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Ask any longtime resident what there is to do around here and hiking comes up fast. El Monte sits right up against the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, so trails that could headline a vacation brochure are just minutes from downtown. Whether you're chasing a waterfall or pushing a stroller along a paved path, this guide breaks down our favorite routes by skill level. Thinking about upgrading your ride before your next outing? Browse our current inventory of new Lexus SUVs built for exactly this kind of adventure. Why El Monte Is a Local Gateway to Southern California Hiking El Monte sits about 12 miles east of Downtown LA, close enough for a quick commute but far enough to feel like you've actually left the city behind. That location puts us at the doorstep of the San Gabriel Valley and Angeles National Forest, so hikers here can pick anything from a flat riverside stroll to one of the toughest climbs in the state. Our stretch of the San Gabriel River and its connected parks gets called the Emerald Necklace locally, a chain of green spaces and waterways linking El Monte to neighboring communities. Good hiking trails running right alongside dense suburban neighborhoods is rare, and it's part of what makes this corner of California such a rewarding place to live. Easy Trails for Beginners and Families If you're easing into hiking or bringing young kids along, El Monte and its surrounding parks have plenty of gentle options. These trails favor flat terrain, shade, and amenities like restrooms and play areas, so nobody's stuck cutting a hike short. El Monte Park Trail Our local city parks, including one 4.3-acre space with a walking path, play structures, and a splash pad, offer an easy entry point into outdoor time. Fletcher Park adds a basketball court, playground, and the Fletcher "Fetch" Dog Park, with a section of the Rio Hondo bike path running right alongside it. It's the kind of neighborhood trail you can hit on a weeknight without any planning. Check the city parks directory for hours and amenities. Whittier Narrows Nature Center Trails This 400-acre riparian sanctuary borders the San Gabriel River and includes four lakes, making it a genuine river-park experience minutes from home. The flat nature-center path connects to the San Gabriel River Trail, and the broader loop runs 4.2 miles with just 45 feet of elevation gain, about an hour to 90 minutes at an easy pace. A shorter 2-mile Sycamore Canyon loop works well for families, and the paths are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Peck Road Water Conservation Park Trail Part of the Emerald Necklace system, this 80-acre lake sits in a former quarry and now supports fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. The main loop is an easy half-mile with only 16 feet of elevation gain, perfect for a lunchtime walk. Riverfront and Waterway Trails Worth Exploring Once you're comfortable on flat ground, the riverfront paths around El Monte open up longer, more scenic options without adding much difficulty. Rio Hondo Trail This paved multi-use path starts near the dam at Peck Road Water Conservation Park, accessible by following Peck Road to Rio Hondo Parkway on the east side, just south of the main lot. From there it heads toward Whittier Narrows, and the popular segment covers 7 miles point-to-point, an easy walk or ride at roughly two hours. Dogs are welcome and off-leash in some sections, and the path eventually extends toward Pico Rivera for those wanting to go farther. Check current LA County alerts before you go, since the Montebello and Pico Rivera connector has had closures. Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area Loop Just up the road in Irwindale, this 70-acre reservoir sits within an 836-acre recreation area. The signature loop covers 3.8 miles with 78 feet of gain, about 90 minutes on a mixed paved and dirt surface. It's open Wednesday through Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from March through October and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November through February, and a parking fee applies. Between the fishing, biking, and picnic areas, it's one of the more versatile weekend spots near El Monte. Adventurous Day Hikes for Experienced Explorers For hikers ready to test themselves, the Angeles National Forest delivers some of the best hikes near El Monte and across Southern California. These routes demand real fitness and preparation, but the payoff is worth it. Mount Wilson Trail Starting from Sierra Madre, the Mount Wilson Trail runs 6 miles one-way to the Mount Wilson Toll Road junction, just below the summit, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The full out-and-back via Little Santa Anita Canyon covers 14 miles with 4,842 feet of elevation gain, typically 9.5 to 10.5 hours, and includes a narrow, rocky section around mile 4.3 that isn't forgiving for beginners. Many locals consider it the hardest hike within easy reach of the valley. The summit rewards you with a pavilion, picnic tables, restrooms, and the Cosmic Cafe. Free street parking and a water fountain are available at the trailhead. Eaton Canyon Falls Trail Near Pasadena and Altadena, this family-friendly-leaning but still adventurous route runs about 3.5 miles out-and-back with 375 feet of elevation change. Several stream crossings lead to a 40-foot waterfall, and it's free with no pass required. A nature center sits right at the trailhead. Sturtevant Falls via Chantry Flat This moderate 3.3-mile round trip climbs about 680 feet over 1.5 to 2 hours and ends at a 50-foot cascade tumbling into a shaded grotto. It's one of the best hikes in Angeles National Forest, but it's also very busy, so plan to arrive early or go on a weekday. