2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS AWD w/Hands-free Steering: The Brand’s Stylish Compact Crossover

Highlight: Although the styling is different, the Equinox is available as a gasoline and an all-electric vehicle.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $53,350 (Base LS MSRP): $36,795

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; automatic emergency braking; a forward collision alert system; front pedestrian/cyclist braking; an electronic blind spot system; a radar activated cruise control system; and a tire pressure sensor

Standard Equipment RS (on test vehicle): 21-inch wheels; leather-like seats; a power driver’ seat; heated front row seats; a heated steering wheel; a one pedal driving system; dual level charging cord; 17-inch driver and infotainment screen combined; a remote start system; a wireless phone charging system; flushed door handles; and a navigation system with Google built-in

Options: a hands-free steering system; enhanced automatic parking system; dual motor AWD; ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; memory preset for driver seat and mirror; heads up display (HUD); a dual zone automatic climate control system; and LED headlamps with animation

Other Trim Levels:

LT1

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 50,000 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Motor/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): dual motor/300-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 112-city/95hwy (test model)

Overall Driving Range: 300 miles (test model)

Towing: 1,500 lbs

Chevy EV with the hands-free steering (Photo Source: JeffCars.com)

What’s New:  After being introduced in 2025, the Chevy Equinox is literally a carryover model for 2026.

Why:

Available in a variety of trims

A two-tone roof treatment available

An approximate 300 miles of range

Single or dual motor

300-HP available with AWD

21-inch wheels

Stylish design

A one pedal driving system

Hands-free steering highway driving system

A radar activated cruise control system

A high-level of safety driving aids

On-star concierge safety system

Power tailgate

Heated/Ventilated front seats

Heated rear seats

Heads up display (HUD) system

A remote starter system

A Navigation system w/Google built-in with voice assistance

Dual charging (with a quick charger function)

Adaptable to Tesla’s charging outlets

Dual pane power sunroof available

Wireless phone charging

But:

The swipe-like infotainment screen is busy and somewhat distracting when attempting to use while driving

Verdict:  The stylish, high-tech compact Chevrolet Equinox EV, which was introduced in 2025, is available in a variety of trims. Depending on the trim and the battery size, the Chevrolet Equinox EV is available in a front wheel drive or an AWD configuration with a host of driving ranges and horsepower.

Fortunately for us, the performance-oriented RS we tested, with its standard AWD configuration, offered a peppy 330-horsepower. Added to that, range anxiety is virtually eliminated with this package. In fact, the crossover offers a 300-mile driving range on a full charge. With the RS trim, range anxiety is virtually eliminated.

Moreso, the Equinox EV showcases GM's latest advancements, too. They range from a hands-free highway driving system, a heads-up display system (HUD), wireless charging and an enhanced automatic parking system. Much of the technology that has been available on the premium price Hummer EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ has now made its way to the mass market. 

Furthermore, unlike the first generation of electric vehicles, the Equinox EV reminds us, consumer no longer have to sacrifice, style, comfort, range, power, the latest tech or utility. 

Competition: Ford Mach-E; Hyundai Ioniq5 and Kia EV6