Chevy just killed Apple CarPlay in the Equinox EV, and the internet’s losing its mind. But here’s what nobody’s talking about: that 17.7-inch screen isn’t some half-baked consolation prize. It’s running Google Built-in natively—think full Android integration with Maps that actually knows where chargers are, Assistant that responds without your phone, and Play Store access baked right in. The catch? You’re betting your entire driving experience on Google’s ecosystem, and that’s either brilliant or reckless depending on which side of the fence you’re on. We tested it to see if ditching CarPlay is automotive heresy or the future everyone’s too stubborn to embrace.
Apple CarPlay Isn’t Available: Here’s What You Get Instead
If you’re accustomed to mirroring your iPhone or Android phone onto your vehicle’s screen, you’ll need to recalibrate your expectations with the Chevrolet Equinox EV—Apple CarPlay and Android Auto simply aren’t available across any trim level, despite occasional dealer confusion suggesting otherwise.
The 2026 model confirms this absence definitively.
Instead, you’re getting Google Built-in, Chevrolet’s proprietary infotainment system integrated directly into the vehicle’s framework.
Google Built-in powers the Equinox EV’s infotainment, offering factory-integrated vehicle connectivity beyond smartphone mirroring capabilities.
This isn’t a compromise; it’s a different approach entirely. The 17.7-inch touchscreen displays native Google Maps with EV-specific advantages: charging predictions, state-of-charge estimates at your destination, and full-screen map utilization that CarPlay’s dimensional constraints can’t match. The responsive voice control enables hands-free operation for navigation, music selection, and climate adjustments without taking your attention from the road.
You’ll adjust quickly to the native Google interface. The customizable split-screen lets you toggle between audio, route guidance, and trip data seamlessly. A paid OnStar data plan provides access to streaming apps and enhanced connectivity features beyond the basic 8-year complimentary service.
Most owners find the intuitive menu browsing and crisp graphics comparable to high-end aftermarket systems. Factory integration means deeper vehicle-system connectivity than smartphone mirroring ever provided.
Google Assistant, Maps, and Play Store Built Into Your Equinox EV
Since Apple CarPlay isn’t your option here, Chevrolet’s equipped your 2024-2026 Equinox EV with Google’s native ecosystem—meaning you’re getting Google Assistant for voice commands (temperature adjustments, calls, texts).
Google Maps with EV-specific charging station routing and real-time traffic, and Google Play Store access right on that 17.7-inch display without fumbling your phone.
You’ll pair your compatible device via Bluetooth, sync your contacts, and sign into your Google account to access customized profiles and natural voice recognition across all three services.
Fair warning: that initial connectivity period’s included with purchase, but you’ll need to select a service plan afterward to keep Assistant, Maps, and Play Store running post-trial (though route guidance itself doesn’t require a separate subscription). The permissions screen will appear on your first use to ensure you’ve accepted the necessary terms and privacy policies required to operate these Google services.
Google Maps Navigation Integration
How’d you like to ditch the dated infotainment screen and actually use something modern? You’re getting genuine Google Maps integration in your Equinox EV—not some half-baked knockoff. Here’s what you’re working with:
- Real-time traffic updates pulling live data for fastest routes based on current conditions
- EV-specific routing automatically factoring your charge level into routing calculations
- Charging station visibility displaying locations along your planned route seamlessly
- Offline map downloads for areas without cellular connection or data coverage
The system syncs with your Gmail-linked account for customized route guidance. Navigation data is updated regularly by Google when your vehicle is connected with a data plan.
You’ll access it through the infotainment screen’s Google Maps icon, then search destinations using the built-in search bar.
Start route guidance hands-free via the PTT button or voice command.
No separate subscription needed—just maintain your data plan connectivity.
Voice Control With Assistant
What’s the point of fumbling with touchscreen menus while you’re supposed to keep your eyes on the road? Google Assistant turns your Equinox EV into a genuinely hands-free command center.
Press the Push-to-Talk button on your steering wheel, then say “Hey Google” to activate voice recognition. You’ll control climate settings (“Set car temperature to 70 degrees”), adjust audio levels (“Increase volume 20%”), and manage heated seats without lifting a finger.
The 11.3-inch infotainment system processes your commands instantly. Pair your phone via Bluetooth to sync contacts, enabling hands-free calling—just say “Call [contact name].” You can also access phone-based voice assistants like Google Assistant through your smartphone’s native capabilities when connected via Bluetooth or USB.
You can interrupt Google’s responses mid-prompt by pressing Push-to-Talk again. Customize prompt length in Settings > Voice to match your preferences.
This integration keeps you focused where it matters: driving safely.
Play Store App Access
Why limit your in-vehicle entertainment to what Chevrolet pre-installed when you can download thousands of apps directly through your Equinox EV‘s center display?
