A new Chevy Equinox prototype was spotted testing, hinting that a new plug-in hybrid variant could be coming soon. The Equinox is already a top-selling EV in the US (and Canada), but a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model would be a first for one of GM’s most popular SUVs.
Is GM launching the Chevy Equinox PHEV?
With Chevy leading the way, GM became the “fastest-growing high volume EV manufacturer in the US” after electric vehicle sales rose 50% in the fourth quarter.
Chevy is now America’s fastest-growing EV brand with the new electric Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado hitting the market.
In the first three months of the year, Chevy sold 10,329 electric Equinox, 6,187 Blazer, and 2,383 Silverado models. According to S&P Global Mobility (via Automotive News), Chevy surpassed Ford in March to become the second-best-selling EV brand, with registrations climbing 274% to nearly 8,500.
It looks like Chevy is now preparing to expand the Equinox lineup with a new plug-in hybrid. The new prototype was spotted driving in the US by a GM Authority reader.
Since there are no facelifts or refreshes we are aware of, it could be the first Chevy Equinox PHEV model. The images show an almost identical look to the new 2025 Equinox model.
Despite its initial commitment to EVs, GM has already announced plans to introduce PHEVs in the US. It already sells a Chevy Equinox plug-in hybrid model, but only in China. The Chinese version will not make the trip overseas.
Although nothing is confirmed, if Chevy launches an Equinox PHEV model, it will likely arrive as a 2027 model year vehicle.
Top comment by Connor Paull
You should probably show images of the ICE Equinox instead of the EV one. Even though the names are the same. they are different models, and it's pretty clear from the GM Authority images that the prototype is based on the ICE version. The lights match, and it has more traditional door handles instead of the flush ones the EV uses.
Chevy isn’t the only GM brand selling more electric cars. Cadillac is also starting to gain traction with a full EV lineup.
GM’s luxury brand now offers the midsize Lyriq, the entry-level Optiq, the three-row Vistiq, and the larger Escalade IQ.
During an interview with CNBC last month, Brad Granz, Cadillac’s global marketing director, said its new EVs are attracting buyers from other brands, including Tesla. Granz added that nearly 80% of EV buyers are new to the brand and roughly 25% of those buying a Lyriq are former Tesla drivers, up from 10 to 15% previously.
And it’s not just in the US. GM announced it had surpassed Tesla to become the “#1 EV seller” in Canada, offering a full lineup of 13 electric vehicles.
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