General Motors has confirmed that plug-in hybrid vehicles will return to its U.S. portfolio starting in 2027, but the company hasn’t disclosed the models that are part of its efforts. The most likely candidate at the starting gate is the Chevrolet Equinox, a volume-seller in the compact SUV segment, with 129,889 units registered in the first half of 2025, registering a 22% YoY jump.
Potential third variant
The Equinox is available in two distinct variants for buyers in America. A gasoline-powered SUV and the all-electric Equinox EV, the latter with which we spent time recently in the LT variant, finished in Riptide Blue Metallic.
Given that EV demand is facing headwinds in the U.S., including the withdrawal of the USD 7,500 federal tax credit on September 30, 2025, slotting in a plug-in hybrid for the Equinox and Blazer would be a fitting countermeasure, catering to U.S. customers who want lower emissions and some electric-only driving capability without eschewing gasoline convenience.
Scott Bell, VP of Global Chevrolet, had hinted at this during a conversation with The Drive. While he avoided naming a specific model, Bell said Chevy has “a lot of opportunities for plug-ins,” leaving the door wide open for an Equinox PHEV.
U.S. production
GM confirmed earlier this year that the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas, will build the gasoline Equinox starting in mid-2027. Adding a plug-in hybrid on the same production line would be a logical step, helping Chevrolet to reduce tooling costs while achieving powertrain flexibility of its best-seller.
Not the first Equinox PHEV
Chevrolet already offers the Equinox PHEV (Equinox Plus) in China, though it’s not the same vehicle as the U.S. model. The Chinese SUV pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 177 hp with a 188 hp electric motor, resulting in a combined system output of about 365 hp (272 kW). It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in under 7 seconds.
The range-topping Activ trim carries a 24.4 kWh battery, good for up to 96 miles of all-electric driving on the CLTC cycle. Lower variants are fitted with a 16.5 kWh battery, offering up to 63 miles. These specifications make it a capable PHEV, but they’re not reflective of the U.S.-spec model which we reckon needs around 50 miles (EPA-est.) to compete with the sixth-gen RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.
PHEVs in select U.S. segments
Mary Barra, GM’s Chair and CEO, has made it clear that not every Chevrolet in the U.S. will welcome a plug-in option. During the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Barra said that select segments would get PHEVs to meet both consumer demand and emission regulations.
We are continuing to develop plug-in hybrids in a few strategic segments, which will give us flexibility to adjust to changing customer demands and regulations. So while I have nothing to share today, please stay tuned for news on PHEVs.
Mary Barra, GM’s Chair and CEO, responding to a question on hybrids, during the company’s annual shareholder meeting on June 3, 2025
Featured image: GM/Chevrolet Pressroom
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
