Chevrolet’s electric Equinox RS proves you don’t need a Tesla to get serious range and tech. With 319 miles per charge, a massive touchscreen, and a price that won’t empty your wallet, this electric crossover shows GM knows what real people need from an EV.
- The front-wheel-drive Equinox EV RS delivers 319 miles of range from its 85-kWh battery pack, matching many luxury EVs at a fraction of the cost.
- A 17.7-inch touchscreen runs Google built-in software with no Apple CarPlay, which might frustrate iPhone users but keeps the interface clean and modern.
- Priced from $44,290 for the base RS trim, this electric crossover undercuts competitors while offering 200 horsepower and athletic styling with blacked-out trim.
Range That Actually Works
Here’s what matters when you’re shopping for an electric vehicle: can you actually drive it without range anxiety? The 2026 Equinox EV RS answers that question with 319 miles on a full charge for the front-wheel-drive version. That’s not a theoretical number either. Real-world testing shows this Chevy holds up even with the AC cranked and highway speeds in the mid-70s.
GM’s Ultium platform powers the RS with an 85-kWh battery pack. The single motor in front-drive models makes 200 horsepower, which is plenty for daily driving and merging onto highways. If you go with the all-wheel-drive setup, you’ll get 300 horses total but the range drops to around 285 miles. Most buyers won’t miss that extra power for city commutes.
Charging happens quickly with the new NACS connector that plugs into Tesla’s Supercharger network. You can add roughly 75 miles in about 10 minutes on a DC fast charger. At home with a Level 2 setup, plan on eight hours for a complete charge. Skip the standard wall outlet unless you’re desperate because it’s painfully slow.
Tech That Works Without the Fuss
The RS cabin feels more polished than you’d expect at this price point. That enormous 17.7-inch center screen dominates the dashboard and runs Google built-in software smoothly. You get Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store right there. The catch? No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. GM decided to stick with Google exclusively for their EVs, and that’s going to bother some iPhone users.
The Evotex seating comes with red stitching that adds some personality without going overboard like earlier versions did. There’s still some plastic around the cabin, but it’s softer to the touch than the budget-grade stuff you’d find in competitors. The 11-inch digital gauge cluster sits behind the steering wheel and stays readable in bright sunlight.
Storage deserves a mention because Chevy really thought this through. The center console swallows large items easily, and there are smart cubbies throughout for phones, wallets, and coffee cups. Cargo space hits 57 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which isn’t quite as roomy as the gas Equinox but still beats most electric crossovers.
Driving Feel and Real-World Performance
The RS trim adds 21-inch wheels with a blacked-out finish that gives this electric crossover some attitude. Sportier fascias and unique trim pieces separate it from the base LT, though the ride stays comfortable even with those larger wheels. Beat-up city streets and pothole-riddled pavement don’t unsettle this Chevy, which says something about the suspension tuning.
One-pedal driving feels natural once you’re used to it. You can slow down and stop using only the accelerator pedal under most conditions, and the regenerative braking feeds energy back into the battery. It takes maybe 20 minutes to get comfortable with the system, then it becomes second nature.
The Equinox EV also powers itself on without a start button. Just sit down with the key in your pocket and everything wakes up through the big screen. When you park and shift into Park, the system shuts itself down. It’s a small touch that feels surprisingly convenient after a few days.
What It Costs and What You Get
Base pricing for the 2026 RS starts at $44,290 before any incentives or dealer markups. A fully loaded version with all the packages can hit $52,945, which includes features like Super Cruise hands-free driving, cooled seats, and a 360-degree camera. The efficiency ratings look solid: 117 MPGe city, 100 MPGe highway, and 108 MPGe combined.
Whether you’re trading in a Used SUV or buying your first electric vehicle, the Equinox EV RS makes the transition easier than most competitors. GM backs the battery with an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty, and the three-year bumper-to-bumper coverage matches what other automakers offer.
Skip the Drama, Just Drive
Chevrolet didn’t try to reinvent anything with the 2026 Equinox EV RS. They took what worked from last year’s model and refined it. The result is a quiet, comfortable electric crossover that handles real-world driving without making you think about it constantly. If you rack up lots of city miles or have another vehicle for road trips, this electric Equinox deserves serious consideration.
The compact EV segment keeps getting more crowded with options like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, but the Equinox hits a good balance. It combines practical range, comfortable seating, smart storage, and reasonable pricing in a package that delivers on the basics. That’s what most buyers want anyway.
Keywords: Chevrolet Equinox EV, electric SUV, GM Ultium platform, EV range, compact electric crossover, Tesla Supercharger, Google built-in
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