Chevrolet May Ditch One Of Its Most Hated Transmissions: Report

• Chevrolet will replace the Equinox’s CVT with an eight-speed automatic for 2027.
• Chevy will make a few other tweaks to the crossover, like a new exterior color.
• The crossover appears to largely carry over unchanged.

It appears that Chevrolet is making a significant change to the Equinox for 2027. The automaker is allegedly swapping the crossover’s continuously variable transmission in front-wheel-drive models for an eight-speed automatic. Hallelujah.  

A post on GM Inside News appears to show an assortment of minor changes Chevy will make to the 2027 Equinox. It lists the eight-speed for the FWD variant under “New Features” and the CVT under “Deletions.” Motor1 has reached out to Chevrolet to confirm the report.  

For 2026, the CVT pairs with the Equinox’s turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, and the only way buyers get an automatic transmission today is to upgrade to all-wheel drive, which adds $2,000 to the price tag.  

Other 2027 Equinox Changes

Photo by: Chevrolet

The Equinox largely carries over into the new model year. If the report is true, Chevrolet will make a few other small tweaks to the crossover. There will be a new Autumn Harvest Metallic exterior color, replacing the Cacti Green option, which the company is discontinuing.  

In the Equinox RS, the Black with Red Accents interior will feature only Torch Red, replacing the Torch Red and Santorini Blue stitching. A new connected camera system will be included in the Safety and Technology Package, coming later.  

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $30,795, including the $1,995 destination charge. We expect the price to increase slightly for 2027.  

13

Source: Chevrolet

---

Mototr1’s Take: The CVT has been a staple of affordable vehicles, replacing traditional automatics in several makes and models, so it’s shocking to see an automaker discontinuing one. We won’t complain about this change. 

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

– The Motor1.com Team