GM’s best-selling crossover outside the Silverado truck line is getting a powertrain shakeup. Starting with the 2027 model year, the Chevrolet Equinox will ditch its continuously variable transmission on front-wheel-drive models and replace it with a traditional eight-speed automatic. The CVT lasted just two model years before getting the axe.
- The 2027 Chevrolet Equinox will replace its CVT with a Hydra-Matic 8T45 eight-speed automatic on all front-wheel-drive models.
- GM confirmed the GMC Terrain, which shares the same powertrain, will also drop the CVT for 2027.
- Torque bumps from 184 lb-ft with the CVT to 203 lb-ft with the eight-speed, and towing capacity could jump from 800 to 1,500 pounds on FWD models.
Why the CVT Had to Go
Chevrolet introduced the CVT when the fourth-generation Equinox launched in late 2024 as a 2025 model. Front-wheel-drive versions got the continuously variable unit, while all-wheel-drive buyers received the conventional eight-speed automatic. That split lasted just two model years.
CVTs have always had a PR problem. They’re engineered to keep the engine spinning at its most fuel-friendly RPM, which sounds great on paper. In practice, drivers get that droning, rubber-band feel when they step on the gas. Nissan spent years trying to make its CVTs work in everything from the Sentra to the Murano before finally swapping them out for traditional gearboxes in several models. Subaru remains one of the few brands still committed to the technology.
GM’s version in the Equinox also ran into some real-world headaches. Owners reported transmission fluid leaks, and Consumer Reports pulled its “Recommended” rating for the gas-powered Equinox. Whether those reliability concerns pushed the decision or GM simply wanted to simplify its assembly process isn’t entirely clear, but the result is the same.
What the Eight-Speed Automatic Brings
Every 2027 Equinox, whether it’s a base LT, sporty RS, or off-road-styled Activ, will now come standard with the Hydra-Matic 8T45. That’s the same gearbox AWD models have been using since 2025, and the differences go beyond just shift feel.
Paired with the Equinox’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the eight-speed helps bump torque from 184 lb-ft (with the CVT) to 203 lb-ft. Horsepower stays at 175 regardless of transmission. Towing capacity on current FWD models sits at just 800 pounds, one of the lowest numbers in the compact crossover class. AWD versions already tow 1,500 pounds, and there’s a good chance the 2027 FWD models will match that figure now that they share the same gearbox.
Fuel economy is the one area where the switch might cost buyers a small amount. The 2026 CVT-equipped Equinox earns 27 mpg combined from the EPA, while the automatic gets 26 mpg combined with AWD. GM says fuel economy certification for the 2027 is still underway, so the final numbers aren’t locked in yet.
A Bigger Picture for GM’s Transmission Strategy
The Equinox isn’t the only GM model shedding its CVT. The GMC Terrain, which is essentially the Equinox wearing a different badge, will make the same switch for 2027. Reports also suggest front-wheel-drive versions of the Chevy Trailblazer could drop their 1.2-liter three-cylinder and CVT combination for the same model year.
GM invested $39 million in its Toledo Propulsion Systems facility to support this transition. Ohio state representative Elgin Rogers confirmed the investment is meant to increase capacity and introduce a new transmission variant for the Equinox and other GM vehicles. That kind of factory investment signals this isn’t a temporary fix. GM is betting on geared automatics for its gas-powered crossovers going forward.
How the Equinox Stacks Up Against Its Rivals
Timing matters with this change. Toyota’s fully redesigned RAV4 is arriving at dealers as a standard 2.5-liter hybrid producing 226 horsepower with FWD and 236 horsepower with AWD. The Honda CR-V continues to sell well with its own hybrid option. Both competitors already use traditional geared transmissions.
The Equinox still starts at $28,800 for 2026, which undercuts a lot of the competition. Pricing for 2027 hasn’t been announced yet, but expect a modest increase. Other changes for the new model year are minor: a new Autumn Harvest Metallic paint color replaces Cacti Green, and the RS trim loses its Santorini Blue stitching option in favor of Torch Red interior accents only. A Connected Camera feature that lets owners monitor the area around their vehicle through the MyChevy app will also arrive later in the model year.
Should You Wait for the 2027 Equinox?
If you’re already considering a front-wheel-drive Equinox, waiting for the 2027 makes a lot of sense. You’ll get a transmission that feels more responsive, produces more torque, and likely improves towing capacity. The fuel economy trade-off looks minimal based on current numbers.
Drivers who already own a 2025 or 2026 Equinox with the CVT don’t need to panic. There haven’t been any recalls tied to the transmission, and the reported fluid leak issues appear limited. Whether you’re searching for a Chevrolet Tahoe near me or cross-shopping the Equinox against a RAV4, the 2027’s powertrain upgrade is worth keeping on your radar if you’re in no rush to buy.
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