moldings and badging, and adds a flat-bottom steering wheel and Evotex seating with Torch Red contrast stitching. It rolls on standard 19-inch Carbon Flash machined wheels, with 20-inch black wheels available for an even more aggressive stance. Convenience Package II content is standard here, so wireless charging, dual-zone climate, a power driver’s seat and the hands-free liftgate are all included.
Just remember the engine is identical to the LT’s — RS is about attitude and a richer standard equipment list, not more speed.
Best for: buyers who want the Equinox to look sharp and sporty and like having the convenience features bundled in standard.
ACTIV — Who It’s For
ACTIV is the adventure-styled Equinox. It gets its own bold grille, black badging, and sueded microfiber seating in Maple Sugar with Black, plus standard 17-inch Dark Android wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. Like RS, it makes Convenience Package II standard. Pair ACTIV with available all-wheel drive and you get the Off-Road drive mode, which — combined with those all-terrain tires — makes it the most capable-feeling trim on the gravel county roads a lot of our customers drive.
It’s still a road-friendly crossover rather than a true off-roader, but no other Equinox looks or feels as ready for a dirt road.
Best for: buyers who want rugged looks and the most confidence on gravel and in light off-pavement use, especially with AWD.
Which 2027 Equinox Trim Makes the Most Sense?
Because every trim shares the same engine, transmission and core technology, there’s no “slow trim” to avoid and no need to stretch your budget for performance. That simplifies the decision: buy the look and the equipment level you want.
For most buyers, LT with available AWD is the smart money — it already has the heated seats, heated wheel, remote start, adaptive cruise and the 11.3-inch screen, so AWD is the only box most Oklahoma families really need to add.
Choose RS if you want the sporty, blacked-out look with convenience features standard. Choose ACTIV if you want rugged styling and the most gravel-road confidence — ideally with AWD for the Off-Road mode.
See These Trims in Person
Carter Chevrolet stocks the 2027 Equinox in Okarche, OK. Compare LT, RS and ACTIV side by side — no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 2027 Equinox LT, RS and ACTIV?
All three share the same 175-horsepower turbo 1.5-liter engine, eight-speed automatic and standard tech, so they differ in looks and equipment rather than power. LT is the value trim, RS is the sporty blacked-out trim on 19-inch wheels, and ACTIV is the rugged trim with all-terrain tires and an available Off-Road drive mode.
Is the RS or ACTIV faster than the LT?
No. The RS and ACTIV use the exact same 175-horsepower, 203 lb-ft turbo engine and eight-speed automatic as the LT. They add appearance and equipment, not performance, so acceleration is essentially identical across all three trims.
Which 2027 Equinox trim is the best value?
The LT. It starts at $30,995 and already includes the 11.3-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start and Adaptive Cruise Control, so you get the Equinox’s core comfort and tech without paying for the RS or ACTIV styling upgrades.
Do all 2027 Equinox trims offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on the LT, RS and ACTIV. AWD models add an Off-Road drive mode alongside Normal and Snow, which pairs especially well with the ACTIV’s standard all-terrain tires.
Sources
- Chevrolet Equinox — Chevrolet (official)
- 2027 Equinox Specs & Trims — Kelley Blue Book
- Chevrolet Equinox Review — Edmunds