When you are looking for a new SUV, you probably have a long checklist. You want enough cup holders, a great sound system, and plenty of cargo space for your weekend gear. But at the top of that list should always be safety.
For 2026, Chevrolet has made safety a priority by including Chevy Safety Assist as a standard feature on both the Equinox and the Traverse. This isn’t just a single tool; it is a “digital co-pilot” designed to help you stay aware of your surroundings.
Let’s look at how this technology works to keep you and your family safe on the road.
The Core Six: What’s Included?
Both the 2026 Equinox and the 2026 Traverse come with a standard suite of six safety features. These tools work in the background to prevent accidents before they happen:
- Automatic Emergency Braking: If the car senses a front-end collision is about to happen and you haven’t reacted, it can automatically apply the brakes.
- Front Pedestrian Braking: This system is specifically tuned to look for people crossing the street, helping you avoid accidents in busy neighborhoods or school zones.
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: We’ve all been there—you get a little distracted and start to drift. This system gives a gentle nudge to the steering wheel to help keep you centered in your lane.
- Forward Collision Alert: This acts as a “heads up” by warning you if you are following a car too closely or if a collision is imminent.
- Following Distance Indicator: This handy tool shows you exactly how many seconds are between you and the car in front of you, helping you maintain a safe gap.
- IntelliBeam® High Beam Assist: No more fumbling with your brights! Your Chevy will automatically turn the high beams on and off based on surrounding traffic.
The 2026 Equinox: Small SUV, Big Protection
The 2026 Equinox might be a compact SUV, but it is packed with over 15 standard safety features. Beyond the core suite, the Equinox adds Side Bicyclist Alert. This is a game-changer for city driving, as it warns you if a cyclist is approaching your blind spot before you open your door or change lanes.
It also features Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking. This helps protect you at one of the most dangerous places on the road—the four-way stop—by watching for cross-traffic that might not be stopping.
Learn more about the Equinox and shop new models.
The 2026 Traverse: The High-Tech Family Hauler
If you need the extra room of the three-row Traverse, you get even more high-tech options. For 2026, the Traverse offers Super Cruise™ on select trims. This is a hands-free driving technology that works on hundreds of thousands of miles of compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada.
The Traverse also emphasizes “Blind Zone Steering Assist.” If you try to change lanes while a vehicle is in your blind spot, the steering wheel will provide a brief, firm turn to alert you and help steer you back into your lane.
Learn more about the Traverse and shop new models.
Why It Matters
These features aren’t meant to take over the driving for you. Instead, they act like a second set of eyes. Whether it’s a rainy Tuesday commute or a long family road trip, having these systems on board reduces the “mental load” of driving, making your time behind the wheel much more relaxed.
See the Safety in Action
Reading about safety is one thing, but feeling it in action is another! We invite you to come down to the dealership and take the 2026 Equinox or Traverse for a spin. We can show you how the alerts look on the dash and how easy it is to customize the settings to your liking.
