​​The Best Small SUV Under $40,000 According To Edmunds​ 

Deciding on a new crossover SUV can be daunting with all the options on the market. To help buyers, Edmunds compiled a list of 10 of the best sub-$40,000 SUVs, including the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.  

What Edmunds Had to Say 

What did Edmunds have to say about why it added the Equinox to its list of best SUVs? “Its tech suite is one of the best of the bunch, with big, bright screens and graphics that are easy to read. You also get an eight-year trial of Google integration technology — a much longer trial period than what’s offered by any of the competition. There’s also good room in both the front and back rows, and the Equinox can be had in fun colors.” 

What Makes the Equinox Great 

What makes an SUV great? Some might say price, while others may say features, safety, or size. What makes the 2026 Chevy Equinox great is that it checks all four boxes at once. With a starting price of only $30,795, the crossover features an economical yet powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque with front-wheel drive or 203 lb-ft with all-wheel drive. Models with FWD feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and AWD models get an 8-speed automatic gearbox.  

Trim Levels and Standard Features 

Buyers can choose among three unique trim levels: LT, ACTIV, and RS. All models come standard with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated outside mirrors, an 11.3-inch advanced touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a crystal-clear backup camera, and an 11-inch customizable digital instrument display. 2026 models also now offer a Drive Mode Selector Dial on all trim levels.  

Google Built-In for Your Convenience  

All Equinox trim levels also include Google Built-in, which offers native Google Maps, Google Voice Assistant, and more, all downloadable from the Google Play Store and built right into the infotainment screen.  

Cargo and Passenger Space 

Owners will appreciate the Equinox for its ample space for people and cargo. Behind the rear seats is 29.8 cubic feet of space, which expands to 63.5 cu.ft. when the rear seats are folded. There is even extra space under the rear cargo floor. With the seats up, rear passengers have plenty of comfort thanks to 38 inches of headroom, 55.8 inches of shoulder room, and 50.8 inches of hip room. This means that sitting three kids or adults in the rear seats is easy, even if you have two car seats with someone sitting normally in the middle.  

The Abilities of an SUV with the Drivability of a Car 

Part of having an SUV is its ability to get you out of tough situations, which is why the 2026 Equinox has eight inches of ground clearance in LT and ACTIV trims, with the RS offering 8.2 inches. But because it’s a crossover, the Chevy is very easy to drive in tight parking lots and downtown areas where there’s little to no room to drive. The optional all-wheel drive system will ensure that wicked weather isn’t a bother, especially if you have good all-season or winter tires during the winter months.  

Standard Safety 

Safety is a significant reason new car buyers flock to Chevrolet vehicles. Standard Chevy Safety Assist on all Equinox trim levels includes features such as Automotive Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, and Intellibeam automatic high-beam headlights.  

The Equinox Is Great for Teen Drivers 

The Equinox is an excellent first vehicle for teens, too, as all models offer Teen Driver. This feature allows parents to customize various vehicle settings and monitor their young driver’s driving habits.  

Extra Safety Features 

Available safety features include Side Bicyclist Alert, Enhanced Lane Keep Assist, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Enhanced Automotive Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Seat Reminder, Rear Vision Camera, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert.  

Let Barry’s Chevrolet Assist You with Your Next Vehicle Purchase 

When you’re ready to look at the new Equinox, no place will make you feel more comfortable than Barry’s Chevrolet. The excellent, knowledgeable sales staff will help you find the right model, test-drive it, and learn everything you need to make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget.  

Why Choose Barry’s Chevrolet  

With spring and summer just around the corner, get a jump on getting a great price on a new vehicle at Barry’s Chevrolet. Barry’s Chevrolet takes great pride in offering some of the best values around. Whether you are looking for a new or used car, we have hundreds of vehicles to choose from, and our wonderful sales team and finance department will work to give you the best price. When it’s time to take care of your car, truck, or SUV, our amazing service department will work hard to maintain your vehicle to the highest standards. 

We look forward to serving you!