Chevrolet Equinox and Silverado EVs Win Cars.com Top Honors for 2026
The momentum behind Chevrolet’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) lineup received a major boost this week after the popular automotive marketplace Cars.com recognized two of the brand’s most important models with top awards. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV was named Top Pick: Value EV for 2026, while the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV earned the distinction of Top Pick: EV Pickup Truck. These honors underscore Chevrolet’s growing reputation for blending affordability, capability, and innovation in its electric offerings at a time when the U.S. EV market is in transition.
Recognizing Affordability Amid Incentive Changes
According to Aaron Bragman, Detroit Bureau Chief at Cars.com, the recognition comes during a period of uncertainty in the EV market. The federal EV tax credit, which has significantly reduced costs for buyers, is set to expire at the end of September. Bragman acknowledged this change could temporarily dampen demand but emphasized that value-oriented EVs are not going away.
“The federal EV tax credit helped make EVs more affordable, and while its expiration at the end of September may slow demand in the short term, it doesn’t mean the end of affordable EVs,” Bragman said. “Shoppers are moving quickly to lock in savings … there are strong options for every type of buyer.”
He also pointed out that many state and local incentives will remain in place, ensuring buyers continue to see cost savings even after the federal program sunsets.
Why the Equinox EV Stands Out
Cars.com based its selections on range, affordability, family-friendliness, and technological innovation—key criteria for consumers who are weighing whether to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to EVs.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV, which begins at just under $35,000 before incentives, stood out for its combination of affordability and practicality. Cars.com praised the compact SUV for offering impressive range and a sleek design while staying within reach of middle-market buyers.
“If you’re interested in a good EV that won’t break the bank, you should look at the Chevrolet Equinox EV,” the site’s editors wrote. They highlighted the model as an appealing entry point for shoppers who want to experience EV ownership without committing to the higher price tags that have dominated the segment.
Silverado EV: Power, Range, and Capability
While the Equinox EV received accolades for value, the Chevrolet Silverado EV was recognized for its capability, range, and versatility. Cars.com emphasized that the truck is not just an electrified version of a pickup but a fully reimagined EV designed to deliver the performance truck buyers expect.
With a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 493 miles from its largest battery option—a massive 205 kWh Max Range pack—the Silverado EV has one of the longest ranges of any electric truck currently available. Thanks to 350-kW DC fast-charging capability, drivers can also restore range relatively quickly during road trips or worksite breaks.
“Range anxiety is not something that should be much of a concern for Chevrolet Silverado EV drivers,” Cars.com noted.
The Silverado EV also delivers on traditional truck duties with a towing capacity of 12,500 pounds and a payload rating of 2,350 pounds. Cars.com described it as a model that combines cutting-edge technology with the ruggedness required for job sites, heavy hauling, or long-distance travel.
Chevrolet’s EV Strategy and Market Position
Chevrolet executives were quick to highlight the significance of the awards.
“These awards mean a lot, not just because they highlight range, capability, and value, but because they show that we’re delivering on our mission: building EVs that customers can count on,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet.
Bell emphasized that the Equinox EV makes electric mobility more accessible than ever, while the Silverado EV proves that electrification does not require sacrificing performance.
These recognitions arrive as General Motors (GM) posts record EV sales. In August 2025 alone, GM sold more than 21,000 EVs, its highest monthly total to date. Models like the Equinox EV, Silverado EV, Cadillac LYRIQ, and GMC Sierra EV are driving the company’s strong market position. GM currently holds the #2 spot in U.S. EV sales, behind Tesla.
Although GM anticipates some cooling in demand during the fourth quarter due to the end of the federal tax incentive, the company remains optimistic about maintaining growth in market share and consumer adoption.
Shifting EV Market Dynamics
Cars.com also provided broader insights into the evolving EV market. New EV inventory grew 1.4% year-over-year in August, and the average price of new EVs rose 4.1% as more premium entries joined the segment.
Meanwhile, the used EV market surged, with inventory climbing 38% to 97 different models available. Despite this growth, used EVs are moving more quickly, now averaging 46 days on dealer lots compared to 66 days a year ago.
Tesla continues to dominate used EV listings, representing about one-third of the total. However, the brand’s average used prices fell 16.2% year-over-year, dragging the overall used EV average down by 3.8%.
