New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise MPG, Interior, Release Date
New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise MPG, Interior, Release Date – The transition to an automotive future dominated by electric cars (EVs) remains contentious. There’s a vociferous faction that is fiercely opposed to driving about in smooth, electric quiet – despite having never driven an EV in the first place – and a group of joyful early adopters who were fast to hop on the emissions-free bandwagon. Then there’s a segment in the center that is becoming increasingly interested in electrification. New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise MPG
The new 2026 Equinox Cruise is the latest in a long line of cars built on the Ultium platform, which has underpinned anything from a pickup truck to the Honda Prologue. Chevrolet has taken a prudent approach with the Equinox Cruise, preparing it to be competitive rather than just as an EV, but as a compact crossover in general.
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New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
Yes, the addition of the Equinox Cruise — alongside the similarly-sized Blazer EV — gives Chevy an emissions-free advantage in the segment; but with public sentiment about electrification shifting toward general skepticism as of late, the lack of a gas-electric Equinox to take on hybrid versions of the RAV4 and CR-V, among others, now looks like a slightly more glaring shortcoming.
Instead, the same turbocharged four-cylinder from before carries over, for better or worse. The 1.5L spins up 175 hp, while the torque count is different depending on which of the two new transmissions it’s paired with. Opting for all-wheel drive brings with it an eight-speed automatic and 203 lb-ft of torque, while the entry-level LT trim in front-wheel drive uses an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT) to send 184 lb-ft of torque to the surface below.
While the power output in particular is slightly short of what most competitors are capable of, overall performance is perfectly adequate in everyday occurrences — think passing and merging on the highway, or zipping around town. However, the engine’s small displacement can leave it sounding a bit strained with a heavy foot applied to the throttle pedal. New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise MPG
New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise Specs
Beyond the new transmission choices, the 2025 Equinox has been fitted with the latest features and technology including a Google-based infotainment interface run through an 11.3-inch touchscreen. More importantly, unlike the all-electric Equinox Cruise and Blazer EV models that use the same system sans Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both smartphone mirroring systems are included here — and they’re wireless. New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise MPG
Even so, the Google Maps integration within the infotainment system itself is excellent, with a full map view available on the 11-inch digital instrument display. There’s also a Wi-Fi hotspot and satellite radio, both of which require paid subscriptions, plus an entire advanced safety suite.
Engine and Performance
All Equinox Cruise variants share the same 85-kWh battery pack. The front-wheel-drive variant comes equipped with a motor that produces 213 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Furthermore, the immediate nature of EV torque makes it more responsive than a comparable gasoline-powered car.
Checking the all-wheel drive box on the purchase form adds a basic rear induction motor, increasing output to 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. It also adds some bulk to the equation. Nonetheless, the all-wheel-drive Equinox Cruise is touted to do the dash in 100 km/h about two seconds quicker. New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise MPG
Puttering around town, the difference in useful power is scarcely evident, and it isn’t until you pound the accelerator while merging onto the interstate that the all-wheel drive system’s increased oomph becomes apparent. What sticks out the most is the EV’s significant bulk, regardless of how many wheels are powered, giving the impression that it is larger than it is. Nonetheless, while the steering has sufficient heaviness and provides enough input, the Equinox Cruise is not a sporty car, which belies its looks. (The VW ID.4’s suspension makes it a better-suited driver’s EV.)
New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise economy
Aside from its aggressive price, Chevrolet’s other main selling point is its range. At 513 km, the front-wheel-drive variant only slightly outperforms the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, but for many, exceeding 500 km is the tipping point for EV consideration. With 459 km, the all-wheel-drive variants outperform several competitors in the segment. New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise MPG
New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise Safety Features
The final feather in the Equinox Cruise’s cap is its design. The Equinox Cruise isn’t designed to resemble a sci-fi spaceship, but rather to compete with other EVs and small crossovers in general. Instead, it’s designed as a modern crossover with an alternative mode of propulsion.
The Equinox Cruise has a strong similarity to its larger (and very attractive) Blazer EV brother, with wheels pushed to the corners and a squat, aggressive appearance. Even the most basic trims ride on appealing 19-inch wheels, and Chevrolet has given consumers the option of a more aggressive RS trim or a somewhat more modest LT trim, both with the identical drivetrain under the skin. New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise MPG
New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise Price and Release Date
In introducing a new Equinox, Chevrolet scrapped the entry-level LS version in favour of a trio of trims. While it leads to a simplified lineup, the move also makes it a more expensive crossover, with a starting price of $34,599 — including a non-negotiable freight charge of $2,000 — for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox LT. That compares to $30,945 for the outgoing version’s cheapest trim. But then the New 2026 Equinox finished in the same LT trim has a pre-tax price of $34,445. New 2026 Chevy Equinox Cruise MPG
Adding all-wheel drive to the entry-level Equinox is a $2,300 upgrade, pushing the price tag to $36,899 before options and taxes, while both the Activ and RS trims are offered only with four-wheel traction and have the same $41,699 point of entry. Options for those two trims are limited to a package that adds ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, among a few other features ($1,095), a panoramic sunroof ($1,695), plus some premium paint choices and accessories.