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park, running $5 for a day or $30 annually. If any of these adventurous routes have you eyeing a vehicle with more cargo room and AWD confidence for the drive up, take a look at our current SUV lineup before you head out. What to Know Before You Hit the Trail A little planning goes a long way when you're tackling anything beyond a flat park loop. Best Seasons for Hiking Near El Monte The Angeles National Forest stays open year-round, but late spring through early fall gives you the most reliable conditions. Summer heat and wildfire risk can shut down trails without much notice, and winter brings snow and road closures at higher elevations. If Mount Wilson is on your list, September through May is the recommended window for cooler, more stable weather. Trail Safety, Etiquette, and Permits Black bears live in these mountains year-round, so proper food storage matters even on day hikes. Mountain lions are rare but present, and rattlesnakes become active from spring through fall, so watch your footing on rocky sections. The U.S. Forest Service recommends carrying a basic first aid kit for anything beyond a short park walk, including antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers for pulling out splinters or ticks, insect repellent, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for any vehicle parked within the forest, and conditions can shift quickly due to fire or flood, so check official alert pages before you head out. Sticking to marked paths, yielding to other hikers, and packing out your trash keeps these trails enjoyable for everyone. Getting There in Comfort: Exploring El Monte's Trails with Longo Lexus Vehicles Built for the Trailhead Longo Lexus sits at 3530 North Peck Road in El Monte, just minutes from both the Rio Hondo trailhead and Peck Road Water Conservation Park. We've spent decades helping local families find vehicles that fit the way they actually live, and around here, that often means loading up for a trailhead run on a Saturday morning. We're the largest Lexus dealer in California, and we see that firsthand every weekend. The 2026 Lexus RX comes in gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants, with AWD standard on the hybrid and PHEV trims and up to 36 mpg combined on the hybrid, useful for winding mountain roads up to Chantry Flat or Sierra Madre. If your group is bigger, the Lexus TX seats up to seven across three rows, with 41.4 inches of front headroom, 41.6 inches of legroom, and just over 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, plenty of room for boots, coolers, and whatever else you're hauling to the trailhead. Visit Us Near the Trailheads Ready to see which model fits your next hike? Explore our new Lexus inventory or get in touch with our team to schedule a test drive before your next weekend adventure. Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Near El Monte What's the easiest trail near El Monte for young kids? The Whittier Narrows Nature Center trails and Peck Road Water Conservation Park loop are both flat, short, and stroller-friendly, making them the top picks for families with younger children. Do I need a permit to hike near El Monte? Most riverside and city park trails require no permit. Trails inside Angeles National Forest, including Sturtevant Falls, require a National Forest Adventure Pass for parking. Are dogs allowed on these trails? Dogs are welcome on the Rio Hondo Trail, with off-leash areas in certain sections, and at Fletcher Park's dedicated dog park. Always check individual park rules before bringing pets along. Which trail near El Monte is best for a real challenge? The Mount Wilson Trail's full out-and-back route is widely regarded as one of the hardest hikes in California, with nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain over 14 miles. When is the best time of year to hike near El Monte? Late spring through early fall generally offers the most stable conditions, though always check current alerts for heat, fire, or trail closures before heading out. Photo by Yasmine Duchesne on Unsplash

