2026 Toyota bZ vs. 2026 Chevy Equinox EV
2026 Toyota bZ vs. 2026 Chevy Equinox EV: Compact Electric SUV Comparison
The compact electric SUV segment is heating up, and two of the most talked-about options for North Hollywood drivers are the redesigned 2026 Toyota bZ and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV. Both deliver strong range, modern technology, and family-friendly space — but they take different paths to get there. The Equinox EV leads on combined efficiency and starting value, while the bZ counters with standard all-wheel-drive availability across its lineup, a native NACS charging port, wireless smartphone integration, and a dedicated off-road-styled Woodland model.
Below is an honest, spec-by-spec look to help you decide which fits your driving life. Have questions as you compare? Our team at 4606 Lankershim Blvd is happy to walk you through both in person.
Lineups at a Glance: How Each EV Is Structured
The 2026 Toyota bZ — the renamed and significantly upgraded successor to the bZ4X — is offered in three core configurations: the XLE, the longer-range XLE Plus, and the premium Limited, each available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Separately, Toyota offers the bZ Woodland and Woodland Premium — a distinct, slightly longer model with standard AWD, roof rails, added ground clearance, and rugged styling for buyers who want light-trail capability and extra cargo room.
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV uses a cleaner three-trim ladder: LT 1, LT 2, and RS, all built on GM's Ultium platform with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. Where the bZ spreads its lineup across two model identities, the Equinox EV keeps things simple and undercuts the bZ on entry price.
Starting Price Comparison
| 2026 Toyota bZ Trim | TSRP | 2026 Chevy Equinox EV Trim | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLE | $34,900 | LT 1 | $34,995 |
| XLE Plus | $37,900 | LT 2 | About $41,900 |
| Limited (FWD) | $43,300 | RS | About $44,200 |
| bZ Woodland | $46,750 | Not available | Not available |
| bZ Woodland Premium | $48,850 | Not available | Not available |
TSRP/MSRP shown excludes destination charge, taxes, title, and dealer-installed options. The dealer sets the final price. Pricing is subject to change.
The corrected picture: the two SUVs start within about $100 of each other. The bZ is not a premium-priced outlier — it is a direct value competitor that adds all-wheel-drive availability and a Woodland model the Equinox EV simply does not offer.
Performance and Range
Power & Drivetrain
| Specification | 2026 Toyota bZ | 2026 Chevy Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Single or dual-motor electric | Single or dual-motor electric |
| Horsepower (FWD) | 168–221 hp | 220 hp |
| Horsepower (AWD) | 338 hp (375 hp – Woodland) | 300 hp |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD (X-MODE on AWD) | FWD or AWD |
| Transmission | Single-speed | Single-speed |
| Maximum Towing | Up to 3,500 lbs (Woodland) | Not specified by manufacturer |
The bZ's top-end power belongs to the Woodland, whose dual-motor setup produces a combined 375 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive and X-MODE for varied surfaces — plus a 3,500-lb towing capacity, unusual for the class. Standard bZ AWD models make 338 hp. The Equinox EV answers with 220 hp in front-drive form and 300 hp with available AWD — competitive, smooth, and well-suited to daily driving, though Chevrolet does not publish a towing figure.
EPA-Estimated Efficiency & Range
| Specification | 2026 Toyota bZ | 2026 Chevy Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| EPA-Estimated Combined (FWD) | Up to 130 MPGe | 108 MPGe |
| EPA-Estimated Combined (AWD) | 117–120 MPGe | 103 MPGe |
| EPA-Estimated Range (FWD, max) | Up to 314 mi (XLE Plus) | 319 mi (LT 1) |
| EPA-Estimated Range (AWD, max) | 288 mi (XLE AWD) | 307 mi |
| bZ Woodland (mfr-estimated) | About 260–281 mi; about 117 MPGe | Not applicable |
EPA-estimated figures shown for comparison; actual range and efficiency vary with driving conditions, climate, and configuration. bZ Woodland figures are manufacturer-estimated and not yet EPA-rated.
Here is where honesty serves shoppers: in raw combined MPGe, the bZ's lower-drag configurations rate higher than the Equinox EV, but the Equinox EV FWD delivers the single longest range of either lineup at 319 miles — five miles more than the bZ XLE Plus. The real differentiator is not a clear efficiency "winner" — it is that the bZ offers more all-wheel-drive choices and the Woodland's towing, while the Equinox EV offers class-leading single-charge range at the entry trim.
Charging
Both SUVs DC fast-charge from 10–80% in roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions. The bZ's standout is its native NACS (Tesla-style) charging port, giving direct access to the Supercharger network without an adapter. The Equinox EV uses a CCS port (adapter required for NACS networks) and supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW.
