2027 Chevrolet Equinox Drops Its CVT, but Prices Go Up Across the Lineup

Chevrolet has made several targeted changes to the 2027 Equinox, including a major powertrain update. The compact SUV drops its continuously variable transmission in favor of an eight-speed automatic, but buyers will pay more for every trim level.

The biggest change is the removal of the CVT from the entire Equinox lineup. The transmission had drawn years of criticism from owners who reported excessive noise, delayed responses, and sluggish acceleration. For 2027, Chevrolet is switching every version to a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.

The change comes with a price increase across the range. The base Equinox now starts at $29,000, up $300 from the previous model year. All-wheel drive costs an additional $2,000, while the most expensive version tops out at $35,900.

Under the hood, the Equinox keeps its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 175 horsepower. Chevrolet does not offer a hybrid powertrain for this SUV. The company is also preparing an updated Equinox EV, though the all-electric model is sold separately from the gas-powered lineup.

Chevrolet has also improved the Equinox's towing capacity. The SUV can now pull a trailer weighing up to 1,500 pounds, nearly twice the previous limit. That increase could make the Equinox more useful for owners who need to tow small utility trailers or lightweight recreational equipment.

The 2027 Equinox measures 183.1 inches long and rides on a 107.5-inch wheelbase. It offers 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

Chevrolet equips the SUV with more than 15 standard safety and driver-assistance features. These include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision alerts, following-distance monitoring, and automatic high-beam control. Buyers can also add a surround-view camera system, traffic-sign recognition, and additional parking sensors.

Inside, the Equinox features an 11.3-inch touchscreen paired with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard equipment includes a six-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Chevrolet has left the exterior and interior designs unchanged for 2027. Instead, the company has revised the available exterior paint colors and interior trim options.

The updated Equinox focuses on mechanical improvements and revised equipment rather than a full redesign. The move to an eight-speed automatic addresses one of the model's most frequently criticized components, although the higher starting price means buyers will have to pay more to get the latest version.