Both the Equinox EV and the Optiq have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.
Compare the2026 Chevrolet Equinox EVVS 2026 Cadillac Optiq


Safety
Warranty
There are over 5 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Cadillac dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Equinox EV’s warranty.
Reliability
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Cadillac vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 22 more problems per 100 vehicles, Cadillac is rated below average.
From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Cadillac vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet 5 places higher in reliability than Cadillac.
Fuel Economy and Range
On the EPA test cycle the Equinox EV gets better mileage than the Optiq:
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MPGe |
| Equinox EV |
|||
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FWD |
Electric Motor |
117 city/100 hwy |
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AWD |
Electric Motors |
112 city/95 hwy |
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RS Electric Motors |
103 city/88 hwy |
| Optiq |
|||
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RWD |
Electric Motor |
117 city/93 hwy |
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AWD |
Electric Motors |
110 city/88 hwy |
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V 11 kW Charger Electric Motors |
103 city/81 hwy |
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V 19 kW Charger Electric Motors |
92 city/74 hwy |
The Equinox EV can travel longer on a full charge than the Optiq on a full charge:
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Miles |
| Equinox EV |
|||
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FWD |
Electric Motor |
319 miles |
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AWD |
Electric Motors |
307 miles |
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RS Electric Motors |
288 miles |
| Optiq |
|||
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RWD |
Electric Motor |
317 miles |
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AWD |
Electric Motors |
303 miles |
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V 11 kW Charger Electric Motors |
278 miles |
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V 19 kW Charger Electric Motors |
250 miles |
Brakes and Stopping
The Equinox EV stops much shorter than the Optiq:
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Equinox EV |
Optiq |
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| 60 to 0 MPH |
111 feet |
124 feet |
Motor Trend |
Tires and Wheels
The Equinox EV has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Optiq doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.
Suspension and Handling
The Equinox EV LT handles at .87 G’s, while the Optiq Sport AWD pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.
For better maneuverability, the Equinox EV’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the Optiq’s (38.1 feet vs. 39.8 feet).
For greater off-road capability the Equinox EV has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Optiq (6.4 vs. 6 inches), allowing the Equinox EV to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.
Chassis
The Chevrolet Equinox EV may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 pounds less than the Cadillac Optiq.
Passenger Space
The Equinox EV has .1 inches more front legroom, 1 inch more front hip room, 1.6 inches more front shoulder room and .2 inches more rear legroom than the Optiq.
Cargo Capacity
The Equinox EV has a larger cargo volume than the Optiq with its rear seat up (26.4 vs. 26 cubic feet).
Towing
While the Optiq V-Series is not recommended to tow, any Equinox EV can tow a minimum of 1500 pounds.
Ergonomics
To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Equinox EV has a standard rear wiper. The Optiq doesn’t offer a rear wiper.
Recommendations
The Chevrolet Equinox outsold the Cadillac Optiq by over 406 to one during 2024.