You’ll access the Google Play Store after signing in with your Google Account—no subscription required for basic system use, though you’ll need an active data plan post-trial period.
Here’s what you can do:
- Download music, podcast, and audiobook apps like Spotify and Audible natively
- Install sports and news apps (ESPN, CBS Sports) tailored for in-vehicle use
- Customize your home screen by pressing and holding app icons to reorganize them
- Sync account-linked apps for customized experiences across multiple profiles
Apps run directly through Google’s platform, mimicking Android Auto capabilities without phone mirroring. You can also use the steering-wheel Google Assistant button or voice activation to control compatible apps hands-free while driving.
You’re building your Equinox EV into exactly the connected vehicle you want.
Get Your Phone Connected in 3 Minutes
You’ll kick off Bluetooth pairing from your phone’s home screen by tapping “Manage Phones” and selecting the plus sign, which initiates a handshake between your device and the Equinox EV’s infotainment system.
The vehicle then prompts you to authorize contact syncing—a critical permission that enables hands-free calling, texting, and (if you’re logged into Gmail) search history from Google Maps on your phone app.
Once you’ve granted those permissions and confirmed your Google account personalization settings, you’re connected and ready to utilize the system’s full suite of features, contacts intact and calendar data flowing to your center display. To access Google Assistant’s full capabilities, you’ll need to ensure an active OnStar plan is active on your account.
Bluetooth Pairing Basics
Getting your smartphone connected to your Equinox EV’s infotainment system doesn’t require any special wizardry—just three minutes and a few deliberate taps.
You’re joining thousands of Equinox EV owners who’ve simplified their daily commute through seamless Bluetooth integration.
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Enable Bluetooth on your phone and set it to visible mode before starting the vehicle
- Access your infotainment screen’s Phone menu and select “Manage Phones” to add a new device
- Scan for available Bluetooth devices on your phone and select “Chevrolet Equinox” from the list
- Verify the six-digit confirmation code matches on both screens, then press Pair to finalize
Once connected, restart your vehicle to fully sync contacts and test the connection with a call or music playback.
You’re now integrated into your Equinox EV’s ecosystem.
Permissions and Sync Setup
Before your Equinox EV’s Google-built-in system can access your calendar, contacts, and personal alerts on that center display, you’ll need to grant a handful of permissions—and it’s less complicated than you’d think.
During initial setup, permission requests appear automatically, requiring you to review Google’s Terms and Privacy Statement before proceeding.
You’ll connect your Google Account first (your phone must be nearby), then toggle personal results activation through Settings > Google > Google Assistant.
Two-step verification may kick in for security purposes.
Declining certain permissions limits functionality, though the system operates without Google Account access.
Same email address used for dealer purchase should match your GM account sign-in—this alignment simplifies the entire process considerably.
Google Account Personalization
Now that you’ve sorted through permissions and activated your Google Account on the Equinox EV’s center display, it’s time to actually customize what the system shows you—and this is where the real convenience kicks in.
Your Gmail integration automatically syncs your search history and saved locations across devices.
Here’s what customizes your experience:
- Search history population — Previous directions queries appear instantly without retyping
- Location synchronization — Favorite destinations from your phone transfer seamlessly to vehicle maps
- Multi-user profiles — Different drivers maintain separate Google logins with individual climate and entertainment preferences
- Profile-specific settings — The system loads your customized adjustments automatically upon startup
Account-linked data synchronization keeps everything consistent across sessions.
You’re effectively extending your digital life into the Equinox EV rather than starting fresh each time you drive.
Google Maps With Real-Time Charging Data for EV Drivers
Steering charging infrastructure anxiety starts with real-time visibility—and Google Maps has revolutionized how Equinox EV owners locate available chargers mid-trip.
You’re now seeing live port availability across roughly 40,000 DC fast chargers from Electrify America and Tesla networks, complete with connector types, power outputs, and operational status.
When you tap a station, Google Maps displays recommended charging times based on your battery level and the charger’s speed capacity.
You can filter by network preference, connector compatibility, and payment methods—eliminating guesswork about whether your Equinox EV will actually connect.
The system integrates charging duration into your total trip estimate, so you’re not surprised by unexpected delays.
AI-powered summaries describe exact charger locations from user reviews, flagging plug compatibility issues or chronic wait times.
This transparency turns charging from a stressful gamble into a calculated pit stop.
You’re effectively carrying real-time infrastructure knowledge in your vehicle’s route guidance system.
Let Google Handle Calls, Music, and Climate While You Drive
You’ll keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while Google Assistant handles calls, music streaming, and climate adjustments through voice commands—just say “Hey Google” or press the steering wheel button to activate any function across the 17.7-inch infotainment screen.
