Chevrolet Boosts 2026 Equinox EV Power to Outpace Compact Rivals
GM increases horsepower and torque for its mass-market electric SUV.
General Motors is refining its bid for the mass-market electric SUV segment by increasing the performance specifications of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV. The updated model year sees a boost in output across both drivetrain configurations, positioning the vehicle as a more potent alternative to established competitors like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6.
According to Chevrolet, the front-wheel-drive variant now produces 220 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, up from the previous 213 horsepower. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive version receives a more significant jump, climbing to 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque. This move signals a shift in GM’s strategy to ensure its entry-level electric offerings do not lag behind the rapid acceleration standards set by the industry.
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV continues to utilize the Ultium platform, a modular battery architecture designed to scale across various vehicle sizes. This hardware allows the Equinox to maintain a range advantage over several key rivals. While specific EPA-certified mileage for the 2026 model has not been finalized, the previous iteration already surpassed the base range of several Korean competitors. The U.S. Department of Energy has highlighted the importance of such range-competitive, domestically produced vehicles in meeting national electrification goals.
Inside the cabin, the 17.7-inch infotainment screen remains the centerpiece of the LT and RS trims. Chevrolet has opted to maintain its commitment to Google built-in software, prioritizing integrated navigation and voice commands over smartphone mirroring systems.
Safety remains a standard inclusion rather than an optional upgrade. Every 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV will feature the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
