Chevys 2026 Equinox EV Swaps Excitement for Affordability

Among the major automakers—Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors—General Motors seems to be the only one actively pushing forward with electric vehicle innovations. Ford is pivoting its Lightning truck to a hybrid model while the Mustang Mach-E remains its sole notable electric offering. Stellantis has struggled, having discontinued its plug-in hybrids and presenting only a few EV options, like the Dodge Charger Daytona and Fiat 500e.

On the other hand, Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC are consistently rolling out electric vehicles. One particularly awaited model is the Chevy Equinox EV, a fully electric version of the well-loved crossover.

Despite being someone who isn’t typically categorized as a “car enthusiast,” I’ve developed an appreciation for crossover SUVs. Having worked at a Chevy dealership, I have a certain fondness for the Equinox, which aims to provide straightforward transportation. The 2026 Equinox EV enhances this straightforward approach by eliminating internal combustion entirely, potentially easing the entry into the battery-electric vehicle market with a more accessible price. Let’s see if it meets this goal.

From a mechanical standpoint, the Equinox EV shares crucial components with the Cadillac Optiq. Currently, there are no Buick or GMC variants, but it’s reasonable to expect that could change in the future. While we await the Bolt’s return, the Equinox EV stands as GM’s most compact EV. Interestingly, Chevy doesn’t disclose the battery capacity on its website but confirmed it houses an 85-kilowatt-hour capacity during SlashGear’s early driving experience in 2024.

The model I tested featured a front-wheel-drive layout with a single motor that delivers 220 horsepower, while a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup offers 300 horsepower. The focus on energy efficiency translates to a maximum range of up to 319 miles with careful driving, compared to an estimated 307 miles with the all-wheel-drive variant.

When it comes to driving experience, it serves well as basic transportation but doesn’t offer much excitement. Acceleration is adequate, but not particularly thrilling—especially considering the 220 horsepower of a comparatively hefty electric vehicle. The dual-motor version might be a bit more invigorating due to its increased power. However, this single-motor setup may feel a touch sluggish compared to the common expectations for electric vehicles.

The cabin resembles that of the traditional Equinox, complete with HVAC vents reminiscent of the Chevy Impala from the 1960s. The interior layout is largely unchanged from earlier gas-powered models, offering a functional space which leans toward comfort but does not convey a sense of luxury. A notable drawback is the absence of Apple CarPlay, which felt frustrating.

Adjusting to GM’s trend of minimalist button layouts in newer models may take time. While the interior provided a nice warmth against winter’s chill, it lacks distinctive features outside of serving as a relatively comfortable environment for commuting.

A key selling feature of the Equinox EV (as with its gasoline counterpart) is its affordability. With a starting MSRP of $34,995, it ranks among the most budget-friendly EV options on the market, trailing only the Nissan Leaf and the rejuvenated Chevy Bolt, both priced below $30,000. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is priced just slightly higher at an additional $5. However, for this model, equipped with extra features, the price climbs higher.

The 2026 Equinox EV LT 2 trim, for instance, which includes leather-like “EvoTex” seats, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, and the option for GM’s Level 2 semi-autonomous “Super Cruise,” has a base price of $41,900. The test vehicle I had also featured the “Active Safety Package 3,” which includes the Super Cruise technology for an additional $3,355.

With the $3,100 “Convenience Package II,” which includes upscale 21-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, a heads-up display, dual-zone climate control, and LED headlights, along with a destination charge of $1,395, the price reached $49,750 for this second-least-expensive GM EV model. Notably, the appealing “Galaxy Gray Metallic” exterior color is offered at no additional charge, which is a nice touch.

Approaching $50,000 without all-wheel drive might prove challenging in terms of sales. For context, the base cost of the all-wheel-drive Equinox LT 2 starts at $45,095; the added power and stability of an AWD variant could be worth considering. Although competition is scant for the Equinox EV, its main competitors include the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y.

Looking at the figures, all three options provide a range of approximately 300 miles and fall under the $50,000 mark when configured with additional features, with all being available with all-wheel drive. Moreover, each of them can utilize Tesla Supercharger stations for charging. The Tesla Model Y is the most minimalistic, starting at $39,990 before destination fees, and offers a maximum range of 321 miles; the all-wheel-drive option costs $41,990 but has a lower range of 294 miles.

As for the Mach-E, Ford’s somewhat complex pricing strategy means that to match the Equinox EV’s features, you’d be looking at a price exceeding $46,000, particularly with the extended battery that enhances range to 320 miles. Without that upgrade, the mileage drops significantly to 260 miles.

The 2026 Chevy Equinox EV LT 2 that I drove neither amazed nor disappointed me. While it doesn’t offer an exciting driving experience, that’s not its intended purpose. Like the gasoline version, it’s designed for practical transportation and now extends that practicality to an electric format.

In that light, the Equinox EV can be deemed a success. Would I consider purchasing one? Probably not, but I also don’t fit into the typical buyer demographic for a regular Equinox. My preference would likely lean toward the smaller and more exhilarating (and economical) Nissan Leaf, as it presents a distinctly different experience from Nissan’s broader product lineup.

However, for those who appreciate the Equinox and are looking for an upgrade in the electric vehicle segment, the Equinox EV is a formidable choice. Moreover, if a budget-friendly electric SUV appeals to you, the Equinox might represent one of the best options available. That said, with the elimination of federal tax credits for electric vehicles, it might be wise to compare prices and manufacturer incentives before making a decision.