Planning a summer road trip up the California Coast from Carson or Los Angeles is easier with the right vehicle. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offers a balance of cargo space, available all-wheel drive, and standard safety features that suit long-haul travel in Southern California. As the marine layer burns off and the summer sun arrives, the call of the Pacific Coast Highway becomes hard to ignore.
At Chevrolet of Carson, our team hears the excitement in our customers' voices every spring as they map out their coastal getaways. Whether you are aiming for a weekend in Santa Barbara or a longer drive through the winding cliffs of Big Sur, the vehicle you choose shapes the comfort and confidence of your journey. The Chevrolet Equinox is a strong option for families and adventurers looking for a compact SUV that handles daily driving and weekend trips well.
Cargo Space and Interior Versatility
A road trip calls for a vehicle that can handle your gear without crowding your passengers. Per Chevrolet, the 2026 Equinox is designed to adapt as your loading needs change.
Cargo capacity:
- 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats
- 63.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats folded flat
- Under-floor cargo storage for stashing valuables out of sight when you park at a trailhead in Malibu or stop for lunch in Monterey
Passenger comfort:
- 40.9 inches of front legroom and 39.9 inches of rear legroom per Chevrolet
- Available dual-zone climate control on higher trims to keep rear passengers comfortable on the hot drive through the San Fernando Valley
- Available wireless smartphone charging and other convenience features
Powertrain and Efficiency
Per Chevrolet, every 2026 Equinox is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). EPA-estimated fuel economy is approximately 27 mpg city / 31 mpg highway on FWD models and 25 mpg city / 29 mpg highway on AWD models, helping keep fuel costs manageable on longer drives.
All-wheel drive is available across the lineup for added confidence on winding coastal roads or in unexpected weather.
When properly equipped, the 2026 Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lbs, making it suitable for small trailers, bike racks, or kayaks.
Standard Technology and Safety
Per Chevrolet, the 2026 Equinox comes well-equipped from the base trim up:
- Standard 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in
- 11-inch digital gauge cluster on higher trims
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Drive Mode Selector is new for 2026 across all trims
- 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability (with eligible service plan)
Standard Chevy Safety Assist is included on every 2026 Equinox and provides driver-assistance features that support safer long-distance driving, including:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- IntelliBeam Auto High Beams
- Following Distance Indicator
These features can help maintain your focus during long stretches behind the wheel on PCH, where winding roads, sudden fog banks, and tourist traffic demand sustained attention.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox Trim Lineup
Per Chevrolet, the 2026 Equinox is offered in three trim levels:
- LT: The entry trim, with available Midnight Edition and Convenience II packages for added style and features
- ACTIV: Adventure-oriented with 17-inch all-terrain tires, a more rugged suspension setup, and unique styling
- RS: Sporty appearance with 19-inch black machined wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and dynamic styling
Each trim shares the same standard 1.5-liter turbo engine and well-equipped feature set.
Chevrolet Warranty Coverage
Per Chevrolet, every new Equinox is backed by factory warranty coverage:
- 3-Year / 36,000-Mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty
- 5-Year / 60,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
- 5-Year / 60,000-Mile Courtesy Transportation and Roadside Assistance
Find Your Road Trip Companion at Chevrolet of Carson
Before the summer rush, we encourage you to browse our new Chevrolet Equinox inventory to find the trim level that matches your travel plans. Whether you prefer the well-equipped LT trim, the adventure-ready ACTIV, or the sporty RS, we have a selection of configurations for Los Angeles drivers.
Before a long coastal trip, it is also a good idea to have your vehicle inspected. Bring your vehicle to our certified service center for a pre-trip inspection. Our factory-trained, Chevrolet-certified technicians can check your tire tread depth, top off fluids, and inspect brake pads to help your Equinox be ready for the miles ahead.