2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV Review: Handsomely Styled And Affordable

Unveiled at the 1990 Los Angeles Auto Show, GM’s Impact concept car presaged the company’s EV1, the first mass-produced purpose-built EV from a major American automobile manufacturer. Offered to consumers in 1996 on a lease program, the EV1 used a 137-horsepower AC induction motor, which gave it a zero-to-60 of roughly 8.5 seconds. The maximum range was 142 miles for the second-generation models, which used nickel-metal hydride batteries. While EV1 ultimately met a controversial fate, it did pave the way for the subject of this review, theChevrolet Equinox EV. Pricing for the LT trim package starts at $41,900. The price, as reviewed, came to $50,745.

Base Trim Engine

EV

Base Trim Transmission

1-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

213 HP

Base Trim Torque

236 lb.-ft.

Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)

117/100/109 mpge

Base Trim Battery Type

Lithium ion (Li-ion)

Make

Chevrolet

Model

Equinox EV

2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV First Impressions

Handsomely styled and affordably priced, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV can be credibly pegged as the EV for the rest of us. With range, charging times, and ease of use geared toward everyone—not just early adopters—the Chevrolet Equinox is a practical alternative to itsinternal combustion-powered counterpart. Where so many of the EV models preceding the Equinox to market have served as statement pieces, the Equinox EV is simply a compact crossover that just happens to run an electric powertrain.

Anyone versed in Chevy’s contemporary design language will immediately recognize the Equinox as an offeringfrom the Bowtie Brand. Well proportioned, with interesting lighting signatures, the Equinox EV blends in by looking like it belongs anywhere. Nothing about its appearance screams, “I’m electric!” Which, in my opinion, is a good thing. If any marque can be said to be mainstream, Chevrolet is certainly one of them. And, with the Equinox, the company is making a conscious effort to demonstrate EVs can indeed be mainstream offerings.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Performance

This carries over into the driving experience as well. The LT-trimmed example I drove was fitted with the 220-horsepower front-wheel drive powertrain. Where so many EVs try to sway buyers with eyebrow-raising acceleration off the line, the Equinox LT pulls away from traffic signals like a normal automobile.

This makes it both smooth and predictable, traits most people find favorable. Sure, it’s fun to go screaming across an intersection to a three-second zero to 60 time when the light changes, but that’s also a great way to attract the attention of the constabulary. “My” Equinox posted consistent seven-second runs to 60, which is right in line with its gasoline-powered competitors in this class.

Here again, the Equinox stands out, by not standing out. Meanwhile, the Chevy offers a supple ride quality, quiet operation, and the ability toemploy regenerative braking. This means you can drive it without using the brake pedal in most situations—by planning ahead. What’s more, doing so adds an interesting dimension to driving. You have to be fully engaged to get it right, and when you nail it, the feeling is one of a significant accomplishment.

Performance Specifications

Chevrolet Equinox EV Efficiency

For those of you who love doing the math, the EPA says the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT is capable of returning the equivalent of 117 miles per gallon in the city, 100 on the highway, and 108 MPGe overall. This gives it a power consumption rate of 31 kW-hours per 100 miles. For those of you for whom this is a new consideration, we’ve done a primer onMPGe: what it means and how it’s calculated.

In the simplest terms, it means the Equinox offers an estimated 319 miles of range on a full charge—when driven conservatively. I saw a max of 280 miles, driving the way I normally do—which is to say enthusiastically. Using anEVgo fast charging station, the 85-kWh battery pack charged to 80% of its capacity from 80% depleted in the time it took my wife and me to do some light grocery shopping. We plugged the Equinox in, went to the nearby grocery store, did our shopping, and returned 20 minutes later to find the Equinox’s lithium-ion battery pack charged to 80% of its capacity.

Knowing you can count on that makes living with the Equinox a predictable experience upon which you can rely. Yes, it can take quite a while to completely charge the Chevy’s battery back at home when it’s fully depleted. The EPA estimates 9.5 hours using a 240v outlet. However, given the 280 miles of range I observed, it’s pretty safe to say most people will seldom let it get fully depleted. You go to work, run your errands, do whatever you have to do, and plug it in when you get home. Keeping in mind, the battery pack does not have to be 100-percent charged for the Equinox to be driven.

Interior Design And Comfort

Despite its status as a compact crossover, the Equinox EV offers plenty of space for both front and rear passengers. Door openings are generously proportioned, which makes ingress and egress easy for everyone. They also makefitting a child safety seateasier to do (for those of you who have figured out how those things work).

