There's a familiar trick in the SUV business: add black plastic, fit some adventurous badges, and suddenly a family crossover looks prepared to cross a desert. The 2027 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV makes a slightly more convincing argument. It combines all-terrain tires, suspension changes, and distinctive styling with the familiar Equinox platform. For Orlando, FL, drivers, the question is how much of that adventurous character translates into actual capability. The Tires and Suspension Are the Interesting Bits The ACTIV rides on 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels fitted with all-terrain tires. Compared with the road-oriented equipment on other Equinox trims, that's a meaningful change in specification. Chevrolet also gives ACTIV uniquely tuned suspension, creating a setup tailored to its intended character. A distinctive front fascia, dark exterior accents, ACTIV badging, and available two-tone roof combinations complete the appearance. The styling is certainly assertive, but the mechanical differences are what make this trim worth examining. Turbocharged Power Without Pretending to Be a Rock Crawler Power comes from a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 175 hp. FWD versions generate 184 lbs. ft. of torque through a continuously variable transmission, while available AWD models produce 203 lbs. ft. of torque and use an 8-speed automatic. AWD provides additional traction management when surfaces become challenging. Properly equipped, the Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lbs. None of this transforms ACTIV into a dedicated off-road machine. It's fundamentally a road-focused crossover with equipment suited to occasional light-duty excursions, which is an important distinction. A Cabin Built Around Everyday Practicality Inside, ACTIV features Evotex and sueded microfiber seating surfaces, with available Maple Sugar and Black accents. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat provide comfort without complicating the experience. Seating accommodates 5 passengers, while cargo capacity measures 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet when folded. That's enough flexibility for beach equipment, luggage, and the assorted belongings that somehow multiply during family outings. Technology That Earns Its Dashboard Space A standard 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen works alongside an 11-inch digital Driver Information Center. Google built-in supports compatible navigation, voice assistance, and connected applications, while wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ provide smartphone integration. Available wireless charging, HD Surround Vision, and Rear Camera Mirror expand convenience. An available Interior Camera also joins the 2027 equipment selection. The emphasis is on accessible technology, not simply installing the largest possible screen. Safety Equipment and Trim Differences ACTIV includes more than 15 standard safety and driver-assistance features. Chevy Safety Assist provides Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam® automatic high beams. Blind Zone Steering Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Braking are also standard, with HD Surround Vision available. Compared with ACTIV, LT emphasizes comfort and convenience, while RS adds black styling accents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and 19-inch wheels, with 20-inch wheels available. All three share the same engine, passenger capacity, and maximum cargo volume. Experience the Equinox ACTIV in Orlando The Equinox ACTIV offers a distinctive alternative to LT and RS, with all-terrain tires and suspension tuning supporting its adventurous appearance. Visit AutoNation Chevrolet West Colonial in Orlando, FL, to compare the three 2027 Equinox trims and schedule a test drive. The most revealing differences are often the ones you can feel from the driver's seat.
