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2022 Tundra i-FORCE MAX Hybrid

2022 Toyota Tundra

Introducing the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra i-Force MAX. Finally, you have an all-purpose, full-size pickup truck with style, comfort, and capability to suit any lifestyle. The Tundra i-Force MAX works hard on the job, towing and hauling whatever you need. It also offers comfort and convenience features that make it a great daily driver around Los Angeles, and with the i-Force MAX, you get the incredible power and economy of Toyota's revolutionary hybrid powertrain. We had our truck experts break down the i-Force MAX to help you better understand what makes the all-new Tundra unique.

Tundra i-Force MAX Powertrain

2022 Toyota Tundra

Toyota added hybrid technology to build on the powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine used in the gas-powered Tundra lineup. They engineered the i-Force Max engine with an electric motor/generator system within the bell housing between the engine and transmission. As a result, they created an inline hybrid powertrain unlike anything else in the segment. 

This parallel hybrid electric system draws on a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery pack that adds 48 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to an already impressive output. Toyota paired this revolutionary engine and permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with their 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence. The transmission features sequential shift mode technology, uphill and downhill shift logic, and Tow/Haul mode. As a result, the powertrain produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. 

Tundra i-Force MAX Economy Ratings

You can opt for the hybrid powertrain on any Tundra trim. However, your EPA estimated economy ratings will vary slightly depending on the model and 4x2 or 4x4 configuration. For example, the Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition trims with the 4x2 drivetrain deliver 20 mpg driving around the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 22 mpg. 

Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and Capstone models with 4x4 configurations get ratings of 19 mpg on surface roads, 22 mpg on the freeway, and 20 mpg combined. The TRD Pro model's ratings dip slightly, coming in at 18 mpg around town, 20 mpg on the interstates, and 19 mpg combined. Unfortunately, Toyota doesn't offer the i-Force MAX powertrain on the SR and SR5 Tundra models.

Tundra i-Force MAX Interior Features

As with any vehicle lineup, the higher trims offer more amenities. For instance, the Limited trim features the beautiful and durable SofTex upholstery and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar support. The front seats heat and ventilate for added comfort. A rear under-seat storage compartment lets you keep tools and gear out of sight. In addition, Toyota includes a leather-trimmed steering wheel with all of your audio and driver-assist controls.

Your in-vehicle tech runs through a 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth technology to connect your smartphones for wireless operation. You also get a nine-speaker audio system as standard, or you can opt for the 12-speaker premium audio system from JBL.

The TRD Pro model uses the same SofTex material but adds contrasting stitching, technical camouflage pattern inserts, and a trim-exclusive TRD Pro red-striped leather shift knob. You also get the heating and ventilating front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and TRD badging throughout. In addition, Toyota adds a multi-terrain monitor system to the tech suite on the TRD Pro.

In the 1794 Edition, you have leather-trimmed seats with premium contrast stitching, heat, and ventilation. They pair nicely with the sophisticated American walnut wood interior trim and laser-etched instrument panel with 1794 Edition lettering. The driver's seat has a 10-way power adjustment, and the front passenger seat has a four-way adjustment. A rear seat with heat and ventilation delivers comfort for all. The leather-trimmed steering wheel heats on the 1794 Edition, adding another layer of comfort.

Your tech runs on the same 14-inch touchscreen, but you also get a Qi-compatible wireless cellphone charger and a 12.3-inch customizable instrument panel. You can opt for a 10-inch color head-up display that projects your critical driving data to the windshield. The 12-speaker premium audio system from JBL comes as standard with the 1794 Edition.

Tundra's top-tier Capstone model comes with all the refined features you expect from Toyota. Semi-aniline leather seats have contrast stitching, and they heat and ventilate in both rows. A matching leather-wrapped shift knob and heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel add stylish comfort. Toyota uses an American dark walnut wood trim with metal speaker covers on the interior. Even the instrument panel adds a sophisticated touch, backlit with the Capstone logo.

The 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, 12-speaker JBL sound system, and 10-inch color head-up display all come as standard on the Capstone. You also get a power-operated, panoramic tilt/slide moonroof that opens up your cabin to let in all the light and air you want.

Driver-Assist Technology

Every Tundra i-Force MAX truck comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of driver-assist systems designed to elevate your L.A. commute and help keep you safe. This suite includes a pre-collision system that scans the road ahead for obstacles. When the system detects a possible collision, even with a pedestrian, it alerts you. If you react slowly, the system engages emergency brake support to help.