Interior, Space, and Comfort
The 2026 bZ seats five and pairs a slimmer dashboard with up to 64-color ambient lighting, dual standard Qi wireless chargers, and available SofTex-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats on Limited. A panoramic roof is available on Limited and Woodland Premium (not the base XLE). The Equinox EV also seats five and leads on cargo flexibility with up to 57.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, plus available ventilated seats on LT 2 and RS.
| Specification | 2026 Toyota bZ | 2026 Chevy Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 56.9 cu ft (standard bZ); 74.3 cu ft (Woodland) | 57.2 cu ft |
| Length | 184.6 in | About 190 in |
| Ambient Lighting | Up to 64-color | Multi-color |
Technology and Connectivity
| Specification | 2026 Toyota bZ | 2026 Chevy Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| Center Touchscreen | 14.0 in | 17.7 in |
| Driver Display | About 7.0 in | 11.0 in |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Standard | Not available |
| Wireless Android Auto | Standard | Not available |
| Google Built-In | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Charging | Dual pads (standard) | Standard on LT 2, RS |
| Premium Audio | JBL (Woodland Premium / Limited) | 6-speaker standard |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Standard | Standard (5G) |
| Over-the-Air Updates | Yes | Yes |
This is the bZ's clearest technology advantage. The Equinox EV's larger 17.7-inch screen looks impressive, but it relies entirely on Google Built-In — it does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in any form. The bZ includes standard wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, so iPhone and Android users can mirror their phones without changing how they navigate, message, or stream. For households not already committed to Google's ecosystem, that is a meaningful daily-use difference.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both SUVs come well-equipped with standard active safety. The bZ includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 across every trim — automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, full-speed adaptive cruise, and more — with an available Panoramic View Monitor on Limited. The Equinox EV counters with standard Chevy Safety Assist and, notably, available Super Cruise hands-free highway driving on all trims — a feature the bZ does not offer.
| Specification | 2026 Toyota bZ | 2026 Chevy Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver-Assist Suite | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 | Chevy Safety Assist |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Hands-Free Highway Driving | Not available | Super Cruise (available) |
| Surround-View Camera | Available (Limited) | Available (LT 2, RS) |
A note on crash ratings: for 2026, under the IIHS's tougher updated criteria, neither the bZ nor the Equinox EV had earned a current-year Top Safety Pick award at the time of writing. Both offer comprehensive standard driver-assistance technology; shoppers prioritizing crash-test performance should review the latest IIHS and NHTSA results directly.
Warranty Coverage
| Coverage | 2026 Toyota bZ | 2026 Chevy Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| EV Battery / Components | 8 yr / 100,000 mi | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Roadside / Maintenance | ToyotaCare: 2 yr / 25,000 mi maintenance | 5 yr / 60,000 mi roadside |
Warranty coverage shown is the manufacturer's limited warranty; see dealer for complete terms and conditions.
Corrected and balanced: the two are evenly matched on the core warranties — both 3/36k basic, 5/60k powertrain, and 8/100k on the high-voltage battery. Toyota adds complimentary scheduled maintenance through ToyotaCare; Chevrolet provides longer roadside assistance. Neither holds a decisive warranty edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which electric SUV has more range?
The Chevrolet Equinox EV LT 1 (FWD) offers the single longest EPA-estimated range at 319 miles. The Toyota bZ XLE Plus (FWD) follows closely at an EPA-estimated 314 miles. If you want maximum AWD range, the Equinox EV AWD (307 miles) leads the bZ XLE AWD (288 miles).
Can the Toyota bZ tow?
Yes. The bZ Woodland is rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped, with standard all-wheel drive and X-MODE. Chevrolet does not publish a towing capacity for the Equinox EV.
Does either SUV support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The Toyota bZ includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Chevrolet Equinox EV does not support either; it uses a Google Built-In system only.
Which is better for road trips and charging?
The bZ's native NACS port allows adapter-free access to the Tesla Supercharger network, a convenience advantage on long trips. Both SUVs charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
The Verdict for North Hollywood Drivers
Both the 2026 Toyota bZ and 2026 Chevy Equinox EV are strong, sensibly priced compact electric SUVs — and they now start within about $100 of each other. The Equinox EV makes a compelling case on entry-trim range and a simple lineup. But for North Hollywood drivers who want standard wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, adapter-free NACS charging, all-wheel-drive availability across the range, and the option of a tow-capable Woodland model, the Toyota bZ offers a more flexible package backed by Toyota's reputation for reliability. Come experience it for yourself at North Hollywood Toyota, proudly serving Toluca Lake, Valley Village, Burbank, Studio City, Sun Valley, and Valley Glen.