2026 Chevrolet Trax or Equinox: which one should you choose?

Summary

In this comparison of the 2026 Chevrolet Trax vs. Chevrolet Equinox, you will see they share the same Chevrolet badge, but not the same everyday life.

The Equinox delivers 175 horsepower against 137 for the Trax, a 38-horsepower difference. Cargo space reaches 1,798 L versus 1,532 L, a gain of 266 L. Most of all, the Equinox offers available all-wheel drive and tows up to 1,500 lb. (680 kg), two things the Trax does not since it is front-wheel drive only. In return, you might prefer the Trax for fuel economy of 8.5 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 L/100 km on the highway.

The debate between the 2026 Chevrolet Trax vs. Chevrolet Equinox therefore pits two SUVs from the same family that do not target the same lifestyle. The Trax aims for the lowest ownership costs possible, while the Equinox delivers maximum versatility.

2026 Chevrolet Trax vs. Chevrolet Equinox: the main differences

Three key differences are likely to guide your choice.

Drivetrain first: the Trax is offered only with front-wheel drive, while the Equinox makes all-wheel drive available. Next, the Trax 1.2 L is equipped with a 3-cylinder turbo that delivers 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft max torque, and the Equinox runs on a 1.5 L turbo that produces 175 horsepower. Space also tips the scales, with 1,532 L of maximum cargo space on one side and 1,798 L on the other.

The Chevrolet Equinox parked in the city.

2026 Chevrolet Trax vs. Equinox: pricing and available trims

The 2026 Trax gives you several choices with the LT, 1RS, 2RS and ACTIV trims. The Equinox offers the LT, RS and ACTIV trims, plus a Midnight Edition available on the LT. Manufacturer pricing starts at $30,175* for the Trax and $37,725* for the Equinox. The segment gap stays clear: the Trax is your entry point into the Chevrolet SUV lineup, the Equinox is the compact ideal for your family.

The Chevrolet Trax parked on a gravel road in the countryside.

Performance and powertrain: Trax vs. Equinox

The Trax moves with a 1.2 L turbo three-cylinder that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft, rated at 8.5 L/100 km city and 7.6 L/100 km highway. The Equinox relies on a 1.5 L turbo with 175 horsepower, offered with available all-wheel drive. You will notice the 38-horsepower gap, especially on a loaded climb on Highway 55 or during a pass with four people aboard.

Dimensions, weight and interior space compared

The Equinox measures 4,653 mm (183.2 in) and weighs between 3,428 and 3,629 lb. depending on trim, while the Trax starts at 3,014 lb. Both give you room for five passengers with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench. The Equinox cargo area reaches 1,798 L (63.5 cu. ft.) versus 1,532 L (54.1 cu. ft.) for the Trax, a 266 L difference that equals about two junior hockey bags.

Onboard tech and driver assistance

The Trax gives you Chevrolet Safety Assist as standard, with six features, including Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. The Equinox goes further by giving you more than 15 standard features, including side Cyclist Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.

On screens, the Trax offers an 11-inch touch screen. The Equinox has an 11.3-inch touch screen paired with an 11-inch digital driver display. Both include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Close-up of the Chevrolet Trax dashboard.

Value for money

Financially, the difference between the 2026 Chevrolet Trax vs. Chevrolet Equinox plays out on two fronts. With the Trax, you win on entry price as well as operating costs thanks to 7.6 L/100 km on the highway and a lower curb weight.

But the Equinox answers with available all-wheel drive, 1,500 lb. (680 kg) of towing and 266 L of extra cargo room, and it still does well on fuel economy (as low as 8.1 L/100 km on the highway). It all depends on your priorities. If you are unsure, come discuss it with a Paillé expert.

The Chevrolet Equinox parked by the water.

Rewards and recognition

The Equinox brings a strong argument: J.D. Power named it the most dependable compact SUV in the United States in 2026. It also ranks first in its category for new-vehicle quality between 2015 and 2024 (Initial Quality Study).

Which SUV to choose based on how you drive?

Ask yourself a few questions: do you need all-wheel drive or towing? How many bags do you carry each week? To be sure you make the right choice, come in for a test drive and talk it over with a Paillé expert.

The advantages of the Chevrolet Equinox

Available all-wheel drive changes the game on a steep, unplowed driveway at 6 a.m. The 175 horsepower, the 1,798 L cargo area and the 1,500 lb. (680 kg) towing capability cover your camping trips, your utility trailer and your end-of-lease moves.

The advantages of the Chevrolet Trax

The Trax lets you park almost anywhere and uses 7.6 L/100 km on the highway, which makes it a great commuting vehicle. The extra 1,532 L are more than enough for your weekly groceries and your luggage if you travel as a couple.

Comparison table: Trax vs. Equinox

Here’s the Trax vs. Equinox debate at a glance:

Criterion	2026 Chevrolet Trax	2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Starting price*	$30,175	$37,725
Engine	1.2 L turbo, 3 cylinders	1.5 L turbo
Power	137 hp (162 lb-ft)	175 hp
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive only	Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
City and highway consumption	8.5 and 7.6 L/100 km	FWD: 9.2 L/100 km city, 8.1 L/100 km highway AWD: 9.6 L/100 km city, 8.1 L/100 km highway
Maximum cargo space	1,532 L (54.1 cu. ft.)	1,798 L (63.5 cu. ft.)
Towing capacity	Not recommended	680 kg (1,500 lb)
Touch screen	11 in	11.3 in plus 11 in digital driver display
Standard safety	6 features	More than 15 features
Weight	From 1,367 kg	1,555 to 1,646 kg
Trims	LT, 1RS, 2RS, ACTIV	LT, RS, ACTIV

FAQ - Trax vs. Equinox

Is the Chevrolet Equinox bigger than the Trax?

Yes, on every side. It is 4,653 mm long, weighs from 3,428 to 3,629 lb. and offers 1,798 L of maximum cargo space, compared with 1,532 L for the Trax.

Trax or Equinox: which offers the better value for money?

If you want a vehicle for urban use without towing, that will be the Trax thanks to 7.6 L/100 km on the highway. As soon as all-wheel drive or towing are among your priorities, the Equinox takes the lead.

Which one to choose for a family: the Trax or the Equinox?

If you have a family with two kids and sports gear, the Equinox is the one to favour, with 266 L more cargo room, 175 horsepower and available all-wheel drive. If you are a couple or have a small family with a young child, the Trax could suit you well.