The Chevrolet 1.5L Turbo: The Equinox Engine Explained

The Chevy 1.5 turbo engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 175 horsepower in both the 2026 and 2027 gasoline Chevrolet Equinox. For 2027, front-wheel-drive models moved from a continuously variable transmission to the eight-speed automatic that all-wheel-drive models already used in 2026. If you're shopping an Equinox here in Central Indiana, the differences across model years and drives come down to torque, transmission, fuel economy and towing.

A blue Chevrolet Equinox driving on a winding road

1.5L Turbo Specifications by Year and Drive

The 2026 and 2027 Equinox carry the same horsepower rating for the 1.5L turbo, while its torque and transmission depend on the model year and, for 2026, the drive. The engine basics below apply to both model years, though the engine code listed is for 2026.

Engine detail	Equinox 1.5L turbo
Layout	1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Engine code (2026)	LSD
Drive	Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Fuel	Regular gasoline

Here is how output and transmission break down for each 2026 drive and for the 2027 model.

Model year and drive	Horsepower	Torque	Transmission
2026 front-wheel drive	175 hp at 5,600 rpm	184 lb-ft at 2,000–4,800 rpm	Continuously variable transmission
2026 all-wheel drive	175 hp at 5,600 rpm	203 lb-ft at 2,000–4,000 rpm	Eight-speed automatic
2027 Equinox, one rating for the model	175 hp	203 lb-ft	Eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

On 2026 models, all-wheel drive has the higher torque rating, while front-wheel drive holds its peak torque across a wider rpm range.

Which Chevrolet Uses the 1.5L Turbo

The 1.5L turbo is the only engine in the 2026 and 2027 gasoline Chevrolet Equinox. Among current Chevrolet models, the Equinox is the one that uses it. The Equinox EV is a different vehicle with no gasoline engine, so none of these figures apply to it.

Since the gasoline Equinox has only this engine, choosing one comes down to trim and drive. The Equinox lineup includes LT, RS and ACTIV trims and offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Look over the trims of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, then search our new Chevrolet inventory for the drive you want.

A dark Chevrolet Equinox driving along a tree-lined road

What Changed for 2027

For 2027, the gasoline Equinox changed its front-wheel-drive transmission, its torque rating and one city fuel economy figure.

Front-wheel-drive Equinox models use the eight-speed automatic for 2027, replacing the continuously variable transmission they had in 2026.
The 2027 Equinox carries one torque rating for the whole model, while the 2026 rating differed by drive.
The front-wheel-drive Equinox is EPA-rated one MPG lower in the city for 2027, with the same highway and combined ratings as 2026.
Fuel economy for the all-wheel-drive Equinox is the same for 2026 and 2027.
The 2027 Equinox still uses a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, and its horsepower rating is unchanged.

1.5L Turbo Fuel Economy

The gasoline Equinox's EPA-estimated city, highway and combined ratings never differ by more than one MPG between model years and drives.

Model year and drive	City	Highway	Combined
2026 front-wheel drive	26	29	27
2026 all-wheel drive	25	29	26
2027 front-wheel drive	25	29	27
2027 all-wheel drive	25	29	26

In combined driving, front-wheel drive is rated one MPG better than all-wheel drive in both years.

Towing With the 1.5L Turbo

A 2026 Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lb with all-wheel drive and 800 lb with front-wheel drive. Chevrolet also offers a Trailering Package for the 2026 Equinox. The 2027 Equinox is rated to tow up to 1,500 lb when properly equipped. That is one figure for the Equinox as a whole, not split by drive, so ask us to confirm the rating for a specific vehicle before you tow.

Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of the passengers, cargo and options may reduce the amount you can tow.

A blue Chevrolet Equinox carrying a kayak on its roof

A light green Chevrolet Equinox shown from the front

Shopping for a 1.5L Turbo Equinox

At Ed Martin Chevrolet, we sell the new Chevrolet Equinox, a two-row SUV that seats five. We can help you choose the trim and drive that fit your commute and any towing you do.

Before you visit, check our new Chevrolet specials for current deals across our lineup. To feel the engine on roads you know, schedule a test drive and tell us which Equinox you'd like to try. If you have a vehicle to trade, start with a trade value estimate, and our auto finance center can walk you through financing before you sign.

You'll find us at 5400 Scatterfield Road, Anderson, Indiana 46013, in Madison County. If a question about this engine comes up before you head over, ask us about the 1.5L turbo and we'll get you an answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 1.5L turbo makes 175 horsepower in the gasoline Equinox for both 2026 and 2027. On 2026 models, peak horsepower comes at 5,600 rpm.

The gasoline Equinox is rated 29 MPG on the highway for 2026 and 2027, whichever drive you choose. In both years, its combined rating is 27 MPG with front-wheel drive and 26 MPG with all-wheel drive.

Yes, in the transmission it pairs with and in some of its ratings. For 2027, front-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic instead of a continuously variable transmission. The 2027 model has one torque rating, 203 lb-ft, while 2026 torque was 184 lb-ft with front-wheel drive and 203 lb-ft with all-wheel drive. Horsepower stayed the same. The front-wheel-drive city rating dropped by one MPG.

The 2027 Equinox is rated to tow as much as 1,500 lb when properly equipped. For 2026, the limit is 1,500 lb with all-wheel drive and 800 lb with front-wheel drive. The 2027 figure covers the Equinox as a whole and is not split by drive, so check with us on the rating for a specific vehicle before towing.

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