2026 Chevy Equinox MPG: What to Expect
The 2026 Chevy Equinox is EPA-rated at up to 27 mpg combined on front-wheel drive and 26 mpg combined on all-wheel drive, powered exclusively by a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder across the lineup.
Jump to a section: FWD ratings · AWD ratings · Engine behind the numbers · How it compares to recent years · Quick reference table · FAQ
FWD Ratings
Front-wheel-drive 2026 Equinox models are EPA-estimated at 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.
AWD Ratings
All-wheel-drive models are rated slightly lower at 25 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, the usual small penalty for the added drivetrain weight and friction.
Engine Behind the Numbers
Every 2026 Equinox uses a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque on FWD models, or 203 lb-ft on AWD models, giving the lineup a single, consistent efficiency profile rather than multiple engine choices.
How It Compares to Recent Years
These 2026 numbers are essentially in line with the 26-28 mpg city and 31-32 mpg highway range the 1.5L turbo has delivered on FWD models since 2018, showing Chevy has kept fuel economy stable on this platform rather than chasing bigger gains, while shifting its EV push toward the separate Equinox EV.
Quick Reference Table
| Drivetrain | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 26 mpg | 29 mpg | 27 mpg |
| AWD | 25 mpg | 29 mpg | 26 mpg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Equinox offer a hybrid or diesel option?
No — the 2026 lineup uses the 1.5L turbo gas engine exclusively; Chevy's electrified option in this segment is the separate Equinox EV rather than a hybrid variant.
Is AWD worth the mpg tradeoff?
That depends on your climate and driving needs — the gap is only about 1 mpg combined, which is a fairly small tradeoff for the added traction AWD provides.
How can I hit or beat the EPA estimate?
Keeping tires properly inflated, staying current on oil and filter changes, and driving with moderate acceleration all help close the gap between EPA estimates and real-world mileage.
Is 2026's mpg better than the outgoing 2.0L turbo option?
Yes — the 1.5L used across the 2026 lineup is meaningfully more efficient than the discontinued 2.0L turbo, which was rated around 22-23 mpg city and 29-30 mpg highway.
Shop the Parts Mentioned
- ACDelco GM OE dexos1 GEN 2 Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil (1 qt) — recommended oil for the 1.5L turbo engine.
- ACDelco GM OE CF185 Cabin Air Filter — supports efficient HVAC operation.
- DTI-13G Digital Tire Inflator — correct tire pressure helps you meet EPA estimates.
- SMARTLINER Floor Liners for 2025-2026 Chevrolet Equinox — protects the interior of a new 2026 model.
- Wireless Scanner — useful for tracking fuel trim health over time.