The Chevy’s carlike step-in height provides ready access for shorter people and makes getting out easier for those who are getting up in years. Legroom is more than adequate at all four seating positions too. Simply put, the Equinox EV provides a comfortable experience for every member of the family. Standard comfort and convenience features with the LT trim package includeheated seats, power seats, a sunroof, and dual-zone climate control.

Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use

I was a bit disappointed to find the Chevy’s infotainment system didn’t offer CarPlay or Android compatibility, particularly given the size of that 28-inch monitor dominating the dash. Good old Bluetooth proved quite adequate for most of my needs, though. On the other hand, the Equinox EV does offer wireless charging, along with Google Maps and Spotify compatibility as standard equipment. An onboard Wi-Fi hotspot can be had as an option.

Standard driver assistance features include traffic sign recognition, side bicyclist alert, blind zone steering assist, automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, and lane-keeping assist.GM’s Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system is fitted as an option. The system is capable of taking much of the load off a driver on the highway and conducting itself, more or less. You do have to manage exits and transitions to different highways yourself, but Super Cruise will keep up with traffic, maintain a safe following distance, pass slower-moving cars when safe, and return to its original lane after effecting the maneuver.

Cargo And Storage Space

Fold away the rear seat, and you’ll get 57 cubic feet of cargo capacity. And yes, the gas-powered version does offer more. However, 57 cubes are more than adequate for most “normal” people. Hoarders need not apply. The Equinox EV offers 26 cubes with the rear seat deployed, which will support a family of four on vacation with no problem. The usual array of door pockets, center console storage, and, of course, a generously sized glove box provides interior storage.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV Vs. Its Competitors

Lyndon Conrad Bell | Top Speed

Ford

Hyundai

Considered in terms of price, the closest competitors for the Chevy, which starts at $36,795 in its most basic trim are theFord Mustang Mach-Eand theHyundai Ioniq 5. The Ford’s base price is $39,840, while the Hyundai’s base pricing starts at $36,600. Among the Mustang’s strengths are its performance potential, range, spaciousness and comfort. Meanwhile, the Hyundai is notable for its fast charging, distinctive styling and engaging driving characteristics.

How The Chevrolet Equinox EV Compares To The Ford Mustang Mach-E

Base Trim Engine

EV

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

264 HP

Base Trim Torque

387 lb.-ft.

Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)

106/98/102 mpge

Base Trim Battery Type

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP)

Make

Ford

Model

Mustang Mach-E

While both the Mustang Mach-E and Equinox EV are solid choices in the electric SUV market, they target different drivers. The Mach-E is more about sporty performance and handling, while the Equinox EV delivers superior range, family-friendly space, and exceptional value. People scoffed when Ford announced it wasbuilding a Mustang SUV, but the Mustang Mach-E silenced its critics with variants producing up to 480 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque, along with room to transport four passengers in comfort. The Mach-E also offers 29 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, and a front trunk for smaller items.

How The Chevrolet Equinox EV Compares To The Hyundai Ioniq 5

Base Trim Engine

EV

Base Trim Transmission

Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

168 HP

Base Trim Torque

258 lb.-ft.

Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)

127/94/110 mpge

Base Trim Battery Type

Lithium ion (Li-ion)

Make

Hyundai

Model

Ioniq 5

TheHyundai Ioniq 5 and Chevrolet Equinox EV also appeal to different drivers. Among the praiseworthy traits of the Ioniq 5 are ultra-fast charging, a sleek digital suite, and dynamic performance. Meanwhile, the Equinox EV is focused on providing excellent value and family-oriented driving characteristics. Ioniq 5’s sporty interior layout prioritizes functionality and driver engagement, as evidenced by the intuitive nature of its infotainment system. The Hyundai’s 800-volt architecture allows it to charge faster than the Equinox, and of course, there’s the second-to-none 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty Hyundai provides for all of its models.

Our Recommendation For Which Model You Should Buy

Each of these models has distinctive pluses. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 delivers ultra-fast charging and futuristic styling. The Ford Mustang Mach-E brings a sporty driving experience, and the Chevrolet Equinox EV stands out for its family-friendly nature.

The Mustang is the one to choose if you value driving pleasure over everything else. The Ioniq 5 bridges the divide between the Ford and the Chevy with its nice mix of comfort and performance potential. Meanwhile, the Equinox EV submits a smooth, composed, and traditional SUV experience—prioritizing everyday usability over sporty performance.

In other words, if you love to drive, go with the Mustang, you won’t be sorry. If performance doesn’t matter, and you want the most comfort you can get in this price range, the Chevy will be your choice. However, if you’re looking to get as much of both worlds as you can in a single package, the Ioniq 5 will be your best choice.