Deciding between the ls vs lt equinox usually comes down to how much you value those little "creature comforts" versus how strictly you're sticking to a budget. If you've spent any time looking at Chevy's lineup, you know they love their alphabet soup of trim levels, but for most people shopping for a compact SUV, these two are the primary contenders. One is the entry-level gateway, and the other is the well-equipped middle ground that most people actually end up driving home.
Choosing a car is a huge deal, and it's easy to get lost in the spec sheets. But let's be honest: you just want to know if that extra monthly payment for the LT is actually going to make your commute better or if you're just paying for chrome bits you won't notice in a week.
The LS: More Than Just a "Base" Model
The LS is the starting point for the Chevy Equinox. In years past, "base model" used to mean you were getting a car with crank windows and no radio, but those days are long gone. Today, even the LS is pretty well-equipped right out of the gate.
It's designed for the person who wants the utility of an SUV without the extra fluff. You get the same engine, the same basic safety tech, and the same amount of cargo space as the more expensive trims. If you're buying a fleet of vehicles for a business or you're just looking for the most reliable way to get from A to B for the lowest possible price, the LS is a strong candidate.
However, the LS does feel a bit more "utilitarian." You'll notice more plastic inside, and the feature list is intentionally kept lean to keep that MSRP down. It's a solid, honest vehicle, but it doesn't try to impress anyone at the valet stand.
Stepping Up to the LT
Now, when you look at the ls vs lt equinox side-by-side, the LT is where things start to feel a bit more "finished." Chevy positions the LT as the "popular" choice, and for good reason. It opens the door to a lot of options that you simply can't get on the LS.
The most immediate difference you'll notice isn't even inside the car—it's the availability of colors and packages. While the LS keeps things simple, the LT allows you to add things like heated seats, a power liftgate, and better infotainment options.
For a lot of families, the LT is the default choice because it balances cost with comfort. You aren't paying for the luxury of the Premier trim, but you aren't "roughing it" like you might feel in the LS after a long road trip.
What's Under the Hood?
Here is a bit of a spoiler: when comparing the ls vs lt equinox in terms of performance, they are virtually identical. Both trims typically come with the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
You aren't getting a bigger engine or a faster 0-60 time by moving up to the LT. They both produce the same horsepower and torque, and they both offer the choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. If you were hoping that the LT would give you more towing power or a sportier ride, I've got some bad news—it's the exact same mechanical heartbeat under the hood.
The driving experience is smooth and predictable in both. It's a commuter car, not a race track star. The steering is light, the brakes are responsive, and it handles potholes pretty well regardless of which badge is on the tailgate.
Interior Tech and Comfort
This is where the ls vs lt equinox debate really heats up. Inside the cabin, the LS is perfectly functional, but it's a bit basic. You get a decent touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (which is a lifesaver), but the seats are manual-adjust, and the climate control is the old-school dial style.
When you jump into the LT, things get a lot more convenient. The biggest game-changer for many is the 8-way power driver's seat. If you and your spouse share a car and you're different heights, having a power seat with lumbar support is worth its weight in gold.
The LT also gives you a nicer multi-color driver information display behind the steering wheel. Instead of a simple monochrome screen, you get something that looks a bit more modern and is easier to read at a glance. It might sound like a small thing, but when you're staring at that dashboard for an hour a day, those little upgrades add up.
The Secret Weapon: The Confidence and Convenience Package
If you're looking at an LT on a dealership lot, there's a high chance it has the "Confidence and Convenience" package. This is the real reason people choose the LT over the LS.
You can't get this package on the LS. It usually includes: * Dual-zone automatic climate control (no more fighting over the temperature). * Heated front seats (a must-have if you live anywhere with a real winter). * Remote start (so you can warm up the car from your kitchen). * A power programmable liftgate.
When you add these features into the mix, the gap between the ls vs lt equinox becomes a canyon. The LS is a "get the job done" car; the LT with this package is a "luxury on a budget" car.
Exterior Style Differences
If you care about how your car looks in the driveway, the LT has a slight edge. While both look like a modern Equinox, the LT gets some extra chrome trim and body-colored mirror caps that make it look a bit less "rental car."
The wheels are often the same size on the base versions of both, but the LT offers more upgrade paths. If you want those blacked-out wheels or the "Midnight Edition" look, you're almost certainly going to be looking at an LT or higher. The LS is pretty much "what you see is what you get" when it comes to the exterior.
Safety Features: A Level Playing Field
One thing I really appreciate about Chevy is that they don't gate-keep safety. Whether you choose the ls vs lt equinox, you're getting the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard.
This includes: * Automatic Emergency Braking * Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning * Forward Collision Alert * Following Distance Indicator
This is great because it means if you really are on a tight budget and need to stick with the LS, you aren't sacrificing the safety of your family to save a few bucks. You'll still have that peace of mind. The LT does, however, make it easier to add optional safety tech like Rear Cross Traffic Alert or Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, which aren't always available on the base LS.
The Price Point and Resale Value
Let's talk money. Usually, the price difference between a base LS and a base LT is a couple of thousand dollars. On a 60-month loan, that's not a massive jump in your monthly payment—maybe the cost of a few pizzas or a streaming subscription.
However, you also have to think about the "out the door" price. Dealerships often stock LTs with packages, which can push that price gap higher.
Interestingly, the LT tends to hold its value a little better on the used market. When a second owner is looking for a car three years from now, they're going to be looking for those heated seats and the power liftgate. An LS is harder to sell because it lacks the features that most modern buyers consider "standard."
Which One Should You Actually Buy?
So, after looking at the ls vs lt equinox through every lens, which one wins?
- Buy the LS if: You are strictly budget-conscious, you're buying it as a work vehicle, or you simply don't care about "fancy" features like power seats and remote start. It's a solid, safe, and reliable SUV that does exactly what it says on the tin.
- Buy the LT if: You spend more than 30 minutes a day in your car. The power driver's seat alone is worth the upgrade for the sake of your back. If you can find one with the Confidence and Convenience package, it's the sweet spot of the entire Equinox lineup.
At the end of the day, the Equinox is a "bread and butter" SUV. It's built for real life—grocery runs, soccer practice, and highway commutes. If you want that life to be just a little bit easier and more comfortable, the LT is almost always the way to go. But if you just need the wheels and the space, the LS won't let you down.