2027 Chevrolet Equinox RS: Monroe Buyers Guide

What makes an RS an RS

Most of the RS story is told on the outside. Chevrolet blacks out the mirrors, moldings, emblems, and badging, and the standard 19-inch wheels fill the arches in a way the LT's 17s don't. There's an available two-tone black roof for even more contrast, and the grille carries a small red RS badge you can spot from across a parking lot. Inside, the steering wheel has a flat bottom, and the stitching is black with red accents for 2027, replacing the colors used on earlier model years. It's all styling, with no extra horsepower hiding underneath, so go in expecting a sharper-looking Equinox and not a quicker one.

What you get that the LT doesn't

The jump from $29,300 to $34,200 MSRP buys the appearance package described above, plus eligibility for the Convenience Package III, a $1,095 option that bundles ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, an 8-way power passenger seat with power lumbar, and driver memory settings for the seat and mirrors. The big stuff doesn't change. The RS has the same 11.3-inch touchscreen, the same 11-inch driver display, the same Google built-in system, and the same safety suite as the LT, so you aren't paying for hardware you'd otherwise miss. You're paying for wheels and styling, and whether that's worth $4,900 is a personal call.

Bigger wheels and a wet road

A word of practical advice for anyone who lives where it rains most of the year. The RS's 19-inch wheels carry lower-profile tires than the 17-inch setup on the LT and ACTIV, which looks great and is a little less forgiving over a rough patch of pavement. Western Washington pavement takes a beating from the rain and the cold each winter, and the roads around Monroe are no exception. Ask the team to walk you through the tire on the RS you're considering, and think about whether a smaller wheel would suit your commute better. If you pick the RS for its looks (a perfectly good reason), keep an eye on tire pressure through the cold months.

RS or ACTIV?

The two cost the same, which makes this the hardest comparison in the lineup. The RS leans toward pavement: black trim, big wheels, a sporty cabin. The ACTIV leans toward gravel, with all-terrain tires, a tuned suspension, and 8.20 inches of minimum ground clearance. If your driving is mostly paved roads, commuting, and the occasional road trip, the RS gives you the more eye-catching Equinox. If your calendar includes forest roads and muddy trailheads, test drive the ACTIV first.

What buyers say

Speedway's 4.7-star Google rating is built on reviews like these. Raymond R. wrote about his salesman Jeff, "Great personality, professionalism, very easy to talk to and work with. Hats off to the team we felt no pressure and they welcomed our business." Aaron L., who bought a new Equinox in late 2024, said of sales consultant Jeff Gross, "they tell you how it is without any BS and get straight to it!" Plain talk like that helps when you are comparing two trims that cost the same. Both reviews describe earlier purchases.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the 2027 Chevy Equinox RS?

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

What's different about the Equinox RS?

It has black mirrors, moldings, emblems, and badging, standard 19-inch wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and black-and-red interior stitching, with an available two-tone black roof. The engine, transmission, and screen are the same as on the other trims.

Is the Equinox RS faster than the LT?

No. Every 2027 Equinox uses the same 175-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo and 8-speed automatic, so the RS is a styling upgrade and not a performance upgrade.

Does the RS come with 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.

Can the Equinox RS tow a trailer?

It's rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds, the same as every other Equinox. That covers a small cargo trailer or bike rack, though not a boat or camper.

The bottom line on the RS

If you want the Equinox that looks the part, the RS delivers without changing how it drives. Compare it with the LT and the ACTIV, then see one in person at Speedway Chevrolet in Monroe, where the sales team can show you which colors and roofs are on the lot.

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