Whats the difference between Equinox LT and Premier?

The LT is the mid-range trim that balances value with a solid set of features, while the Premier sits at the top of the lineup with added luxury, technology, and powertrain options. Exact equipment can vary by model year and market, so always check the window sticker for the year you’re considering.

In this article, we break down how the LT and Premier differ across key areas—powertrain, interior tech, safety, exterior styling, and pricing—so you can decide which trim best fits your needs and budget.

Powertrain and performance

Before looking at the specifics, note how engine choices and drivetrain options typically differ between LT and Premier in the latest generations.

• Engine options: LT usually comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, while Premier offers the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo in many model-year configurations.


• Transmission: LT is paired with a 7-speed automatic in most years; Premier commonly uses a 9-speed automatic with the 2.0-liter engine.


• Drivetrain: Both trims offer front-wheel drive as standard with all-wheel drive available as an option, though some years write the 2.0L setup as AWD-focused.


• Performance vs efficiency: The 1.5L option emphasizes better fuel economy and everyday driving ease; the 2.0L option provides stronger acceleration and more towing capacity (where offered).

In practice, the LT feels more economical and approachable for daily commuting, while the Premier delivers stronger highway performance and quicker response when equipped with the larger engine.

Interior and technology

Inside the cabin, Premier generally aims for a more premium experience, with notable differences in seating, materials, and infotainment options.

• Upholstery and seating: LT typically uses cloth seating with fewer adjustments, whereas Premier adds leather-appointed seating and more up-favorable seat adjustments (often including power options and lumbar support).


• Comfort features: Premier commonly includes heated front seats (and sometimes a heated steering wheel) as standard; LT may offer these as optional packages depending on the year and market.


• Infotainment and display: Both trims include Chevrolet’s modern Infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premier often adds a larger touchscreen, built-in navigation in some years, and a premium audio option (such as Bose) as standard or an included upgrade.


• Other cabin touches: Premier tends to feature higher-grade interior trim, additional chrome or satin accents, and enhanced ambient lighting compared with LT.

For many buyers, the Premier’s interior is the differentiator, providing a more upscale feel and more comprehensive technology out of the gate, while the LT remains a strong value choice with solid essentials.

Safety and driver-assistance

Advances in safety tech are a key area where Premier often earns an advantage, though both trims share a base set of advanced features.

• Standard/available driver aids: Both trims include a suite of active safety features, but Premier commonly includes more of them as standard, such as adaptive cruise control and enhanced lane-keeping assistance, depending on the model year.


• Blind-spot and rear safety: LT offers essential blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, with Premier typically including these plus additional confidence-inspiring aids like more advanced parking and collision-prevention technologies where offered.


• Automatic braking: Front automatic emergency braking and pedestrian braking are commonly available across the lineup, with Premier more consistently equipped with the full set as standard in many years.

In short, Premier is designed to provide more peace of mind with extra standard safety tech, while LT covers the basics well and can be augmented with option packages for added capability.

Exterior styling and wheels

Appearance and wheel choices give each trim a distinct presence, with Premier leaning toward a more premium look.

• Wheels and tires: LT typically rides on smaller wheels (often 18 inches) with practical tires, while Premier frequently features larger wheels (around 19 inches) and more upscale tire choices.


• Lighting and trim: Premier often includes upgraded lighting and chrome or premium exterior trim details compared with LT’s more conservative styling.


• Other visual cues: Premier may offer more chrome accents, distinctive grille finishes, and occasionally unique badging to signal its top-trim status.

Exterior cues reinforce the Premier’s position as the luxury-oriented option in the lineup, whereas the LT emphasizes value and everyday practicality.

Pricing and packages

Price and equipment outlines are a practical lens for comparing LT and Premier, though actual figures depend on year, region, and optional packages.

• Base price gap: Premier generally carries a higher starting price than LT reflecting the added features and powertrain options.


• Packages and options: LT can be enhanced with technology or comfort packages to approach Premier-level features, while Premier often includes more features as standard and offers premium package possibilities for even more luxury or tech.


• Resale and value: Because Premier is the top trim, it often commands stronger resale value when equipped with the optional features that buyers desire, though the LT remains a compelling value with broad appeal.

If price is the primary constraint, LT delivers a strong feature set at a lower entry price; if luxury and performance features are the goal, Premier is typically the better fit—subject to the exact model year and available options.