Ask anyone who's lived in Southern California long enough, and they'll tell you a story about spotting someone famous grabbing coffee or walking their dog like a regular person. That's just life in Los Angeles. The city runs on star power, and it shows up in unexpected corners of daily life, not just on red carpets. Below are six public places in Los Angeles where stars congregate, along with what you can realistically expect if you visit. Why Los Angeles Is a Hotspot for Celebrity Sightings Los Angeles built its identity around the entertainment industry, and that shapes the city down to its neighborhoods and daily routines. Film sets, television studios, and record labels are scattered across town, so the people who work in front of and behind the camera end up woven into ordinary life. Add in mild weather that makes outdoor dining and hiking appealing year-round, plus a steady calendar of premieres, award shows, and industry parties, and sightings start to feel almost routine rather than rare. Celebrities in LA don't just appear at exclusive events. They shop at the same grocery stores, walk the same trails, and eat at many of the same restaurants as everyone else, and that overlap is exactly what makes certain spots around the city so consistently reliable for a sighting. The Grove and Farmers Market: Star-Studded Shopping and Dining Sitting at Third and Fairfax, The Grove and the Original Farmers Market are technically two separate complexes, but walking between them feels seamless, almost like one connected village. The Grove, developed by Caruso, brings a modern open-air shopping experience with a dancing fountain and vintage trolley, while the Original Farmers Market next door has been slinging fresh produce and prepared food since it opened in July 1934 with more than 100 vendors. That mix of old and new LA is part of the charm. This pairing has quietly become one of the best places to catch a celebrity in town. Justin Bieber has been spotted browsing at American Girl, and Niall Horan has turned up at Crate and Barrel. Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich have been seen shopping at J.Crew, while Selma Blair has stopped by the Nike store. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have made appearances at Whole Foods, and Angelina Jolie has been known to stop into Gelson's for groceries. Dylan's Candy Bar and Nordstrom round out the draws for both shoppers and stargazers. If you're coming from the San Gabriel Valley, expect roughly a 30 to 40 minute drive depending on traffic. Nobu Malibu: Oceanfront Dining Favored by A-Listers Perched right on the coast at 22706 Pacific Coast Highway, Nobu Malibu pairs Japanese-Peruvian cuisine with ocean views that make it one of the most photographed dining rooms in the city. The setting alone explains part of its appeal, but the food and the level of privacy the restaurant affords its guests keep A-listers coming back. Victoria and David Beckham, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez have all dined there. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jason Statham have also been linked to the restaurant, along with members of the Kardashian-Jenner family. If you're planning a visit, reservations book up fast, especially on weekends, so calling ahead is worth the effort. Malibu sits about an hour from El Monte depending on traffic on the 10 and Pacific Coast Highway, making it a solid full-day outing rather than a quick stop. Runyon Canyon Park: Where Celebrities Hike and Unwind Runyon Canyon Park covers 160 acres in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains, with its main southern entrance at the north end of Fuller Avenue in Hollywood. The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks manages the trails, and roughly 90 of the park's 160 acres allow off-leash dogs, which makes it a favorite for locals with pets. Its location, tucked right against the Hollywood Hills, means plenty of celebrity residents treat it as their backyard hiking spot. Natalie Portman and Channing Tatum have been spotted on the trails, along with Kathy Griffin and Alexander Skarsgård. Elle Macpherson, Charlize Theron, and Matthew McConaughey have also made appearances. Hiking Runyon Canyon is practically expected of anyone chasing both a good workout and a shot at a celebrity spotting. Morning visits tend to improve your odds since that's when many locals fit in exercise before their day starts. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park: Scenic Star Sightings Set on the south slope of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory offers free admission and sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign. The surrounding park includes miles of trails and picnic areas, plus the walk-up Trails Café for a casual bite after exploring. The observatory gained even more attention after appearing in the 2016 film La La Land, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, and Mila Kunis attended a Burberry event called "London in Los Angeles" held there in April 2015. Beyond film history, the trail system around the observatory is a quietly reliable place to run into someone famous, since it offers a peaceful escape without the density of a place like Runyon Canyon. Bring a jacket even in summer, since it can get breezy up there in the evenings, and parking fills up quickly on weekends. