Roseville, Calif. – It may not be on the radar of many electric vehicle shoppers looking for a deal, but it should be.
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV is both affordable and efficient. It has an enviable starting price of approximately $35,100 and has excellent range, getting between 319 to 356 miles on a full charge.
Although the Equinox EV has been around since 2024, the gas-powered model debuted more than two decades ago (2005). The compact SUV enjoyed nine straight years (2012 to 2020) where sales was 236,000 or more, including record numbers of 346,049 in 2019. Last year (299,441) was its best year since 2020.
The emergence of the EV version has only enhanced the overall brand. It had sales of 57,945 a year ago, more than double its 2024 volume. The Equinox was the top-selling non-Tesla electric vehicle in 2025. Not surprisingly, there are no major changes for the 2026 EV.
The Equinox has historically been under the radar, never considered true competitors of class leaders like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It has been among the top sellers because of its excellent value, stylish design, solid technology, and roomy interior.
All trim models come with the same battery (85-kWh lithium-ion) and a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. Charging takes 30-45 minutes to go from 10% to 80% using DC Fast Charging. It adds approximately 70-80 miles of range in 10 minutes and requires 8-10 hours at home with a Level 2 (240V) charger.
There are some distinct differences when comparing the gas-powered Equinox and the EV. One of them is starting price. The traditional Equinox goes for around $28,900, roughly $6,200 less. The Equinox EV does have some advantages, one being it has nine-inch longer wheelbase and the length is seven inches longer. The EV also has more power and is much more economical in terms of fuel.
The gas-powered version is a turbocharged 1.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with 175 horsepower. The standard front-wheel drive EV comes with an electric motor that produces 220 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, and goes 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds, nearly a second faster than the gas-powered model.
If more performance is ultra important, the Equinox EV also offers a dual-motor that increases the output to 300 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and travels 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. A knock against the EV is maximum towing is only 1,500 pounds.
The SUV’s low center of gravity creates increased stability and makes traveling on icy winter roads a bit safer. The ride is comfortable and smooth, yet only offers average handling. We like the brake regeneration is adjustable and can establish true one-pedal driving.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 CHEROLET EQUINOX EV
- Performance: electric motor, 220 horsepower; dual-motor, 300 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 100-117 MPGe; 95-112 MPGe
- Price estimate: $35,100 to $44,200
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside Assistance: 5 years/60,000; Corrosion: 6 years/100,000; Battery: 8 years/100,000 miles
Standard driver safety features include blind zone steering; rear cross traffic braking; teen driver controls; lane keep assist and departure; forward collision alert; front pedestrian braking, and a few more.
The interior on all models features an enormous 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen and is paired with an 11-inch diagonal driver information center. There’s also multiple physical buttons so not everything has to be done on a screen.
What’s not so good is the Equinox provides no Apple CarPlay integration. For iPhone users, there’s no easy method to route the phone’s functions and apps through the touchscreen.
Seating is a plus, offering good leg and head room in both the front and back. With the seats up the cargo area is sizable at 26.4 cubic feet and extends to 57.2 cubes when the back row is folded to the floor.
To our surprise, the 2026 Chevy Equinox brings considerable value to the table. It’s offered at a reasonable price, provides good range, a comfortable ride, and the performance is not a deal breaker.