You also get full-speed range dynamic cruise control that assists your standard cruise control by keeping you at a preset speed and distance while in traffic. If the traffic slows, this system slows you down, even to a complete stop. Then, when the way ahead clears, the system returns you to your presets.

A lane-departure alert with a steering-assist system warns you when it detects an unintentional drift from your lane. If you don't react to the alert, the system uses gentle steering input to return you to your lane. The lane-tracing assist system uses similar technology to keep you centered in your lane, reducing driver fatigue. You also get a blind-spot monitor with a rear cross-traffic alert. This technology alerts you when vehicles enter your blind spots, and it automatically engages braking and steering to help avoid a collision.

If you're interested in upgrading your L.A. drive with a powerful, stylish, and efficient pickup, we invite you to browse our inventory online. As the leading Toyota dealer worldwide, we have your desired selection and prices to fit any budget. After selecting your favorite model online, you can visit our El Monte dealership for an all-important test drive. Then, one of our friendly staff will answer your questions and hand you the keys.

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A delicious looking burger in McKinney, TX

5 Best Burger Spots Near McKinney, TX: Where to Eat and What to Expect

5 Best Burger Spots Near McKinney, TX: Where to Eat and What to Expect Ask ten North Texans where to find the best burgers in McKinney, TX and you'll get ten different answers. That's the fun of it. This stretch of North Texas has quietly built something special, where drive-up windows serving thin-patty classics sit just down the road from gourmet spots stacking Wagyu beef under truffle aioli. If you're planning a visit to Prosper to check out a new Toyota, swing by Longo Toyota of Prosper first and make a day of it, since several of these spots sit just minutes away. What Makes McKinney, TX a Great Burger Destination McKinney's burger lineup works because it doesn't try to be just one thing. Family-owned counters that have been flipping patties since the 1950s sit a few miles from craft burger bars pouring local drafts and mixing house cocktails. What ties it together is a genuine focus on quality ingredients and community roots. Many of the best burgers in McKinney, TX come from kitchens that source beef locally, hand-press their patties, and treat the bun as seriously as the meat. Add a casual, friendly dining atmosphere and this town clearly takes its burgers seriously, not just a place to grab fast food in a hurry. The One and Only Burgers and Fries – Best for Value & Local Flavor Gabriel Pineda opened this family-owned spot in 2014 at the corner of University/380 and McDonald/Hwy 5 in east McKinney, and it's become a go-to for anyone hunting for a great burger without spending much. The philosophy here is simple: fresh, local ingredients at prices that don't punish you for wanting a good burger. It holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Restaurant Guru across more than 3,800+ reviews, a track record built over more than a decade in business. The jungle burger is the calling card here, piled with toppings that turn a basic order into something worth the drive. The menu keeps things straightforward with hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and bacon versions, all landing in the budget-friendly ($) tier. Delivery apps sometimes mark up prices compared to eating in, so calling ahead or visiting in person tends to be the better value. Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Best for Gourmet Craft Burgers Hopdoddy Burger Bar, located in the West Grove development, brought its made-from-scratch philosophy up from Austin, TX, where the brand launched back in 2010. This McKinney location uses all-natural, hormone-free beef, and you can swap in grass-fed beef, bison, ahi tuna, or a veggie patty depending on your mood. It's the spot for date night or a special occasion, with craft cocktails and local draft beer on tap, plus a scratch-made shake menu for dessert. The Cadillac Burger is the showstopper, a half-pound Wagyu patty dressed with Swiss cheese, bacon, fried onions, steak sauce, truffle aioli, roasted tomato, and arugula. If smash burgers are more your style, the Wagyu Smash doubles up on Wagyu patties with American cheese, shaved onions, pickled jalapeños, and Hopdoddy's secret sauce. There's also a rotating Burger of the Month special for anyone who likes to try something new each visit. Expect premium ($$$) pricing here, in line with the scratch-made approach and higher-end ingredients. Hat Creek Burger Company – Best for Family-Friendly Dining Hat Creek Burger Company leans into the family outing angle with an extra-large patio and a two-story slide playground that keeps kids entertained while the adults relax. The beef comes from Goodstock by Nolan Ryan, all-natural and never frozen, and the bun of choice is a Martin's Potato Roll, soft enough to hold up to a loaded burger without falling