Automatic Engine Grade Braking 2026 Eq LT

[Sewtrapped]

The Chevy manual states that it will automatically slow the vehicle down to maintain your speed going down steep grades. Mine doesn't do it automatically and I have to ride the brake to stay at speed. So how in the world do you turn this feature on or activate it? I know it does this if cruise is set to a speed but the Chevy manual doesn't say that has to be active.

 

[Brennb]

My 2018 only does this with cruise control activated. It just downshifts. I don't know why they even put that in the manual. The weight of the vehicle overcomes any benifit from the engine braking

 

[grg1109]

I've only experienced this while my 25 equinox is in Cruise Control

 

[Sewtrapped]

Yes I realize it does this while in cruise and that's a given. The manual doesn't say only in cruise and that statement isn't even in the cruise control section of the manual. It does say it's deactivated when in electronic range select mode. So what is electronic range select mode? The only thing I can think of is the cruise control setting where you can set the following distance. I have to assume the manual just sucks because it leaves out most details and I was assuming this was a new special feature of some kind. Oh, well I appreciate your feedback.

 

[PoManNox]

My 2021 LT AWD 1.5T with the 6AT will downshift (engine brake) any time you are going downhill, while gaining speed with your foot off the accelerator. I live in a very hilly area and experience this almost daily.

 

[RIT333]

I would guess that electronic range selection mode refers to the same as manual mode.

 

[Sewtrapped]

My 2021 LT AWD 1.5T with the 6AT will downshift (engine brake) any time you are going downhill, while gaining speed with your foot off the accelerator. I live in a very hilly area and experience this almost daily.

mine is 1.5T with 6AT but my transmission is not the CVT version. Maybe that's why mine doesn't do what yours does? I've tested it on multiple hills but my car just keeps accelerating with my foot off the gas.

 

[2025 Red Equinox]

The Chevy manual states that it will automatically slow the vehicle down to maintain your speed going down steep grades. Mine doesn't do it automatically and I have to ride the brake to stay at speed. So how in the world do you turn this feature on or activate it? I know it does this if cruise is set to a speed but the Chevy manual doesn't say that has to be active.View attachment 3381

Electronic range select mode is the “manual” mode for the automatic transmission - which can allow the driver to manually select the desired gear range.

If the vehicle is driven downhill in the drive mode, it will downshift as it senses a downhill grade. This feature works as designed on my 2025 Equinox RS AWD (8-speed automatic transmission).

 

[PoManNox]

mine is 1.5T with 6AT but my transmission is not the CVT version. Maybe that's why mine doesn't do what yours does? I've tested it on multiple hills but my car just keeps accelerating with my foot off the gas.

There is no CVT version of a 2021 1.5T Equinox. They're all a conventional step shift 6spd AT. It takes just the right conditions for the down-hill downshifting to happen. I'm assuming your usage isn't those conditions.

 

[Sewtrapped]

There is no CVT version of a 2021 1.5T Equinox. They're all a conventional step shift 6spd AT. It takes just the right conditions for the down-hill downshifting to happen. I'm assuming your usage isn't those conditions.

I suppose you're correct. I guess I need longer hills as I know the ones around here are very steep but shortish.

 

[PoManNox]

I suppose you're correct. I guess I need longer hills as I know the ones around here are very steep but shortish.

I don't know that I'm 100% correct on it. I just know what my 2021 1.5T does. It takes a decent downward pitch for a long stretch (say 1/4 mile?) for it to start downshifting. Mine will typically do 2 downshifts, then you're on your own with braking.