2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT: 319 Mile Range Electric SUV
Table of Contents
The Chevrolet Equinox has been around for more than two decades. It first arrived in 2004 as a compact crossover for the American market. Even though it came late to the segment, it quickly became one of Chevrolet’s strongest sellers. General Motors has often moved more than 250,000 units a year.
In 2024, Chevrolet pushed the Equinox into the electric era with the Equinox EV. The company promised over 300 miles of range at a starting price under $35,000. That combination made people pay attention.
Now there is the 2026 version. The big question is simple. If you want an affordable electric SUV with more than 300 miles of range, does the front wheel drive Equinox EV still make sense?
Powertrain and performance
Under the hood, you will not find a front trunk. That space is occupied by the front mounted electric motor. The Equinox EV runs on a modified GM Ultium architecture.
The tested version is a single motor front wheel drive model.
Key specs
Single front mounted electric motor
Power: 220 horsepower
Torque: 243 lb ft
Battery: 85 kWh
Range: up to 319 miles
0 to 60 mph: about 7.5 to 8 seconds
Top speed: around 112 mph
Towing capacity: 1,500 lb
Weight: about 4,700 lb
Power is slightly higher than the 2024 version. If you want more performance, Chevrolet offers an all wheel drive model with dual motors.
All wheel drive option
Power: 300 horsepower
Torque: 355 lb ft
Range: about 307 miles
Extra cost: around $3,000
The front wheel drive model focuses on efficiency. The all wheel drive version gives more speed and traction.
Charging and efficiency
The Equinox EV uses a 400 volt electrical architecture.
Charging details
DC fast charging: up to about 150 kW
10 minute fast charge: about 77 miles of range
10 to 80 percent charge: about 35 to 40 minutes
Level 2 home charging: roughly 10 hours for full charge
Real world testing showed around 290 miles of range in cold weather. That is close to the official 319 mile figure.
Exterior design
The design still looks fresh even though the EV debuted in 2024. It has a modern face with a full width LED light bar.
Some details of the tested 2LT trim:
Galaxy Gray metallic paint
Sequential LED turn signals
Closed off EV style grille
21 inch alloy wheels
Six lug wheel setup due to higher weight
About 6 inches of ground clearance
The EV version does not share its platform with the petrol Equinox. It is longer and wider.
Size comparison
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Length: 190.5 inches
Around 7 inches longer than gas Equinox
The rear design is one of the best angles. It has a clean light bar and a simple spoiler. Cargo space is practical too.
Cargo capacity
Rear cargo: about 24 cubic feet
With seats folded: about 57 cubic feet
Interior and technology
Inside, the Equinox EV focuses heavily on screens and digital features.
Main highlights
17.7 inch central touchscreen standard
11 inch digital instrument cluster
Google built in software
Wireless phone charging
Heated and ventilated front seats on higher trims
Available head up display
Optional Super Cruise hands free driving
The software uses Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store. You can download apps like Spotify and Waze. However, there is no wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Material quality is decent for the price. Some panels feel cheap, but the overall layout looks modern.
Rear seat space
The long wheelbase helps the rear seat area.
Rear seat facts
Legroom: about 38 inches
Flat floor for middle passenger
Heated rear seats with package
Rear air vents and USB C ports
Headroom is slightly tight due to the lower roofline. Taller passengers may notice it.
Driving experience
The front wheel drive version focuses on comfort and efficiency.
On road impressions
0 to 60 mph: about 7.5 seconds
Smooth and quiet ride
Soft suspension setup
Light steering with limited feedback
Strong one pedal driving
It feels stable because of the low mounted battery. The ride quality stays comfortable even with large 21 inch wheels.
The front wheel drive model feels adequate for daily commuting. The all wheel drive version is much quicker.
Real world range
In cold weather testing, the vehicle delivered around 290 miles on a full charge. That is close to the official 319 mile estimate.
Among rivals, only the Tesla Model Y offers more range, with figures up to about 357 miles depending on the version.
Sales performance
The Equinox EV has been a strong seller.
US sales snapshot
Around 58,000 units sold in 2025
Third best selling EV in the US
Behind Tesla Model 3 and Model Y
Outsold Ford Mustang Mach E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Honda Prologue
That shows buyers are clearly interested in a long range electric SUV at a lower price point.
Pricing and value
Pricing depends heavily on trim and options.
Starting prices
Base 1LT: about $34,995
2LT trim: just over $41,000
All wheel drive: about $3,000 extra
A well equipped 2LT with options can reach around $50,000. Incentives may reduce that to about $45,000.
Key rivals and starting prices
Tesla Model Y: about $39,995
Ford Mustang Mach E: around $37,500
Hyundai Ioniq 5: around $35,000
Toyota bZ series EV: around $35,000
Many rivals start cheaper but offer less range at base price. To match the Equinox EV range, you often need a bigger battery, which increases the price.
What works
Over 300 miles of range in base form
Comfortable ride quality
Large standard infotainment screen
Spacious rear seat
Competitive base pricing
What could be better
No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Build quality inconsistencies
Front wheel drive model feels a bit restrained
Fully loaded versions get expensive
Final verdict
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV still makes sense if you want a practical electric SUV with strong range at a reasonable price. The front wheel drive model is not exciting, but it does the job for daily commuting.
The real value appears when you keep the options low. Once you start adding packages, the price climbs into territory where stronger rivals exist.
If you want maximum range for the money, the Equinox EV remains one of the most logical choices in the segment. If you want more performance or premium feel, it is worth test driving the competition.
Sources and reference
Official manufacturer sources
Chevrolet official product page
319 miles EPA estimated range (FWD)
307 miles with AWD
17.7 inch infotainment screen
Chevrolet Canada official page
Up to 513 km estimated range (FWD)
EPA range and technical data
InsideEVs report on EPA ratings
319 miles range for FWD
AWD reduces range
85 kWh battery
319 mile EPA range
319 mile electric range
Front wheel drive layout
Performance, power and feature confirmations
Car and Driver specifications and overview
220 hp FWD
300 hp AWD
Standard 17.7 inch screen
220 hp and 243 lb ft in FWD
300 hp and 355 lb ft in AWD
Charging, battery and architecture
85 kWh battery
Up to 319 miles range
ChargedEVs battery information
85 kWh Ultium battery pack
Pricing and trim data
LT1 FWD around $36k
LT2 FWD around $43k
319 mile range for FWD trims
