2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
While other manufacturers walk back their EV efforts, Chevrolet stays the course with a growing range of mainstream all-electric models. As the American automaker readies a new entry-level Bolt EV, the successor to our 2017 Car of the Year winner, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV carries over as the lineup’s most affordable offering.
The Equinox EV is challenged by other electric compact SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV 6, and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
What’s New
Basics
- Vehicle-to-home power capability
- NACS adapter available
- Standard dual-level charge cord
- Available GM Energy PowerShift 19.2-kW residential bidirectional charger
- Available GM PowerUp2 Charger 11.5-kW residential EV charger
Exterior
- Midnight package available on LT1 trim
- Polar White replaces Iridescent Pearl paint on RS
- Standard black roof for RS trim
- Available black 19-inch wheels
Interior
- Available passenger six-way manual seat adjuster replaced with four-way adjuster
What We Think
Chevrolet has come close to cracking the code for building appealing yet affordable electric vehicles. The 2026 Equinox EV is a prime example of the automaker’s successful approach to democratizing electrification with its attractive styling, low base price, and big infotainment displays.
FWD models aren’t quick, but the suspension is tuned for a nice balance of ride quality and handling. AWD variants have the acceleration shoppers have come to expect from EVs, but braking performance suffers. Driving range is a strength of the entire Equinox EV lineup, though road trip viability is held back by a mediocre charge rate.
Although it’s true that the Equinox EV’s strong value drops off at higher trims, Chevy’s SUV delivers on its entry-level mission at lower and intermediate grades. Equipped the right way, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV has the right mix of features, range, and utility to woo shoppers away from segment leaders in our Ultimate Car Rankings.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV carries over with two powertrain configurations. Single-motor models are FWD and develop 220 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque for an as-tested 0–60-mph time of 7.4 seconds, on the slow side for the compact SUV class. Among single-motor electric SUVs, the RWD Volkswagen ID4 is a quicker choice, with a 0–60-mph time of 5.6 seconds.
AWD variants use two motors for a total of 300 hp and 355 lb-ft of torque. We’ve found these examples to be sufficiently swift, clocking a 0–60-mph time of just 5.7 seconds. Again, the AWD Volkswagen ID4 is quicker, dashing to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
EV Range and Charging
We expect 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV range figures to be similar to the 2025 models. FWD examples are good for 319 miles of range and AWD variants for 307 miles. For comparison, the most basic 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 can travel 245 miles, and the long-range RWD model can go 318. Ratings for AWD variants of the Ioniq 5, aside from the high-performance Ioniq 5 N, range from 259 to 290 miles.
All 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV models are outfitted with an 85-kWh battery pack. That capacity is impressive, but the Equinox EV’s 288V architecture limits it to a peak charging rate of just 150 kW. In our testing, we recorded a 153-kW peak, but the 5–80 percent charge took 48 minutes. Charging for 15 minutes adds 81 miles of indicated range.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vastly outperforms the Equinox EV. Using a DC fast charger, juicing up from 5 to 80 percent requires a mere 22-minute session. Charging for 15 minutes adds 152 miles of range.
Safety Ratings and Features
We expect the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV to keep up the model’s strong track record for high safety scores. NHTSA awards five stars overall to both FWD and AWD versions of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV.
A 360-degree camera view and traffic sign recognition are available on higher trims. Chevrolet’s excellent Super Cruise driver assistance is available on the Equinox EV LT2 and RS. Standard safety features include:
- Forward collision alert with pedestrian, bicyclist, and intersection automatic emergency braking
- Side bicyclist alert
- Lane keep assist
- Reverse auto braking
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Rivals offer slightly more second-row legroom and overall cargo space than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV. If you need a larger interior but want to stay in Chevy’s family of electric SUVs, consider the midsize Blazer EV, our 2024 SUV of the Year.
Technology
Infotainment
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV comes with a strong standard tech suite. All models receive an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster and 17.7-inch touchscreen display with Google built-in software, including Google Maps, Google Assistant voice command, and the Google Play store.
Chevrolet doesn’t offer the Equinox EV with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, both of which provide a more intuitive user experience and superior messaging. The Chevrolet Equinox EV has over-the-air update capability and remote services accessible through the myChevrolet mobile app.
Two USB-A and USB-C ports for the front row and two charge-only USB-C ports for the second row are included. Wireless charging is standard on the LT2 trim and up. A head-up display is also available on the LT2 and RS trims.
Sound System
All versions of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV come standard with a six-speaker audio system. Unlike the Blazer EV, which is offered with an eight-speaker arrangement from Bose, the Equinox EV cannot be had with upgraded audio equipment.
What Is Chevrolet Super Cruise?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV is available with subscription-based Super Cruise, offering hands-free driving on nearly 750,000 miles of pre-mapped roads. Super Cruise maintains following distances like a traditional adaptive cruise control system but also provides lane centering and automatic lane changes. It supports trailering, as well.
Value
Standard Features
The most basic 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV comes standard with a single front motor, an 85-kWh battery, and 19-inch wheels. It has 319 miles of range and a peak charge rate of 150 kW. The Equinox EV is compatible with the North American Charging Standard (NACS), provided you purchase an accessory NACS adapter.
Inside the cabin you’ll find an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster display, a 17.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, single-zone automatic climate control, and six-speaker audio. There’s a six-way adjustable manual driver’s seat, a four-way adjustable passenger seat, and cloth seating surfaces.
Recommended Trim
Out of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV’s three trims (LT1, LT2, and RS), we recommend the price-competitive base model, which should start around $35,000 for the new model year. LT2 trims add wireless charging, roof rails, a front light bar, an auto tailgate, a 360-degree camera, and configurable interior lighting for a premium of about $8,000.
The RS trim bestows sportier cosmetics like black accents, 21-inch wheels, and red interior trim for a total starting price of approximately $46,000. Going higher in the Equinox EV’s trim structure gets pricey quickly without adding as much value as we’d like to see, so it makes sense to stick with the basic LT1 model.
