Chevrolet Equinox: Finding the Perfect Model Near Bellefontaine, OH

June 10th, 2026 by

Red Chevrolet Equinox driving on a city street

If you’re shopping for a compact SUV that genuinely fits how people live and drive in central Ohio, the Chevrolet Equinox deserves a serious look. Whether you’re hauling gear out to Indian Lake, commuting along U.S. Route 33, or running errands around Logan County, the redesigned Equinox brings refinement, real capability, and everyday practicality that puts it among the most compelling options in its class. We carry a full lineup of trims right here in Bellefontaine, and we’d love to help you find the right fit. Browse our new Chevrolet Equinox inventory to see what’s available now at Steve Austin’s Auto Group.

Our team at Steve Austin’s has worked with Logan County families and rural commuters for over 30 years. We know the roads here, we know the conditions, and we know what buyers in this part of Ohio actually need from a vehicle. The Equinox consistently rises to the top of our recommendations because it covers the most ground for the most people without asking you to compromise on anything significant.

Why the Redesigned 2025/2026 Chevrolet Equinox Fits Logan County Life

The Equinox has always been a practical pick, but the 2025 and 2026 redesigns take things noticeably further. Families in Logan County tend to need vehicles that handle a wide range of demands: enough cargo room for weekend trips, solid fuel efficiency for rural commutes, and a comfortable cabin that works equally well for short school runs and longer drives to Columbus. The Equinox covers all of it.

The interior offers generous passenger room across both rows, and the rear cargo area handles grocery runs and gear-heavy adventures without complaint. Chevrolet equips every Equinox with the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard across all trims, giving drivers added confidence on less-traveled county roads where conditions can shift quickly. The Drive Mode Selector is available on RS and ACTIV trims, letting you adjust the driving character to match whatever the road throws at you.

What’s New in the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox: A Genuine Upgrade Worth Noticing

The 2025 Equinox isn’t just a refresh with new badges. Chevrolet made real, meaningful changes across the board. The exterior received an updated grille, revised fascia, and redesigned headlights and taillights that give the Equinox a sharper, more current look. Interior storage improved throughout the cabin, seat materials were upgraded to better match what buyers expect in this segment, and the dashboard layout feels noticeably more modern and less cluttered than previous generations.

The 2026 model carries the 2025 redesign forward with a revised front bumper and new wheel designs. Buyers choosing between model years will find the fundamentals identical. Both are strong options, and we can walk you through whichever is currently in stock.

The 11.3-Inch Infotainment Screen: Connected Tech That Actually Makes Sense

The standout tech upgrade in the 2025 Equinox is the 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In. It’s one of those features that immediately changes how the vehicle feels to use day to day. The larger display gives you room to manage navigation, audio, and connected features without squinting or digging through layers of menus.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included, so your phone connects quickly without cables. An upgraded digital instrument cluster rounds out the tech package. For families with kids who need entertainment on longer trips, or for commuters who depend on navigation and hands-free calling, this setup makes daily life noticeably smoother.

2025/2026 Equinox Trim Levels: Finding Your Fit From LT to ACTIV

One of the strongest selling points of the Equinox lineup is how well Chevrolet has matched each trim to real buyer needs. The range from the base LT through the RS and ACTIV means there’s a genuine fit for almost every lifestyle. Every trim shares the same 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 175 hp, with 184 lb-ft of torque on FWD configurations and 203 lb-ft when equipped with AWD.

Feature LT RS ACTIV
Engine 1.5L Turbo 1.5L Turbo 1.5L Turbo
Horsepower 175 hp 175 hp 175 hp
Torque (FWD/AWD) 184 / 203 lb-ft 184 / 203 lb-ft 203 lb-ft (AWD)
AWD Available Yes Yes Standard
Infotainment 11.3-in, Google Built-In 11.3-in, Google Built-In 11.3-in, Google Built-In
Safety Suite Chevy Safety Assist Chevy Safety Assist Chevy Safety Assist
Notable Distinction Added comfort features Sport styling Trail-ready, rugged

The LT gives budget-conscious buyers a well-equipped starting point with essential safety tech and a clean, functional interior. The RS leans into a sportier look with blacked-out exterior details and an enhanced interior presentation. The ACTIV is trail-ready and rugged. Each step up the lineup adds real substance, not just style.

The ACTIV Trim: Built Rugged for Rural Roads Around Bellefontaine

For drivers in and around Bellefontaine who regularly navigate gravel roads, muddy farm lanes, or the kind of uneven terrain that central Ohio can throw at you in any season, the ACTIV trim deserves a close look. It’s designed with an outdoor-ready mindset: enhanced suspension tuning, raised ride height, and all-terrain-oriented styling cues that go well beyond aesthetics.

