The Chevrolet Equinox has long been one of the most practical compact SUVs on the market, and the 2027 model year brings meaningful upgrades to the driving experience, functionality, and styling. Chevrolet replaced the CVT with an eight-speed automatic on FWD models, increased towing capacity, added a Connected Cameras feature, and introduced a new exterior color.
If you’ve been watching the Equinox evolve, or you’re simply shopping for a capable, well-priced SUV, the changes between the 2026 and 2027 model years are worth a closer look.
Major Upgrades Over the 2026 Model
The gap between the 2026 and 2027 Equinox goes beyond looks. Chevrolet made targeted improvements aimed at real-world driving needs, and the 2027 model is a noticeably better package for it.
New Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
The switch from a CVT to an eight-speed automatic on FWD models is the biggest change for 2027, bringing them in line with AWD trims that already used the eight-speed. CVTs are known for fuel efficiency, but plenty of drivers find them dull to drive.
The eight-speed automatic brings a more traditional, engaging feel while still holding onto strong efficiency across daily commutes and highway stretches. Acceleration feels more natural, and the transmission responds better when you need quick power, an improvement over the 2026 FWD Equinox’s CVT.
Increased Towing Capacity
Towing capacity also gets a real bump for 2027. Both FWD and AWD models are now rated to tow up to 1,500 lbs, nearly double the 800 lbs the 2026 FWD Equinox could handle. That extra capacity opens the door to weekend trips, light hauling, or pulling a small trailer, without needing to move up to a bigger SUV.
Connected Cameras Feature
Safety tech gets a boost with the new Connected Cameras feature, available with the Safety and Technology package. It’s designed to add exterior and interior remote viewing through the MyChevy app, along with dash-cam functionality, something the 2026 Equinox didn’t offer.
The camera hardware is installed at the factory, but Chevrolet plans to activate the feature later through an over-the-air update rather than at launch, so early buyers should confirm timing with us. Once enabled, whether you’re keeping an eye on the vehicle in a parking lot or reviewing footage after a drive, Connected Cameras is set to give owners a level of security and situational awareness that wasn’t available on last year’s model.
Autumn Harvest Metallic Exterior Color
On the style side, Chevrolet introduces Autumn Harvest Metallic as a new exterior color, replacing the discontinued Cacti Green. It’s a warm, distinctive tone that sets the 2027 Equinox apart on the road and gives buyers another good-looking option when personalizing their vehicle. The 2027 RS trim also gets an interior update, with Torch Red stitching replacing the 2026 RS’s Santorini Blue and Torch Red combination.
Performance and Technology Differences
The 2027 Equinox carries over the 175-hp turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine from 2026, so the core powertrain balance of power and fuel economy hasn’t changed. Torque output depends on drivetrain: FWD models produce 184 lb-ft, while AWD models produce 203 lb-ft. That extra torque on AWD trims is useful in practice, it helps with traction in slippery conditions and gives a meaningful edge when towing near the Equinox’s limit. Fuel economy on FWD models is estimated at 25 mpg city and 26 mpg combined, a slight dip from the 2026 model’s 26 mpg city and 27 mpg combined due to the new transmission.
The real change this year is how that power gets delivered. The new eight-speed automatic noticeably improves acceleration, especially in city driving where quicker gear changes make a difference you can actually feel in traffic, all while keeping the efficiency compact SUV buyers count on.
Driver assistance features carry forward as well, including adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking, so safety technology remains a strong point across LT, RS, and Activ trims.
Infotainment and Interior Technology
Step inside the 2027 Equinox and the interior immediately feels modern and easy to use. The centerpiece is an 11.3-inch touchscreen running Google Built-In, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can connect your phone without messing with cables. An 11-inch digital driver display sits ahead of the driver, keeping key vehicle information right in your line of sight, and an available 5G Wi-Fi hotspot keeps everyone connected on the road.
Comfort features round out the package in a way that’s hard to find standard at this price. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel come included on many trims, a nice bonus once winter settles in around the Pacific Northwest. The interior layout is clean and organized, with intuitive controls and smart storage placement throughout the cabin.
Passenger Space and Cargo Capacity
The 2027 Equinox seats five, with the cabin designed for good legroom and easy entry in every seat. Behind the second row, you’ll find about 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space, plenty for grocery runs and weekend bags. Fold the 60/40 split-folding rear seat down and that number jumps to 63.5 cubic feet, which makes the Equinox genuinely useful for moves, outdoor gear, or whatever else needs the extra room.
For families, commuters, and active drivers, that mix of passenger comfort and cargo flexibility remains one of the Equinox’s strongest everyday selling points, unchanged from 2026 but still a segment strength.
Why the 2027 Equinox Is the Better Choice
The compact SUV segment is crowded, with strong contenders like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V competing hard for the same buyers. The 2027 Equinox answers that competition with affordability and real-world practicality, now backed by a more satisfying drivetrain.
The 2027 updates tackle the spots where earlier Equinox models took criticism. Drivers who found the outgoing CVT uninspiring will notice the eight-speed automatic’s more engaging feel right away. Owners who occasionally tow a small trailer or light hauling equipment benefit directly from the jump to 1,500 lbs of towing capacity on both FWD and AWD models.
And buyers who value peace of mind when the vehicle is parked or unattended will get real use out of the Connected Cameras feature once Chevrolet activates it through the planned over-the-air update. AWD shoppers specifically gain the added benefit of 203 lb-ft of torque, which helps with traction in poor weather and adds confidence when towing near capacity.
If you’re after a compact SUV that works hard, looks sharp, and doesn’t ask you to overspend, the 2027 Equinox makes a strong case for itself across its LT, RS, and Activ trims.
Schedule Your 2027 Equinox Test Drive at Titus-Will Chevrolet
Visit Us in Tacoma, WA
Reading about updates is one thing. Experiencing them on the road is another. Titus-Will Chevrolet, located at 11011 Pacific Ave S in Tacoma, WA, invites you to come see the 2027 Equinox in person. Titus-Will serves the greater Tacoma area, including Olympia, Puyallup, Lakewood, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and has been part of the Pacific Northwest community since 1938 as Washington State’s largest volume auto group.
Book Your Test Drive
Our team can walk you through the LT, RS, and Activ trims, help you find the right configuration for your lifestyle, and connect you with flexible financing options that work across all credit profiles. If you’d rather start the process from home, online purchasing and home delivery are available too. To ask questions or schedule your test drive, contact our team or call 253-448-8157.
With over 85 years of experience, Titus-Will Chevrolet makes finding your next vehicle a straightforward, confident experience.
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