The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offers a robust roster of trims and packages. So choosing the best for your needs and budget can be challenging. To help narrow your search, here’s detailed information about the 2023 Chevy Equinox trims and which one is most popular among consumers and most recommended by experts.

Overview of the 2023 Chevy Equinox trims

The 2023 Chevy Equinox comes in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier. Chevrolet gave its compact crossover SUV a mid-cycle upgrade last year, and this year gets new exterior colors, including Radiant Red Tintcoat and Harvest Gold Metallic.

All four trims offer the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. They also pack the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition, this year’s Chevy Equinox also gets a slight horsepower boost to 175 hp.

So, what are the main differences among the 2023 Chevy Equinox trims?

• LS: The standard model has a 7.0-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, and keyless entry with push-button start.
• LT: Bumping up to the mid-range LT offers more customization options, with several packages that improve the Equinox. Without those packages, the LT adds remote rear-folding seats, some exterior chrome, and illuminated sun visors. 
• RS: The RS trim brings even more standard equipment and a sportier feel. It’s like the LT with the Confidence and Convenience packages, a power liftgate, and a black interior with red stitching.
• Premier: Upgrading to the Premier brings the LT’s amenities plus the Confidence and Convenience packages. It also adds a hands-free liftgate, 18-inch wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen, a heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, and more.

So, which trim provides the best value?

Most critics and consumers agree the LT is the best 2023 Chevy Equinox trim

Based on the distinguishing factors among the trims, the following automotive experts say the LT is the best 2023 Chevy Equinox trim: 

Edmunds’ reviewers pick the LT for its “wide range of standard and optional features at a reasonable price.” However, they say they would “add the Safety and Infotainment and Confidence and Convenience packages for the larger touchscreen, heated front seats, and adaptive cruise control.” 

Autotrader also prefers the LT, calling it “the best buy in the Chevy Equinox lineup because of its desirable standard features and a wide variety of options.”

And MotorTrend recommends the LT because the base model is a “bit of a stripper.” Furthermore, the LT “adds a power driver’s seat and opens up options such as heated seats and adaptive cruise control. It’s our pick if you can find a model with the options you truly want and not much more.” However, if you want to add tons of options, MotorTrend recommends the RS or Premier instead of adding packages à la carte. 

In addition, Edmunds shows the LT is the most popular 2023 Chevy Equinox trim among consumers.

But one automotive site diverges from the rest.

Why Car and Driver reviewers say otherwise

Not all the experts recommend the same 2023 Chevy Equinox trim. Car and Driver picks the mid-level RS.

C/D’s reviewers say that although you can get similar features in the LT with the Confidence and Convenience packages, they prefer the “darkened trim of the RS.” To them, the RS’s style justifies the $3,000 price difference. For comparison, the LT starts at $29,095, while the RS starts at $32,095. But adding packages to the LT might mean you’re better off with the RS, whose “standard features include blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power liftgate, rear cross-traffic alert, and remote start.

It’s uncommon for industry experts and consumers to agree across the board. But the consensus here shows the 2023 Chevy Equinox LT is the best buy unless the RS’s style beckons you.