Mills Chevrolet - Is AWD on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox worth it for East Moline, IL drivers?
Choosing the right drivetrain can transform how confident and comfortable you feel behind the wheel, especially when weather and road conditions change. For shoppers evaluating the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, the question of whether to add All-Wheel Drive often comes down to how and where you drive. This guide breaks down what the Equinox’s available AWD system does, when it helps most, and how it pairs with standard features to support everyday traction and stability.
The Equinox starts with balanced fundamentals: an efficient 1.5L Turbo engine, composed ride tuning, and a standard Drive Mode Selector that lets you tailor responses to the road. When you equip available All-Wheel Drive, the system can actively route torque to the wheels with the most grip, improving takeoffs on slick surfaces and stability in mixed conditions. That can be reassuring on rain-soaked pavement, frost-touched neighborhood streets, or light gravel paths to parks and trailheads. Because the AWD system only calls on extra traction when necessary, most daily driving remains smooth and efficient, and the benefit is there when you ask for it.
AWD also fits naturally with the Equinox’s technology. With over 15 standard safety and driver assistance features, including Chevy Safety Assist, the vehicle already helps you stay aware of what’s ahead. Available systems like HD Surround Vision and Rear Cross Traffic Braking add more support when maneuvering in tight spaces. Pair that with the Equinox’s 63.5 cu. ft. max cargo volume, 60/40 folding rear seats, and hidden underfloor storage, and you get an SUV that is not only surefooted in less-than-ideal conditions but also easy to live with when the calendar fills up and plans change.
To decide if AWD is right for you, think about your routes and seasons. If your weekly schedule includes early morning drives when temperatures can dip, or you frequently encounter wet leaves, slush, or unpaved access roads, the additional traction of AWD is a sensible upgrade. If your driving is primarily fair-weather city streets, you may appreciate the Equinox’s standard balance and upgrade other areas, such as visibility aids or the available hands-free AutoSense Power Liftgate for daily convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does the Equinox’s available AWD work with the Drive Mode Selector?
The Drive Mode Selector lets you tailor throttle response and vehicle behavior to conditions. With AWD equipped, the system can engage additional traction at the wheels that need it, and the selectable modes help you optimize the powertrain’s responses for confidence in varying environments.
Does AWD change interior space or cargo flexibility?
No. You still get up to 63.5 cu. ft. max cargo volume, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench, and a hidden underfloor storage area. The available hands-free AutoSense Power Liftgate remains a convenient option for loading and unloading when your hands are full.
Will AWD help on unpaved or gravel roads?
Yes. While AWD is not a substitute for off-road hardware, the additional traction can help on loose surfaces and mild gravel. If you like a more adventure-ready look and feel, consider the ACTIV trim with all-terrain tires and a uniquely tuned suspension.
Ultimately, the available AWD system complements the Equinox’s smart engineering without asking you to compromise interior comfort or technology. The best way to decide is to take a back-to-back test drive on your typical roads, including a stretch with curves or a surface that challenges traction. You will feel how the Equinox remains composed and responsive, then step back into the cabin to appreciate straightforward controls and the 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.
If you want hands-on guidance, schedule a visit to meet with a product specialist who can demonstrate AWD behavior in a safe environment and walk you through practical add-ons like available HD Surround Vision. Mills Chevrolet is committed to serving Bettendorf, IA, East Moline, IL, and Moline, IL, with clear, helpful answers so you can match the Equinox to your everyday life with confidence.