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills: Luxury Shopping with Celebrity Crowds Rodeo Drive has been synonymous with luxury since the 1960s, when Gucci first opened its doors, and the later arrival of high-end retailers like Chanel and Cartier further cemented its reputation as the shopping destination in Beverly Hills. The three-block stretch remains one of the most recognizable strips in the city for a sighting, and it's easy to see why once you're standing among the storefronts. House of Bijan, often described as one of the most exclusive stores in the world, has counted Michael Jordan and Tom Cruise among its visitors. Chanel has been associated with sightings of Gwyneth Paltrow, Margot Robbie, and Keira Knightley, while John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have been seen simply strolling the street. Just nearby, Erewhon has become its own celebrity hotspot, drawing Miley Cyrus, Kaia Gerber, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Bella Hadid. This is a district built around high-end retail, so expect a polished, formal shopping atmosphere rather than a casual browse. Soho House West Hollywood and the Sunset Strip: LA Nightlife Hangouts Soho House West Hollywood occupies a 20,000-square-foot space on Sunset Boulevard, complete with Hollywood Hills views, dining rooms, and private screening rooms for members. Robert Pattinson and Daniel Kaluuya have been named among its members, but it's worth being upfront here: Soho House is a private, members-only club, so the building itself isn't open to the public. What you can access is everything around it. The Sunset Strip surrounding Soho House West Hollywood is packed with venues open to anyone, including Whisky a Go Go, Rainbow Bar & Grill, and the Viper Room, each with deep roots in LA's music history. Bootsy Bellows sits just across the street at 9229 West Sunset Boulevard. Even without club access, walking the Strip on a weekend night puts you in the middle of a stretch of LA that's been drawing famous faces for decades. Tips for Celebrity Spotting Around Los Angeles Knowing where to look is only half the equation. Timing and etiquette matter just as much if you want a genuinely good experience rather than an awkward one. Best Times to Visit These Hotspots Early mornings are your best bet at Runyon Canyon Park, since many locals fit in a hike before work starts. If you're hoping to catch someone near a studio-adjacent neighborhood, weekday mid-to-late afternoons tend to work better, since that's often when taping wraps for the day. Weekends bring bigger crowds to shopping destinations like The Grove and Rodeo Drive, which means more foot traffic but also more competition for a clear view. Respecting Celebrity Privacy and Space A little courtesy goes a long way. Give people space rather than approaching directly, and skip photos unless someone clearly consents. Don't block a hiking trail just to get a better angle, either. Staying off private property is non-negotiable, even if a residence backs right up to a public trail. Most celebrities are simply going about their day, and the best interactions happen when fans stay relaxed and respectful rather than pushy. If you're mapping out a day, pairing nearby spots makes sense logistically. The Grove and Rodeo Drive, for example, sit close enough together that you can reasonably hit both in an afternoon. Comfortable shoes matter more than you'd think, especially if Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park is on your list, and sun protection is worth packing no matter the season. Keep some cash on hand too, since valet and parking fees add up fast in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Explore Los Angeles in Style with Longo Toyota A day spent chasing sightings across Los Angeles covers a lot of ground: the Malibu coastline, the hills above Hollywood, the shops of Beverly Hills. Having a comfortable, dependable vehicle makes all the difference. Longo Toyota makes it easy to browse new Toyota models suited for exactly this kind of Southern California day trip, whether you need cargo space for a hike or a smooth ride for cruising Sunset Boulevard. If you have questions about financing, leasing, or finding the right fit, reach out to our team, and we'll help get you on the road. Photo by Sebastian Coman Travel on Unsplash

Compact electric SUVs have gotten a lot more interesting lately, and two of the more compelling options for Southern California drivers are the 2026 Toyota bZ and the Chevrolet Equinox EV. Both promise solid range, modern tech, and a reasonable price of entry into EV ownership. We've put together a side-by-side comparison that looks past the spec sheet and into what actually matters for daily driving around El Monte and the greater LA area. You can also browse our new Toyota bZ inventory while you read to see what's available right now. 2026 Toyota bZ vs. Chevrolet Equinox EV: Two Compact Electric SUVs, One Clear Winner The 2026 Toyota bZ vs Chevrolet Equinox EV matchup comes down to a handful of real differences: how easily each one charges, how it actually performs day to day, what's built into the interior, and what ownership costs look like a few years down the road. The Equinox EV wins on headline front-wheel-drive range, and we'll say that plainly. On price, though, the two are much closer than the advertised numbers suggest, and the bZ actually comes in lower once destination charges are counted on both sides. Add charging infrastructure, standard features, and Toyota's reliability reputation, and the bZ pulls ahead in the categories that matter most once you own the vehicle rather than just when you're shopping for it. We'll walk through each vehicle's strengths individually before getting into the head-to-head comparison that decides this one. 2026 Toyota bZ: Distinctive Features and Strengths