Summary

In the current Equinox lineup, LT represents a well-rounded middle ground with solid features and better efficiency, while Premier leans into premium comfort, more powerful engine options, and enhanced technology and safety gear. Your best pick depends on how much you value power and luxury versus price and practicality. Always verify the specific features and engine options for the exact model year you’re considering, as Chevrolet occasionally updates trims and packages.

What is the difference between LT and Premier?

The main difference is that LT is a mid-level trim, while Premier is the top-tier trim, meaning it includes the LT features plus additional luxury and safety upgrades. Key upgrades on the Premier often include more advanced safety features like lane change alerts and rear cross-traffic alerts, better infotainment and audio systems (like a 10-speaker Bose system), and comfort features such as heated and ventilated front seats and power-folding rear seats. Some models, like the Suburban, also add mechanical differences like Magnetic Ride Control on the Premier. 
You can watch this video to see the exterior and interior differences between the LT and Premier trims of a Chevrolet Suburban: 58sDave B sells ChevyYouTube · May 5, 2023
LT features (base features)

• Standard engine (e.g., 5.3L V8 in Suburban)
• Standard safety and connectivity features like a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, and Teen Driver technology
• May include a Bose Premium 9-speaker audio system
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Basic safety features like Rear Park Assist 

Premier features (LT plus more)

• Advanced Safety: Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert 
• Premium Comfort: Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and sometimes a heated steering wheel 
• Enhanced Technology: 10-speaker Bose Surround sound system with CenterPoint, standard navigation on some models 
• Convenience: Power 60/40 split-folding third-row seats 
• Performance: Magnetic Ride Control (e.g., Suburban) 
• Exterior: Upgraded wheels, body-colored handles, fog lamps, and other styling enhancements 

This video demonstrates the interior features of the Premier trim, including advanced safety and comfort options: 33sDave B sells ChevyYouTube · Sep 15, 2018
Which one is right for you?

• Choose Premier if: You want the most advanced safety features, luxury comfort options (like ventilated seats and heated rears), and a more premium audio system without having to add packages. 
• Choose LT if: You want a good value and don't need the absolute top-tier features. You may be able to get some desired features by adding option packages to the LT trim, which could be more cost-effective than buying the Premier outright. 

This video discusses the differences in safety features between the LT and Premier trims: 56sGeorge Moore ChevroletYouTube · Dec 6, 2022

What is the best version of Chevy Equinox?

The best Chevy Equinox model depends on your priorities, but the 2025 ACTIV trim is frequently recommended for its adventure-oriented features, and recent model years (2019-2021) are good choices for used models that balance modern tech with reliability. For budget-conscious buyers, the Equinox LS offers essential features, while the ACTIV trim is best for off-road capability and premium tech. 
For the latest features and adventure

• 2025 Equinox ACTIV: This is a great choice if you want the latest design and tech. It comes standard with an array of safety and driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, and has a rugged, adventure-ready aesthetic. 

For a sporty and stylish look

• 2025 Equinox RS: This trim is designed for a sportier feel, including a unique look with the Midnight Edition package, along with the Convenience Package II and driver-selectable drive modes. 

For essential features at a good price

• 2025 Equinox LS: This is the most affordable option, providing essential features like the Chevy Safety Assist package, a 7-inch infotainment screen, and keyless entry. It's a solid choice for basic, reliable transportation. 

For a budget-friendly used model

• 2019-2021 Equinox: These model years are considered a sweet spot for used buyers, as they come with the latest safety and infotainment tech of their generation, have good reliability ratings, and offer a range of trims to fit different needs. 
• 2015-2017 Equinox: These model years are praised for reliability improvements and a more refined powertrain compared to earlier versions. 

What does LT mean on an Equinox?

"Equinox LT" refers to a specific trim level for the Chevrolet Equinox SUV, where "LT" stands for "Luxury Touring". This mid-tier trim level offers an upgrade over the base model with more comfort, technology, and convenience features. Standard features often include heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and an enhanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen. 
Key features of the LT trim

• Comfort and convenience: Heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat are common standard features. 
• Technology: The LT trim includes an upgraded infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and additional USB ports. 
• Safety: The LT comes with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes features like Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking. Additional safety features can be added through optional packages, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 
• Engine: Some versions of the LT trim offer the option of a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. 
• Positioning: The LT trim is positioned between the base LS and the higher-end Premier, RS, or ACTIV trims. 

What is the Equinox Premier package?

Chevy Equinox Premier
This trim also maximizes comfort to make sure you and your passengers are relaxed, no matter how long you're in the car, with features like: Leather seating surfaces throughout the cabin. Heated driver and front passenger seats. Available ventilated front seats.