apart. Beer and wine are available on-site, and combos come with fries and a 20-ounce drink. When available, the Pitmaster Stack (a limited-time collaboration with Terry Black's Barbecue) stands out, layering Terry Black's chopped brisket and sweet-and-tangy BBQ sauce onto that potato roll. For something more classic, the double burger comes with American cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and Hat Sauce for a tangy kick. Dietary needs are well covered too, with a black bean quinoa veggie patty alongside vegan, paleo, keto, and gluten-free options. Pricing lands in the mid-range ($$) tier. Edmond's Burgers & More – Best for Specialty, Made-to-Order Angus Burgers Edmond's Burgers & More sits just outside McKinney proper on W 15th St in Plano, close enough to count as a short drive for anyone exploring burger spots in the area. This family-owned kitchen hand-presses 100% Angus chuck into never-frozen patties, and the standard order comes as a double stack of patties rather than one large patty. The Blue Burger pairs blue cheese with smashed avocado for a rich, tangy bite, while the Hawaiian Burger brings grilled pineapple and chipotle mayo into the mix for something sweeter with a little heat. There's also a veggie burger for non-meat eaters, and a gluten-free bun is available for a small upcharge, a solid option if you're managing dietary restrictions. Beyond burgers, the menu stretches to a Buffalo Chicken sandwich, a Cod sandwich, and a Reuben-style sandwich. Overall pricing sits in the mid-range ($$) tier. Baker's Drive-In – Best for Classic, Nostalgic Old-School Burgers Baker's Drive-In has been serving McKinney since 1954, and it wears its history proudly with the tagline "Home of the Texas Cheese Burger." Located on S McDonald St, this is old-school fast food done the McKinney way, thin patties on a griddle that's seen decades of use, with a menu that hasn't strayed far from its roots. One important practical note: there's no seating here at all, it's strictly a walk-up or drive-up window, so plan to eat in your car or take it to go. The Texas Triple Burger is the headliner for anyone with a serious appetite, while the classic Texas Cheeseburger with double meat covers the basics well. Fried bologna sandwiches and fried pies round out the menu for those wanting something beyond a burger. Everything here falls into the budget-friendly ($) tier, making it one of the most affordable stops on this list. Make a Day of It: Grabbing Burgers After a Test Drive at Longo Toyota of Prosper Plan Your Route Turn a burger crawl through McKinney into a full day out. Longo Toyota of Prosper sits at 2100 W. University Dr. in Prosper, on a 15-acre campus with drive-in service lanes, and most of the spots on this list are just a 15 to 20 minute drive away via University Drive/US-380. Take a new Toyota out for a spin, then point it toward McKinney for lunch. Before you head out, browse our new Toyota inventory to find the right ride for your burger tour, and if your current vehicle needs a checkup first, our service team can help too. Our Roots in Prosper We're proud to be part of the Longo Toyota family, which traces its roots back to 1967 in El Monte, California, and has held the title of the nation's top-volume Toyota dealership for decades. Our Prosper location has picked up its own local recognition, including a "Business of the Year" award from the Prosper Chamber of Commerce and a "Best of Readers' Choice" honor from Living Magazine, both in 2018. Get in Touch Whether you're shopping for a new SUV or just stopping by, get in touch with our team and we'll point you in the right direction for both cars and, if you ask nicely, burgers. Frequently Asked Questions About Burgers Near McKinney, TX What's the single best burger in McKinney, TX? There isn't one definitive answer. It really depends on what you're after, whether that's a gourmet Wagyu creation, a nostalgic drive-in classic, or a family-friendly patio meal. Where can I find budget-friendly burgers in McKinney? The One and Only Burgers and Fries and Baker's Drive-In both offer budget-friendly items, making them solid picks if you're watching your wallet. Which spot is best for a date night? Hopdoddy Burger Bar fits the bill, with its craft cocktails, local drafts, and gourmet menu built for a slower, more relaxed meal. Where should I take the kids? Hat Creek Burger Company is the clear choice, thanks to its large patio and two-story slide playground that keeps younger diners entertained. Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options nearby? Yes. Hat Creek Burger Company and Edmond's Burgers & More both offer plant-based patties and gluten-free bun alternatives, so dietary restrictions don't have to limit your options. Photo by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash

A pair of sunglasses near the beach in Los Angeles, CA

6 Places to Spot Celebrities in Los Angeles, CA

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

White 2026 Toyota bZ in El Monte, CA

2026 Toyota bZ vs. Chevrolet Equinox EV: Why Toyota Comes Out on Top

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.