2027 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV: Monroe Buyers Guide

What sets the ACTIV apart

Look at the tires first. Where the LT and RS wear street rubber, the ACTIV rides on all-terrain tires, with dark 17-inch wheels and ACTIV-specific exterior trim around them. Chevrolet also tunes its suspension differently and lists 8.20 inches of minimum ground clearance, more than the other two trims. Inside you'll find Evotex and sueded microfiber seating surfaces with ACTIV lettering on the headrests, and a two-tone white roof is available. The rest of the Equinox comes along unchanged: the 11.3-inch touchscreen, Google built-in, wireless phone projection, and the full safety package. What changes is how it sits and where it's comfortable going.

How much off-road is "ACTIV" really?

It's worth being straight about this. The ACTIV is a crossover with a rugged personality, not a rock crawler. Its extra clearance, tuned suspension, and all-terrain tires make gravel roads, muddy parking lots, and snowy trailheads less of a worry, and the optional all-wheel drive helps further. But the towing rating is still 1,500 pounds like the other trims, and the engine is the same. Think of it as the Equinox for a drive up a Forest Service road to a trailhead, or a long gravel driveway in the hills east of town, and not for serious off-roading. All-terrain tires can also hum a bit more on pavement and wear differently than street tires, which is worth asking your advisor about.

Why it suits Monroe and the Skykomish Valley

Drive east from Monroe on US-2 and you're in foothill country quickly, with Wallace Falls, the Skykomish River, and miles of national forest access within an hour. That's where an ACTIV makes a lot of sense. The same Equinox that commutes down WA-522 on Monday can take a bumpy trailhead lot on Saturday without anyone wincing. And if you winter near the passes, ask the team about tire ratings for mountain routes, since Washington's winter pass rules can require traction tires or chains, and an all-terrain tire isn't automatically the answer. Having that conversation before the first snow beats having it on the side of Stevens Pass.

ACTIV or RS?

With identical $34,200 MSRPs, the ACTIV and RS are a lifestyle choice and not a budget one. The RS wins on curb appeal: black trim, 19-inch wheels, and a sporty steering wheel. The ACTIV wins on capability and comfort over rough surfaces. Both can add the Convenience Package III, which is $1,095 and brings ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, an 8-way power passenger seat, and driver memory settings. If you're torn, drive both on the same loop, one right after the other.

What buyers say

Speedway's reviews are full of buyers who say the team worked to find the right vehicle. Korina F. said the associates were "very helpful and caring, seeing that I got the vehicle I was looking for," including "bringing it in from another dealership so I didn't have to travel out of my way to see and test drive it." Brett D. wrote that "Everyone has been very genuine, sincere, engaging, and enjoyable." Both bought trucks, but if you are hunting for an ACTIV in a particular color, it is worth asking the sales team whether they can arrange it.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the 2027 Chevy Equinox ACTIV?

The ACTIV starts at $34,200 MSRP, the same as the RS. Destination, taxes, title, registration, and options are separate, and all-wheel drive is available for $2,000 more. See the new vehicle specials page for current offers.

What's the ground clearance of the Equinox ACTIV?

Chevrolet lists 8.20 inches of minimum ground clearance for the ACTIV, the most of any 2027 Equinox trim.

Does the Equinox ACTIV have all-wheel drive?

Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available for $2,000 more. EPA combined ratings are 27 mpg for front-wheel drive and 26 mpg for all-wheel drive.

Is the ACTIV better in the snow?

The extra clearance and all-terrain tires help on loose or snowy surfaces, and all-wheel drive adds traction. It isn't a substitute for appropriate winter tires or chains where they're required, so talk through your routes with the team.

Can the Equinox ACTIV tow more than other trims?

No. Every 2027 Equinox is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds, whichever trim or drivetrain you choose.

The bottom line on the ACTIV

If your weekends involve gravel, mud, or a mountain pass, the ACTIV gives the Equinox a sturdier stance without changing the price. Compare it with the LT and RS, then stop by Speedway Chevrolet in Monroe to see the tires and ride height in person.

All 2027 Chevrolet Equinox guides

• 2027 Chevrolet Equinox buyers guide
• 2027 Chevrolet Equinox LT
• 2027 Chevrolet Equinox RS
• 2027 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV
• Chevrolet Equinox service & repair in Monroe
• 2027 Chevrolet Equinox pricing & leasing in Monroe