Home FAQ

What is the highest package for Equinox?

The Premier trim is the highest package for the Chevrolet Equinox.

In practice, "highest package" usually means Premier, which bundles the most equipment. Some model years also offered premium appearance or technology add-ons that sit on top of various trims, but Premier remains the flagship in Chevrolet's Equinox lineup.

Where Premier sits in the lineup

Chevrolet structures the Equinox trims from base to top as L/LS, LT, RS, and Premier. The exact equipment that comes standard or is available as an option varies by model year, but Premier is consistently the top-tier package with the most capability and comfort features available from the factory.

What Premier typically includes

Across model years, the Premier trim normally includes upgraded interior materials, more technology and safety features, and the option for all-wheel drive. While the exact items can vary year to year, Premier represents the most complete factory package Chevrolet offers for the Equinox.

Special editions and add-ons

In addition to the Premier package, some years offered standalone appearance or content packages that buyers could add. These packages typically did not replace Premier as the top overall level but provided styling or feature enhancements on selected trims.

How to confirm the current option for a given model year

To verify the highest available package for a specific model year, check Chevrolet's official configurator, current brochures, and regional dealer inventories. Availability of packages can change with new model-year releases and regional offerings.

Summary

The Premier trim is generally the highest package for the Chevrolet Equinox, delivering the most features. Special editions may exist as add-ons, but Premier remains the flagship choice for buyers seeking the most complete factory-equipped Equinox.

Which Equinox is the top of the line?

The "top of the line" Chevy Equinox is a tie between the RS and ACTIV trims, each offering a premium experience tailored to different preferences. The RS trim focuses on style with a sporty, high-end look, while the ACTIV trim prioritizes off-road capability and ruggedness for adventurous drivers.
RS (Rally Sport)

Style: Designed for style-first drivers.
Exterior: Features a unique grille, black emblems and badging, and available 19-inch wheels.
Interior: Comes with a flat-bottom steering wheel and premium features.

ACTIV

Style: Designed for outdoor-minded drivers.
Exterior: Has a rugged appearance with a unique grille, front and rear fascia, and blacked-out badging.
Interior: Includes all-terrain tires and a tuned suspension.
Comfort: Features sueded microfiber seating, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Additional top-tier features

Performance: Both trims offer all-wheel drive (AWD), with the AWD version using an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Technology: Higher trims provide additional features like a panoramic sunroof, which is available on the RS trim.
Convenience: Higher-end options include features such as a hands-free power liftgate, driver seat memory, and a wireless charging pad.

What is the most expensive Chevrolet Equinox?

The most expensive "Equinox" membership is the $40,000 per year Optimized by Equinox program, which focuses on longevity by combining extensive health and fitness testing with personalized coaching from trainers, nutritionists, and sleep coaches. Another expensive option is the E by Equinox membership, which is about $26,000 a year and provides access to exclusive, intimate training and amenities.

Optimized by Equinox

Cost: $40,000 per year
Focus: Longevity and overall health
What's included:
- Extensive health and fitness tests (e.g., biomarkers, VO2 max)
- Personalized health and fitness plans
- A core team of coaches (personal trainer, nutrition coach, sleep coach)
- Regular training sessions, coaching sessions, and massage therapy

E by Equinox

Cost: Approximately $26,000 per year
Focus: Ultra-luxury and exclusivity
What's included:
- Access to intimate, elite training environments
- Access to the global Equinox portfolio
- Personal training sessions and signature classes
- Services like a laundry service for gym clothes

What is the highest trim level for a Chevy Equinox?

The highest trim level for the Chevrolet Equinox is the Premier, which is known for luxury and comfort. The newer models have a choice between the sporty RS and the adventurous ACTIV as the top options, depending on your priority. The Premier includes premium features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and an 8-inch infotainment display with navigation. In contrast, the RS and ACTIV trims are highlighted as the most stylish and off-road-capable, respectively, for recent model years.

Premier (traditionally the highest trim)

Luxury features: Perforated leather-appointed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, driver's seat memory, and a heated steering wheel.
Convenience: Hands-free gesture liftgate, wireless charging, and an 8-inch infotainment display with built-in navigation.
Technology: HD rear vision camera, universal home remote, and a Safety Alert Seat.
Safety: Includes features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and standard Chevy Safety Assist.

RS and ACTIV (top trims for recent model years)

RS: Focuses on a sporty, stylish design with features like a unique grille, flat-bottom steering wheel, and available 20-inch wheels.
ACTIV: Tailored for a more adventurous or off-road feel, featuring all-terrain tires and tuned suspension.

Which is better, Equinox RS or Activ?

The main difference is that the Chevy Equinox Activ is designed for off-road use, while the RS is built for on-road sportiness. The Activ features rugged styling with all-terrain tires and unique suspension tuning, while the RS has a sporty, blacked-out aesthetic, sport-tuned suspension, and performance-focused 19-inch wheels. Both offer similar high-end features and engines.
Equinox Activ

Style: Rugged, trail-inspired, with specific front fascia and body cladding for off-road appeal.
Wheels and Tires: 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
Suspension: Tuned for off-road capability with features like Hill Descent Control.
Interior: Suede accents and a black/tan color scheme with unique badging.
Roof: Offers an optional white roof for a two-tone look.

This video compares the exterior and interior features of the Chevy Equinox Activ and RS trims: 55sBoyer GM AjaxYouTube · Sep 27, 2024
Equinox RS

Style: Sporty, with a blacked-out appearance, including the grille and badges.
Wheels and Tires: 19-inch wheels with on-road tires.
Suspension: Tuned for a sportier, more dynamic on-road feel.
Interior: Premium Evotex seats with red stitching and a sportier, flat-bottom steering wheel.
Roof: Optional black roof for a two-tone effect.

You can watch this video to see a detailed comparison of the 2025 Chevy Equinox RS and Activ models: 58sCars Made SimpleYouTube · May 4, 2024

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.