The 2026 Chevy Equinox comes in four trim levels - LS, LT, RS, and Premier - and the differences between them go well beyond a sticker price jump. For Bergen County buyers in Paramus, Hackensack, and Ridgewood, picking the right trim means matching features to how you actually use the vehicle, not just buying the most expensive option available.
Bottom Line: The LT delivers the best overall value for most Bergen County buyers, adding the key comfort and safety features most people actually use. The RS adds style, the Premier adds luxury - but neither is necessary for a capable, well-equipped daily driver.
- LS is a functional starting point but lacks automatic climate control and rear camera
- LT adds heated front seats, remote start, and Driver Confidence package
- RS adds sportier exterior styling and unique interior accents
- Premier includes leather seating, wireless charging, and the full safety suite
Equinox LS: The Entry Point
The LS is Chevy’s baseline Equinox, and it delivers more than the entry price suggests. Standard features include a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 175 hp, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. A rear backup camera became federally mandated and is standard across all trims.
What the LS lacks is notable: no automatic climate control (manual HVAC only), no heated seats, no remote start, and a more limited safety package. For buyers prioritizing the absolute lowest payment in Bergen County, the LS is functional but feels stripped in daily use compared to the LT. For the complete overview of the Equinox lineup, see our complete Chevy Equinox guide for Paramus buyers.
AWD is available on the LS as an option for about $1,700. If you drive in winter conditions in Ridgewood or Fair Lawn, it is worth adding.
Equinox LT: The Sweet Spot
The LT is the trim most Bergen County buyers land on, and for good reason. It adds automatic dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, remote start, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto over the LS. The Driver Confidence package - which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning - also becomes standard equipment on the LT.
The LT’s infotainment upgrades include a larger 11.3-inch diagonal color display on 2026 models. This is a meaningful jump from the LS’s 8-inch screen and makes the interface noticeably more usable for navigation and audio. Wireless phone charging is optional on the LT.
Pricing for the LT with popular options like AWD and wireless charging runs $36,500-$38,000 in Paramus. That is the real-world transaction price for most buyers who want a well-equipped daily driver without the RS’s sport styling premium.
"In Paramus, the LT with AWD is our most popular Equinox configuration by a wide margin. Bergen County winters are mild compared to upstate, but people still want the confidence of all-wheel drive, and the LT adds all the features that make daily driving genuinely comfortable."
General Manager, Paramus Chevrolet
Equinox RS: Style Over Substance
The RS targets buyers who want a sportier appearance without a major price jump. Compared to the LT, the RS adds black exterior trim elements, a sport-tuned suspension, unique 18-inch wheels, and a black interior with red accents. The RS does not add mechanical performance - the same 1.5L turbo engine powers all gas Equinox trims - but it looks noticeably more aggressive than the LT.
The RS includes all the LT’s features as a baseline and adds wireless charging as standard. Some buyers also appreciate the RS’s blacked-out badging and grille treatment, which distinguishes it clearly from base trims when parked in Hackensack or Fair Lawn.
If style matters more than features, the RS is worth $1,700 over the LT. If features matter more, put that money toward Premier trim upgrades instead.
Equinox Premier: The Fully Loaded Choice
The Premier adds genuine luxury features that the other trims do not offer: leather seating surfaces, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats (optional), power liftgate, and the full 11.3-inch infotainment suite as standard. The Premier also includes the Enhanced Driver Confidence package with rear pedestrian braking and rear cross-traffic braking.
At $40,300 base, the Premier represents a $5,000 premium over the LT with AWD. That gap closes somewhat when you account for options you might add to the LT. For buyers who want the Equinox experience at its most comfortable for longer Bergen County and New York commutes, the Premier delivers without requiring a step up to the Equinox EV.
Ready to compare Equinox trims in person? Browse current Chevy Equinox inventory at Paramus Chevrolet or view current new Equinox specials for the latest Bergen County pricing.
Trim Level Comparison Scorecard
| Feature | LS | LT | RS | Premier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heated Front Seats | No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Remote Start | No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Auto Emergency Braking | No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Leather Seating | No | No | No | ✓ Yes |
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Safety data from NHTSA and IIHS; fuel economy from EPA. Actual mileage varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Equinox trim is best for families in Bergen County? The LT with AWD is the best all-around choice for most Bergen County families. It adds the safety features, comfort items, and all-weather capability most families actually use on a daily basis.
Is the RS trim just cosmetic or does it drive differently? The RS includes a sport-tuned suspension that gives it slightly firmer handling than the LT. Most drivers notice the difference on winding roads but not in typical Paramus highway commuting.
Does the Premier Equinox include ventilated seats? Ventilated front seats are an optional upgrade on the Premier, not standard. Plan to add roughly $700-$900 for this option if it matters to you.
Can I add AWD to any Equinox trim? Yes, AWD is available as an option on all gas Equinox trims - LS, LT, RS, and Premier. The Equinox EV comes standard with AWD on the 2LT and 3LT variants.
How much does the Equinox LT cost with all-wheel drive in Paramus? Typical transaction prices for an LT AWD with popular options run $37,000-$39,500 at Paramus Chevrolet. See our Chevy Equinox vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison to see how the Equinox stacks up against key competitors at similar price points.