Toyota rebuilt the bZ from the ground up for 2026, fixing some of the shortcomings that held back the outgoing bZ4X. The lineup now spans three trims: XLE, XLE Plus, and Limited, with pricing from $36,350 for the XLE FWD up to $46,750 for a fully loaded Limited AWD. Toyota's own figures put the redesigned bZ at roughly 25% more range and 50% more power than the outgoing model, and the trim-by-trim numbers back that up. Range, Efficiency, and Real-World Performance The XLE FWD Plus leads the lineup at an EPA-estimated 314 miles, while the Limited FWD is rated at 299 miles, the XLE AWD reaches 288 miles, the Limited AWD comes in at 278 miles, and the base XLE FWD is rated at 236 miles. Efficiency on the XLE FWD Plus checks in at 130 MPGe combined, or 144 city and 117 highway, the strongest rating in the lineup. Power ranges from 168 horsepower on the base XLE and 221 horsepower with a roughly 8.0-second 0-60 mph time on the XLE Plus, up to 338 horsepower and a 4.9-second sprint on any AWD model. Real-world testing has been kind to the bZ. In one independent range test, an XLE FWD Plus covered 331 miles on a single charge, roughly 17 miles past its 314-mile EPA rating, while consuming about 23.3 kWh per 100 miles against an EPA estimate of 26. A standard heat pump and battery preconditioning on every trim are a big part of why the bZ holds its numbers together in everyday conditions. For anyone tired of watching an EV's range estimate collapse the moment the climate control kicks on, that's a welcome surprise. Charging Speed and NACS Supercharger Access The bZ ships with a native NACS port on every trim, meaning it plugs directly into Tesla Supercharger stations without an adapter. Toyota rates DC fast-charging at up to 150 kW, taking the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions, and one independent test at a Tesla V3 Supercharger completed that same charge in 26 minutes. Pair that with a standard 11-kW onboard Level 2 charger that fills the pack in roughly seven hours at home, and the bZ covers both daily commuting and longer road trips without much friction. For El Monte drivers heading out toward the desert or up the coast, being able to pull into a Supercharger without fumbling for an adapter is worth more than the spec sheet lets on. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV: Trim Lineup and Highlights Chevrolet keeps the Equinox EV lineup simple with three trims: LT1, LT2, and RS. Pricing runs from $34,995 for the LT1 up to $44,095 for the RS before an $1,800 destination charge, which works out to $36,795 through $45,895 as delivered. GM built the Equinox EV on the battery architecture it originally branded Ultium, and the lineup delivers strong range figures right out of the gate, which has made it a popular choice among value-focused EV shoppers. LT1, LT2, and RS Trim Overviews The LT1 is the value play, with FWD and a 220-horsepower motor producing 243 lb-ft of torque and an EPA-estimated 319 miles of range, a figure shared by every front-wheel-drive trim in the lineup. Step up to LT2 or the sportier RS trim and you get the option of AWD with 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, though range drops to 307 miles and 0-60 mph times land around 6 seconds. Heated front seats aren't standard until the LT2 trim, and features like ventilated seats, heated rear seats, and a head-up display require the $3,100 Convenience Package II, an added cost worth factoring into any features comparison. Pricing and Value: Which EV Delivers More for Your Money The two are closer on price than the advertised figures suggest, because those figures aren't always measured the same way. Chevrolet's $34,995 LT1 price excludes an $1,800 destination charge, while Toyota's widely quoted $36,350 for the bZ XLE FWD already includes its $1,450 destination charge. Line them up the same way and the bZ comes out ahead on both counts: $34,900 versus $34,995 on base MSRP, and $36,350 versus $36,795 as delivered. Step up to the XLE FWD Plus at $39,350 delivered and you get an EPA-estimated 314 miles, which keeps the bZ squarely competitive on price per mile of range against a $36,795 LT1, before any current Toyota incentives are applied. Incentive amounts change month to month and vary by region, and the federal clean vehicle tax credit expired on September 30, 2025, so it no longer applies to new EV purchases. State, local, and utility programs may still be available depending on your situation, so we'd recommend confirming current numbers with our finance team before you buy. You can get pre-qualified online to see what your numbers look like before you ever step onto the lot. Technology, Interior Comfort, and Everyday Livability Inside, the Equinox EV brings a bigger footprint with a 17.7-inch touchscreen running Google built-in, but it drops both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto entirely, a gap that's likely to frustrate phone-first shoppers in this segment. The bZ's 14-inch touchscreen is smaller on paper, but every trim comes with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus dual wireless phone chargers, so day-to-day connectivity clearly favors the Toyota. Cargo space runs close between the two, and the bZ has the edge where most people actually use it. Toyota lists 