The 2026 Equinox is one of the most recent additions to the Chevrolet family. This model is cut above its predecessor, as it offers a better driving experience and more advanced features. Like most families in Washington, you probably want to know its seating capacity to decide whether it’s a good buy.
Does a Chevy Equinox have a third row, or how many people can it seat? Our team at Titus-Will Chevrolet will answer that question and share more details about this model and its more spacious alternatives.
Chevrolet Equinox Third Row Seating: The Complete 2025 Answer
The 2026 Chevy Equionox doesn’t have third-row seating. It’s designed as a compact two-row SUV for small families, focusing on fuel efficiency and practicality. Despite its two-row design, the 2026 Equinox boasts a spacious and comfy interior with seats for five people. You’ll get 40 inches and 40.9 inches of front headroom and legroom, respectively. With about 58 inches of shoulder room, you can sit next to an adult without feeling boxed in.
The Equinox offers 39.9 inches of legroom and 39.3 inches of headroom for rear passengers, boosting comfort for taller passengers. Its second row has a 60/40 split-bench design, so there’s enough space to accommodate three people.
Chevrolet Models That Do Offer Third-Row Seating
Need a Chevrolet model with a third row? At Titus-Will Chevrolet, we have a massive inventory of both used and new Chevy vehicles. Below are our top picks:
Chevrolet Traverse: The Three-Row Family SUV
The Chevy Traverse is a mid-size SUV with three rows of seating, enough for eight passengers. It offers 23.0 cubic feet of cargo space when all the seats are up. Folding the 60/40-split third row can increase the cargo room to 57.8 cubic feet. If you still need more space, fold the second row to get 98 cubic feet.
Chevrolet Tahoe: Full-Size Third-Row Comfort
The Chevy Tahoe flaunts an adult-friendly third-row design with seating for 7-9 people. That aside, it has a host of other family-focused features, such as a maximum cargo space of over 120 cubic feet. This means you’ll have plenty of room to carry your stuff when heading to Owen Beach for a weekend getaway with your spouse or other fun locations in or outside Tacoma.
Chevrolet Suburban: Maximum Passenger and Cargo Space
Supposing you need a full-size SUV, opt for the three-row Suburban, one of the largest Chevy models. It offers a cargo space of over 140 cubic feet when the second and third rows are down. Upper trims have power-folding third-row seats, making it easier to load or offload cargo or passengers.
Best Alternatives to Equinox for Third Row Needs
Exploring other auto manufacturers’ offerings is wise when shopping for a family-friendly three-row vehicle. Here are some solid options:
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV with seating for up to eight people. It offers more front and rear headroom, legroom, and shoulder room than the Equinox. When all the seats are up, the Equinox provides a cargo space of up to 29.8 cubic feet, beating the Pilot’s 18.6 cubic feet.
Toyota Highlander
When it comes to legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, the Highlander has an edge over the Equinox. The former has a cargo room of 16.0 cubic feet behind its third row. This gives the Equinox the upper hand in this category since it offers nearly 30 cubic feet behind its second row.
Making the Right Choice: Equinox vs. Three-Row SUVs
Choosing between the Equinox and its three-row alternatives can throw you a curveball. When is the compact Chevy SUV your best pick? Let’s find out.
When the Equinox Is the Better Option
Select the 2026 Equinox when:
- You want a more fuel-efficient car. It has a fuel economy of 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, which is better than what several three-row models like the Traverse offer.
- You need a compact car that is easier to drive on crowded streets and park in small parking lots. Larger three-row vehicles don’t present this advantage.
- You’re on a tight budget. The 2026 Equinox’s starting MSRP is $28,700, while a larger option like the Tahoe is priced at $59,000.
When You Actually Need a Third Row
Choose a third-row SUV over the 2026 Equinox if:
- You have a large family with over five people to guarantee comfort.
- You regularly need extra seating and cargo space for outings and other activities. When the seats are folded, third-row vehicles offer more room than the 2026 Equinox.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox Interior Features
While the 2026 Equinox didn’t make the list of Chevy vehicles with 3rd row seating, it has a cozy cabin with various tech and comfort features. These include:
- Active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin environment.
- Heated front seats to increase comfort during the coldest periods in Tacoma, which are between December and February.
- Dual-zone climate control to help you personalize temperature settings for yourself and the front passenger.
- 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, helping you integrate your smartphone and Google apps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equinox Third Row
Below are some commonly asked questions about the 2026 Equinox’s third-row seating.
Can You Add a Third Row to a Chevrolet Equinox?
No, the Chevy Equinox doesn’t provide a third-row seating option because it has a two-row seating configuration.
What’s the Smallest Chevy SUV with Third Row Seating?
With a maximum cargo space of 98 cubic feet, the Traverse is the smallest Chevrolet SUV with a third row.
How Much More Does a Third-Row SUV Cost?
Third-row SUVs can cost $5,000-$25,000 more than two-row vehicles, depending on the class, brand, and trim.
Test Drive a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Equinox is a safe bet if you’re looking for a reliable two-row SUV that can also turn heads in Tacoma, Washington. Ready to make your purchase? Contact Titus-Will Chevrolet to schedule your test drive today. Let’s explore the available LT, RS, and Activ trims together and help you make a choice.
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