GM Authority has learned that the 2026 Chevy Equinox will receive a new standard feature on the LT trim that was previously exclusive to the Activ and RS variants. It will include a Drive Mode Selector (RPO URC) allowing drivers to scroll through Normal, Snow/Ice, and – when AWD is equipped – Off-Road drive modes.
The Drive Mode Selector is located in front of the center console next to the cupholders, making it easy to use while the driver’s right arm is on the armrest. In the 2025 Chevy Equinox LT, this was just empty cubby space. Even with that cubby space filled by the knob, there are still multiple convenient spots to put our phone, so it’s not a big loss.
In typical GM fashion, the drive modes are pretty self-explanatory. Normal mode is the one most drivers will use most of the time. The Snow/Ice mode adjusts the throttle mapping, slowing acceleration and torque response to help prevent wheel spin on slippery surfaces. Meanwhile, AWD-equipped Equinox units get an Off-Road mode, which is “designed to help improve traction, maneuverability, and handling confidence in off-road conditions such as gravel, sand, and mud,” according to Chevy.
Even with FWD, the addition of the Drive Mode Selector should make the Chevy Equinox LT a little more appealing to drivers in snowy climates. There’s no replacement for proper tires, and AWD brings a mechanical advantage, but the Snow/Ice drive mode will add a little extra safety and confidence to driving on snowy roads.
In other news for the 2026 Chevy Equinox, we reported earlier this month that the compact crossover is getting a new paint option: Polar White (G4J). Polar White is replacing Iridescent Pearl Tricoat (G1W) as the premium white option for the Equinox, and it’s identical to the new Glacier White Tricoat paint option for the 2026 GMC Terrain.
The 2025 Chevy Equinox is motivated by the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LSD gasoline engine, while the GM D2 platform provides the underpinnings. Vehicle assembly takes place at the GM San Luis Potosà plant in Mexico. Since it was just redesigned, we expect these details to be unchanged for the 2026 Chevy Equinox.
Comments
When it gets a hybrid power train, then you’d actually have something special to report.
On the hybrid:
Yes, really looking forward to that!
Many 1.5L 4 cylinder turbos fails prematurely. I don’t see this one much better than the competitors. Needs a minimum 2.0L natural aspirated.
Actually, the data doesn’t support your statement. The 1.5T is an extremely reliable engine. And, while it isn’t a powerhouse, it gets the job done remarkably well. Most people will be more than satisfied with its performance around town and on the freeway. JD Power ranks the Equinox and Terrain as the 2 most reliable cars in class.
something else to go wrong
GM has been knocked for exactly this big dial taking up a lot of the real estate vacated by the shift lever, which is now on the steering column (haven’t heard much about whether owners love these or hate them). Why not a simple much smaller lever like many do?
Now they just need to offer some color contrast to the all black lung interior, offer a hybrid, some interior color options and a 2.0T option that would be great for starters.
WHY NOT A HYBRID WHERE THE GAS ENGINE RECHARGES THE BATTERY POWER , WHILE BEING USED
Yea ok but how about putting a real engine in? That wimpy 1.5 with a hair dryer is a big wimp.