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats against the Equinox EV's 26.4, and with the seats folded the two are effectively tied at 56.9 cubic feet for the bZ and 57.2 for the Chevy. The bZ measures 184.6 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, and 65 inches tall, with 8.2 inches of ground clearance against the Equinox EV's 6.4, which is a meaningful difference on steep driveways and rougher trailheads. The Limited trim adds a panoramic glass roof, SofTex upholstery, ventilated front and heated rear seats, and a digital rearview mirror, features that come standard rather than bundled into an optional package. If you want to get a feel for the cabin before visiting us in person, our virtual test drive tool is a good place to start. Safety, Reliability, and Warranty Confidence Reliability comparison is where Toyota's reputation carries real weight. Consumer Reports rates the Equinox EV's predicted reliability as "Average," noting scattered 12-volt battery and charging issues. IIHS testing on the bZ shows a Good rating in the side-crash test, an Acceptable rating in small and moderate overlap front tests, and Good marks for front crash prevention systems and LATCH ease of use. As of April 2026, NHTSA and IIHS have not yet published crash-test results for this generation of the Equinox EV, so we can't compare that data directly, and we'd caution against assuming either outcome until results are released. Warranty coverage is one area where the two are close but not identical. The bZ carries a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, plus 2 years or 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance and 2 years of roadside assistance. The Equinox EV matches the 8-year/100,000-mile coverage on its battery and EV components, so buyers get similar peace of mind on the parts that matter most for long-term EV ownership. Side-by-Side Spec Comparison Table For a quick side-by-side comparison, here's how the two lineups stack up on the specs that matter most: Spec 2026 Toyota bZ 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV Starting price (incl. destination) $36,350 $36,795 Powertrain/Motor Single or dual motor, 74.7 kWh (Plus/AWD/Limited) or 57.7 kWh (base XLE) Single or dual motor, ~85 kWh Drivetrain FWD or AWD FWD or AWD Horsepower/Torque 168 hp (base XLE), 221 hp (FWD Plus/Limited), 338 hp (AWD) 220 hp/243 lb-ft (FWD); 300 hp/355 lb-ft (AWD) EPA Range 236-314 mi (EPA-estimated) 307-319 mi (EPA-estimated) DC Fast-Charge Speed Native NACS, ~150 kW peak, 10-80% in ~30 min CCS1 (NACS adapter required), ~150 kW peak Cargo Volume 27.7 cu ft (behind rear seats), 56.9 cu ft (folded) 26.4 cu ft (behind rear seats), 57.2 cu ft (folded) Ground Clearance 8.2 in 6.4 in Frequently Asked Questions Which EV has more usable range, the bZ or Equinox EV? The Equinox EV has the longest headline range at an EPA-estimated 319 miles across its front-wheel-drive trims, edging out the bZ's XLE FWD Plus at 314 miles. In practice the gap is small, and independent testing has seen an XLE FWD Plus beat its EPA figure and cover 331 miles on a charge, so the two land in similar territory in everyday driving. Is the Toyota bZ more reliable than the Chevrolet Equinox EV? It's difficult to say definitively, since Consumer Reports predicts about average reliability for the Equinox EV and hard 2026-specific data is still developing for both models. Toyota's broader track record for reliability across its lineup gives the bZ an edge in consumer confidence, and the bZ builds on a battery and drivetrain architecture Toyota has been refining in this segment since 2022. Which SUV charges faster on road trips? The bZ has a practical advantage here because every trim uses a native NACS port that plugs directly into Tesla Superchargers, with independent testing showing a 10-80% charge in as little as 26 minutes. The 2026 Equinox EV uses a CCS1 port and needs a separately purchased adapter to reach the same Supercharger network. Chevrolet is adding a native NACS port for the 2027 model year, so anyone shopping current 2026 inventory should budget for the adapter. The Verdict: Why the 2026 Toyota bZ Comes Out on Top at Longo Toyota When we look at the full 2026 Toyota bZ vs Chevrolet Equinox EV comparison, the Equinox EV genuinely wins on headline FWD range, and we think shoppers deserve to know that upfront. On price the bZ actually starts lower once destination is counted on both sides, and it pulls further ahead with native NACS charging, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, more cargo room behind the rear seats, more ground clearance, real-world range that holds up under actual driving conditions, and Toyota's long-standing reliability reputation. Add those up and you get a stronger overall ownership experience, especially for anyone doing regular road trips out of Southern California. Visit Us in El Monte, CA As the world's largest Toyota dealership, we carry the inventory and service capacity to back that up, whether you're comparing trims, weighing financing options, or just want to sit in both vehicles before deciding. Stop by our showroom in El Monte, take the bZ for a spin, and contact our team when you're ready to talk numbers. We're here seven days a week to help you make the right call.