AWD comes standard on the ACTIV, which means 203 lb-ft of torque goes to all four wheels as a baseline. Unique exterior details like skid plates and rugged trim accents suit buyers who spend serious time off the main roads. It handles the practical demands of rural Ohio living far better than a standard urban-oriented crossover, and it does so at a price point we’d call accessible given everything it includes.

If the ACTIV is calling your name, browse our new Chevrolet Equinox inventory to check current availability, or reach out and we’ll locate one for you.

AWD Capability and Real-World Performance on Ohio’s Back Roads

Ohio winters can be unpredictable, and Logan County roads don’t always give you the luxury of waiting for conditions to improve. The Equinox’s available AWD system provides genuine traction improvement in slick conditions, whether that means early-morning frost on a county road or a late-season snowfall that catches commuters off guard. When properly equipped, the Equinox also offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds when equipped with available AWD, which adds useful utility for buyers who pull a small trailer or utility cart.

The system operates intelligently, distributing power between the front and rear wheels as needed without any driver input required. In dry conditions, it runs in FWD mode to conserve fuel. When grip gets questionable, it responds automatically. For Ohio drivers who want year-round confidence without stepping into a larger, less efficient SUV, the AWD Equinox strikes a strong balance.

The Drive Mode Selector, standard across the lineup, lets you tailor the powertrain response to conditions. It’s a practical feature on a vehicle that sees everything from summer highway miles to icy winter back roads within the same ownership cycle.

Small Town Value at Steve Austin’s Auto Group in Bellefontaine

Shopping at a big-city dealership often means a high-pressure experience with staff who don’t know your name. We’ve operated differently since 1995, and that’s not something we take lightly.

Why Local Buyers Choose Us

We’re based right here at 2500 S Main Street in Bellefontaine, and we’ve spent over 30 years serving Logan County and the surrounding communities. Our team knows these roads. We understand what an AWD Equinox means for a buyer who commutes on gravel county roads versus one who mostly drives Route 33 into town. That local context shapes every conversation we have with shoppers.

Steve Austin’s Auto Group holds an A+ BBB rating, which reflects our consistent track record with customers. Our service department is staffed by GM-certified technicians, so buying your Equinox here means expert care is close by when it’s time for maintenance or repairs. Service hours run Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Inventory, Financing, and Getting in Touch

We carry new Chevrolet models alongside GMC and Buick vehicles, plus a solid selection of pre-owned and Certified Pre-Owned options. If the exact Equinox configuration you want isn’t currently on the lot, we’ll locate it at no additional cost. Financing is straightforward, with options available to fit a range of credit situations, and we keep the pricing conversation simple: our goal is to be competitively priced for every buyer who walks through our door.

To talk with our sales team, contact us through our website or call us directly during sales hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Chevrolet Equinox

What’s new in the 2025 Chevy Equinox?

The 2025 Equinox received a significant redesign that touches both the exterior and interior. Chevrolet updated the grille, fascia, headlights, and taillights for a sharper look, improved interior storage throughout the cabin, upgraded seat materials, and added the Drive Mode Selector as standard equipment. Technology got a meaningful boost as well: the 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In replaced the older infotainment setup, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. The 2026 model adds a revised front bumper and new wheel designs while carrying the rest of the 2025 redesign forward.

Does the Equinox have AWD?

Yes. AWD is available across all three Equinox trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV. On the ACTIV, AWD comes standard. On the other two trims, it’s an available option worth adding if you regularly drive on rural roads, gravel surfaces, or through Ohio’s winter conditions. With AWD, the Equinox produces 203 lb-ft of torque compared to 184 lb-ft on FWD configurations, and the system adjusts power distribution automatically based on traction conditions.

Browse Chevrolet Equinox Inventory at Steve Austin’s Auto Group

If you’re ready to explore your options, the best next step is to browse our new Chevrolet Equinox inventory and see what we currently have on the lot. Our online inventory makes it easy to filter by trim and features before you ever step foot in the store.

We’re located at 2500 S Main Street in Bellefontaine, easily accessible from U.S. Highway 68, U.S. Highway 33, and State Route 47. Whether you’re coming from Sidney, Marysville, or anywhere in Logan County, we’re a straightforward drive and always happy to have you in for a test drive. Stop in, take an Equinox out on the road, and let us help you find the trim that fits your life.

Posted in Chevrolet, Equinox