2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV Review & Test Drive
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Compiled By Arthur C. Intelli
Edited1 By Bob Gordon
The Auto Channel
Auto Central August 16, 2025
2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV Owners Manual (Complete PDF)Overview
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV marks a pivotal point in GM’s commitment to electrification. With a clean design, competitive pricing, and practical features, the Equinox EV is aimed directly at the mainstream SUV buyer—those who might be considering a RAV4 Hybrid or Tesla Model Y but want something more affordable and familiar. After spending a full day behind the wheel, we came away impressed by its value, comfort, and solid driving manners.
Specifications
- Starting Price: $34,995 (LT FWD), up to $52,395 (RS AWD)
- Powertrain: Single or Dual Motor (FWD or AWD)
- Horsepower: 210 hp (FWD), 290 hp (AWD)
- Battery: Ultium 85 kWh lithium-ion pack
- Range: Up to 319 miles (FWD), ~285 miles (AWD)
- Charging: 11.5 kW AC, 150 kW DC fast charging (10-80% in ~30 minutes)
- 0–60 MPH: ~5.9 seconds (AWD)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 1,500 lbs
Interior & Comfort
The cabin is spacious and modern, with a 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen standard on most trims. Seating is plush and upright, offering good visibility and long-haul comfort. Rear seat passengers have generous legroom, and cargo space is on par with gas-powered compact SUVs, offering about 57.2 cu ft with the seats folded.
On the Road
Acceleration is brisk, especially with the AWD model. The Equinox EV delivers a composed ride with responsive steering and low noise levels. Regen braking is adjustable and includes a true one-pedal driving mode. Chevy tuned the suspension for comfort, but it still feels planted on winding roads.
Tech & Features
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a digital driver display. The infotainment system is responsive and clear, and GM’s built-in Google Assistant integration is convenient for hands-free controls. Super Cruise hands-free driving is available on higher trims.
Safety & Ratings
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (2026)
- NHTSA: 5-Star Overall Crash Rating
- Standard Safety Features: Chevy Safety Assist, including Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Battery & Charging
With an estimated 319 miles of range, the Equinox EV FWD offers among the highest range in its class. Fast charging capability makes it practical for longer trips, and the myChevrolet app includes route planning tools for public charging. Battery warranty is 8 years / 100,000 miles.
Recalls & Reliability
As of this writing (August 2025), there are no active recalls for the 2026 Equinox EV. It shares many components with other Ultium-platform vehicles, which have shown early reliability improvements over GM’s first-gen EVs.
What Other Reviewers Are Saying
- Car and Driver: “A strong contender that finally brings electric practicality to the Chevy showroom.”
- MotorTrend: “Feels like a better deal than a Model Y—if you can live without the badge.”
- InsideEVs: “Best Ultium vehicle yet, thanks to price, packaging, and range.”
Verdict
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV is not a flashy EV—but that’s exactly why it might be GM’s most important electric vehicle yet. It’s the people’s EV: accessible, easy to live with, and good at the things most buyers care about. With up to 319 miles of range and a sub-$35K starting price, Chevy may have finally cracked the mainstream EV code.
1Editor’s Note: Too much noise. Not enough clarity. We live in a time of information overload and search fatigue, where every car has thousands of videos, reviews, and specs floating around. That’s why you need a trusted, human voice—someone who knows what matters and what doesn’t. At The Auto Channel, we do the vetting so you can do the driving. We're here to power your research and steer you away from the nonsense.
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