A good road trip vehicle doesn’t need to turn every journey into an expedition. It needs enough room for people and luggage, sensible fuel economy, useful technology, and a cabin you won’t resent after several hours behind the wheel. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox covers those requirements rather neatly. For drivers around Glasgow, Montana, planning summer road trips, the Equinox offers seating for 5, up to 63.5 cu. ft. of cargo space, available AWD, and enough equipment to make long stretches of highway considerably easier.
The 1.5L Turbo Is Built for the Job
Every 2026 Equinox uses a 1.5L Turbocharged engine producing 175 hp and 203 lbs. ft. of torque. It’s a sensible amount of power for an SUV designed primarily around passenger transport rather than outright performance. Fuel economy reaches an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, depending on configuration. Available AWD provides additional traction for drivers whose summer plans include gravel roads, changing weather, or routes where pavement quality becomes less predictable. Properly equipped, the Equinox can also tow up to 1,500 lbs. That won’t make it a heavy-duty tow vehicle, but it provides useful capacity for smaller recreational trailers. A standard Drive Mode Selector allows the driver to adjust vehicle behavior for different conditions.
The Dashboard Works Well for Long Distances
Road-trip technology is most useful when it reduces effort rather than creating another distraction. The Equinox places an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen at the center of the dashboard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for familiar smartphone integration. Available wireless phone charging means one fewer cable floating around the center console. Google built-in adds Google Maps and access to additional connected functions through Google Play. OnStar® connectivity provides another layer of connected services. It’s the sort of technology that becomes more valuable several hundred miles into a trip, particularly when you’re navigating unfamiliar roads or looking for the next fuel or food stop.
There’s Room for the Gear That Comes Along
Five seats sound useful until 5 people arrive with luggage. Fortunately, the Equinox provides up to 63.5 cu. ft. of maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded. That gives owners flexibility for camping equipment, suitcases, coolers, outdoor gear, or whatever else inevitably joins a summer trip. The LT trim also includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Those might sound like winter equipment, but Montana mornings can provide a convincing argument for having them available beyond December. Different trims change the Equinox’s character as well. ACTIV adds all-terrain tires and uniquely tuned suspension, making it worth considering for drivers expecting more time away from smooth pavement. RS takes the visual route with darker exterior details and available two-tone roof styling.
Driver Assistance Matters More After Several Hours
The 2026 Equinox includes more than 15 standard safety and driver-assistance features, including Chevy Safety Assist. That 6-feature package includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam® automatic high beams. Standard Rear Cross Traffic Braking can provide additional assistance in busy parking areas, while HD Surround Vision is available for drivers wanting a broader view around the SUV.
A Road Trip SUV Doesn’t Need to Overdo It
The Equinox makes a convincing travel companion because it doesn’t try to solve problems most families don’t have. There’s room for 5, useful cargo capacity, available AWD, reasonable fuel economy, modern connectivity, and a substantial collection of standard driver-assistance technology. Visit Glasgow Auto Sales to compare available 2026 Chevrolet Equinox models and explore the LT, ACTIV, and RS configurations. Once you’ve found the one that suits your travel plans, schedule a test drive online and see how it feels from behind the wheel.