2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS Overview
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV sits right in the middle of Chevrolet’s electric lineup. Below it is the smaller Bolt, and above it sits the larger Blazer EV. This model uses General Motors’ third generation EV platform, the same modular architecture used across several Chevrolet and Cadillac electric vehicles.
In this case, the test vehicle is the RS trim. It is the sportier looking version with extra styling touches and additional technology.
Base price starts at about $36,000
As tested price is about $51,400
This test car sits close to the top of the range
The higher price mostly comes from optional technology packages like Super Cruise and automated parking features.
Powertrain, Performance, and Range
The front wheel drive model tested here uses a single motor setup.
Powertrain specs:
| Specification | FWD Model |
|---|---|
| Motor setup | Single motor |
| Power | 220 hp |
| Torque | 243 lb-ft |
| Battery | 85 kWh |
| EPA range | 319 miles |
The all wheel drive version increases output:
Around 300 hp
More torque
Range drops below 300 miles
Exterior Design and Road Presence
The RS trim focuses more on visual appeal than outright performance upgrades. Chevrolet has given it plenty of gloss black elements and a two tone paint treatment.
Key exterior highlights:
Full width LED light bar at the front
LED headlamps
Gloss black trim around the body
21 inch gloss black alloy wheels
275 width tires
Standard roof rails
Two tone paint option
The overall design follows Chevrolet’s current styling language. From a distance, it still looks clearly like a Chevrolet, even with the modern EV design cues.
The vehicle weighs just under 5,000 pounds. Most of that weight comes from the large battery pack under the floor.
Battery capacity: 85 kWh
Charging port located at the front
Uses older CCS style charging port
Adapter included for wider charging compatibility
Switch to Tesla style port expected in 2027
Interior Design and Technology
Inside, the Equinox EV shows how far Chevrolet interiors have come over the last decade. The layout is clean, modern, and heavily screen focused.
Main interior highlights:
Fully digital instrument cluster
17.7 inch central touchscreen
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated steering wheel
RS badging with red accent stitching
Cloth and Evotex seat material
Wireless phone charger
Deep center console storage
Multiple charging ports
Technology features in the test car:
Super Cruise hands free driving system
Automatic parking assist
360 degree camera system
Most vehicle functions are controlled through the touchscreen, including:
Drive modes
Ambient lighting
Vehicle settings
Chevrolet has kept physical buttons for climate controls, which helps usability.
Missing Apple CarPlay
One notable omission is Apple CarPlay. The system does not offer either wired or wireless CarPlay, which may be a deal breaker for some buyers.
Rear Seat and Cargo Space
Rear seat space is decent for this segment.
About four inches of knee room behind a 5 foot 9 inch driver
Three to four inches of headroom
Heated rear seats
Rear air vents
Fold down armrest with cup holders
One downside comes from the battery placement. The floor sits higher than in a regular crossover, so rear passengers sit with their knees slightly raised. It feels more like a sedan seating position.
Cargo area highlights:
Generous boot space with seats up
60 40 split folding rear seats
Extra storage under the floor
No spare tire, only repair kit
Driving Experience
In city driving, the Equinox EV feels quick off the line. Electric torque comes in instantly, and acceleration feels smooth.
However, the front wheel drive setup creates a noticeable issue.
Torque steer
When accelerating hard, the steering wheel pulls to one side. This happens because of the strong torque going through the front wheels in a heavy vehicle. It is especially noticeable under hard acceleration.
Ride quality
Like many EVs, the Equinox EV has a stiff suspension. The heavy battery requires stronger springs and dampers.
What this means on the road:
Harsh ride over bumps and speed humps
Truck like feel on rough surfaces
Noticeable bouncing over uneven roads
Quiet cabin overall
There are no adaptive dampers or air suspension. Those features usually appear on more expensive luxury EVs.
Key Pros and Cons
Pros
Attractive exterior design
Large battery with good range
Spacious cargo area
Heated and ventilated seats
Big modern screens
Good interior storage
Cons
Noticeable torque steer in FWD model
Stiff, truck like ride quality
No Apple CarPlay
Top trim price feels high for the segment
Verdict: Worth the Money?
At around $51,000 for a fully loaded RS, the Equinox EV enters a very competitive price bracket. According to the driving impressions in this test, the value proposition becomes questionable at that price.
The styling, interior quality, and technology are strong points. But the ride quality, torque steer, and missing smartphone integration hurt the overall experience.
For buyers who like the design and want Chevrolet’s electric crossover, it still makes sense. But at the higher price levels, there may be better options in the same segment.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS FAQs
What is the price of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV?
The 2026 Equinox EV starts at about $36,000 for the base trim. The RS model tested with extra technology packages costs about $51,400, which is close to the top end of the lineup.
Where does the Equinox EV sit in Chevrolet’s electric lineup?
The Equinox EV sits in the middle of Chevrolet’s electric range. The smaller Bolt is below it, while the larger Blazer EV is positioned above it.
What platform does the 2026 Equinox EV use?
It is built on General Motors’ third generation EV platform. This modular architecture is shared across several Chevrolet and Cadillac electric vehicles.
What battery and range does the Equinox EV offer?
The front wheel drive model uses an 85 kWh battery. It has an EPA estimated range of about 319 miles. The all wheel drive version offers more power but slightly less range, dropping below 300 miles.
What are the power figures of the Equinox EV?
The front wheel drive version produces 220 horsepower and 243 lb ft of torque. The all wheel drive version increases output to around 300 horsepower with more torque.
Does the 2026 Equinox EV have Apple CarPlay?
No. The system does not offer Apple CarPlay, either wired or wireless. This may be a concern for buyers who rely on smartphone integration.
What are the main interior features of the RS trim?
The RS trim includes a digital instrument cluster, a large 17.7 inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wireless phone charging, and a 360 degree camera system.
How is the rear seat comfort in the Equinox EV?
Rear seat space is decent with good headroom and knee room. However, the battery under the floor raises the seating position, so passengers sit with their knees slightly higher than usual.
Does the Equinox EV have a spare tire?
No. Instead of a spare tire, the vehicle comes with an emergency tire repair kit and additional storage under the cargo floor.
How does the Equinox EV drive?
The front wheel drive model delivers strong and smooth acceleration. However, it shows noticeable torque steer under hard acceleration. The suspension is stiff because of the heavy battery, which can make the ride feel firm over bumps.
