If you're shopping for a compact SUV, the Chevy Equinox LT is probably on your list. It sits in the middle of the Equinox lineup, and for most families, it hits the sweet spot between cost and content. But is it actually the smart buy, or are you better off saving cash with the LS or stepping up to the Premier? Let's look at the data.
The Equinox LT starts around $30,000 (destination included), which puts it about $2,000 above the base LS. For that premium, you get a host of features that matter in daily driving: a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and upgraded cloth upholstery. The LT also unlocks optional packages you can't get on the LS, like the Confidence & Convenience II package that adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a power liftgate. That's where the real value lives.
Fuel economy doesn't change across trims—the Equinox LT with the 1.5L turbo four and front-wheel drive returns an EPA-estimated 26 city / 31 highway / 28 combined mpg. All-wheel drive drops those numbers by about 1-2 mpg. That's competitive in the class, trailing the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 hybrids but beating the Ford Escape and Jeep Compass.
What Does the Chevy Equinox LT Include?
The LT trim adds more than just convenience features. Standard equipment includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and keyless entry. You also get a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with a center armrest, carpeted floor mats, and roof-mounted side rails. The optional LT Convenience package adds a power sunroof, heated steering wheel, and auto-dimming rearview mirror—worth about $1,500 if you want that extra comfort.
Safety-wise, the LT comes with Chevy Safety Assist as standard: automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and automatic high beams. It's the same as the LS, but you can add adaptive cruise control and HD Surround Vision only on the Premier. That's a notable miss if you do a lot of highway commuting.
How Does the Equinox LT Compare to the LS and Premier?
The base LS is the budget pick at around $28,000. It skips the power driver seat, heated seats, and remote start. For some buyers, those are easy sacrifices. But the LS also misses the option for the upgraded safety tech. The Premier, at around $33,000, adds leather seats, ventilated front seats, a Bose premium audio system, and the ability to get adaptive cruise. If you want those high-end features, the Premier is the only path.
For most families, the Equinox LT offers the best balance. You get the heated seats and power driver seat that make winter mornings easier, plus the option for blind-spot monitoring and power liftgate. The difference between the LT and LS isn't huge in absolute dollars, but the resale value of an LT is typically stronger. According to industry data, LT models hold their value about 3-5% better than LS trims after three years, which translates to roughly $1,000-$1,500 more at trade-in.
Is the Equinox LT Worth the Upgrade?
The question isn't whether the Equinox is good—it's whether the LT makes sense for your budget. If you plan to keep the SUV for more than four years, the LT's extra features and better resale will almost certainly pay for the initial premium. If you're leasing, the LS might be enough, because you won't see the resale benefit. But if you're buying and holding, the Equinox LT is the trim that checks the most boxes without overspending.
One caveat: the Equinox is overdue for a redesign (the current generation launched in 2018). That means discounts are available. In early 2025, dealers were offering 10-12% off MSRP on Equinox LT trims. That makes the effective price closer to $27,000—a serious bargain for what you get. But if you want the newest platform and tech, consider waiting for the redesigned 2026 model.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chevy Equinox LT
**Is the Chevy Equinox LT reliable?** The Equinox has generally solid reliability ratings. J.D. Power gives the 2024 model a "Great" quality and reliability score. The 1.5L turbo engine is proven, and the 6-speed automatic is old but durable. Just keep up with oil changes and transmission fluid flushes, and you can expect 150,000+ miles without major issues.
**What is the towing capacity?** The Chevy Equinox LT can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped (with the trailering package). That's enough for a small utility trailer, a couple of jet skis, or a pop-up camper. If you need more, look at the Ford Escape or Honda CR-V, which can tow 1,500-1,800 pounds.
**Does it come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?** Yes, both are standard on the LT with the 7-inch touchscreen. Wireless connectivity is not available, but wired works seamlessly. You can also add the optional navigation system if you prefer built-in maps.
**How does it compare to the Honda CR-V LX?** The CR-V LX starts around $30,000, similar to the Equinox LT. The Honda has slightly more cargo space and better fuel economy (28 city/34 highway), but the Equinox LT offers heated seats and a power driver seat as standard, which the CR-V LX does not. If comfort features matter more than ultimate space, the Equinox LT is a strong contender.
The Bottom Line on the Chevy Equinox LT
The Chevy Equinox LT is the smart middle choice. It delivers the features most families actually use—heated seats, power liftgate, remote start—without the luxury tax of the Premier. If you can find a deal (and you likely can right now), it's one of the most sensible compact SUVs to buy. Skip the LS unless you're on a tight budget, put the Equinox LT on your shortlist, and don't let the aging design scare you off. It's still a solid, reliable family hauler at a fair price.