Whether you’re switching Spotify playlists, calling a contact, or bumping the cabin temperature up a few degrees, the system responds in real time without requiring your phone or any manual interaction with the touchscreen.
It’s the kind of seamless integration that turns a commute from distraction-prone multitasking into genuinely hands-free operation.
Voice Commands Made Simple
How much safer would your commute be if you could manage calls, texts, music, and directions without touching a single button?
Google Built-in turns your Equinox EV into a hands-free command center.
You’re not fumbling with screens or wrestling with controls—you’re staying focused on the road where it matters.
Here’s what you can accomplish:
- Make calls hands-free by saying “Hey Google, call Donna”—your synced contacts are instantly accessible
- Send texts without lifting a finger with natural commands like “Text Mom and tell her I’m running late”
- Control music and podcasts through voice alone, keeping your hands on the wheel
- Navigate effortlessly by requesting nearby destinations or canceling routes mid-drive
Activate Google Assistant via “Hey Google,” the steering wheel’s push-to-talk button, or the infotainment screen.
It’s straightforward integration that keeps distractions minimal and safety paramount.
Climate Control Hands-Free
What if you could adjust your cabin temperature to exactly 70 degrees without ever glancing at the climate panel? With Google Assistant built into your Equinox EV, you can. Simply say “Hey Google, set car temperature to 70 degrees,” and the system responds instantly while you keep your eyes forward and hands on the wheel.
| Feature | Benefit | Activation | Zone Coverage | Energy Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voice Control | Hands-free adjustment | “Hey Google” command | Single or dual-zone | Minimal drain |
| AUTO Mode | Passive optimization | Dashboard button | All zones | Efficient operation |
| Recirculation | Improved cooling | Voice or manual | Interior air | Battery preservation |
| Sync Feature | Unified comfort | One-touch button | Multi-zone unification | Optimized power |
| Remote Preconditioning | Pre-arrival comfort | myChevrolet app | Entire cabin | Plugged-in charging |
Your Equinox EV’s climate integration maintains cabin comfort through intelligent automation, preserving battery range while you drive.
Music and Calls Seamlessly
Climate control’s handled—now consider what happens when you’re steering traffic while your favorite song’s stuck on repeat and your buddy’s calling to confirm lunch plans.
You’ve got Google Assistant built right into your Equinox EV’s 11.3-inch or 17.7-inch screen, eliminating phone juggling entirely. Here’s what you’re actually getting:
- Voice-activated calls via “Hey Google” or the push-to-talk button—hands stay on the wheel, eyes forward
- Seamless music streaming from Spotify, YouTube Music, or Audible without touching anything
- Playlist switching through simple voice commands while maintaining focus on the road
- Eyes-on-road safety through real-time voice responses that minimize visual distractions
Your synced Google account remembers your preferences, personalizing everything automatically.
No mirroring dependency means fewer connection hiccups.
After the trial period, you’ll need a data plan, but you’re genuinely driving safer.
Wireless Android Auto and Bluetooth Connectivity Options
While the Equinox EV doesn’t support Android Auto—wireless or otherwise—you’ve still got solid smartphone integration through the vehicle’s Google Built-In system and standard Bluetooth connectivity.
Here’s what that means for you: Bluetooth handles the foundational pairing between your phone and the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Bluetooth enables hands-free calls and media streaming without requiring a physical USB connection.
You’ll activate this by accessing your phone’s Bluetooth settings and selecting “My Chevrolet” once the vehicle initiates its device search.
Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are both enabled before attempting connection.
The system automatically reconnects after that initial pairing, so you won’t repeat the setup process each time you enter the vehicle.
It’s a simplified alternative to Android Auto mirroring—functionally different but practically effective for daily driving.
Access Siri via Your Paired iPhone and Steering Wheel
Activate Siri directly from your Equinox EV’s steering wheel using the Push-to-Talk button, keeping your eyes forward and hands positioned exactly where they belong during operation.
Your paired iPhone connects via Bluetooth, enabling seamless voice command access without manual interaction while driving.
Here’s how to maximize Siri integration:
- Press the Push-to-Talk button on your steering wheel to initiate voice commands, which routes requests to your paired iPhone’s Siri assistant.
- Verify Bluetooth connectivity between your vehicle and iPhone—your infotainment system displays active phone status at the top of the screen.
- Use voice commands for hands-free calling, texting, and contact access since your contact list syncs automatically during each startup sequence.
- Switch between assistants by selecting Google Assistant or Siri based on your preference; the Push-to-Talk button accommodates both systems.
This setup guarantees you’re never fumbling for your phone while steering.
Locate Charging Stations and Plan Routes by Battery Level
Now that you’ve perfected hands-free voice control, you can focus on what really matters: getting your Equinox EV to a charger before the battery percentage becomes a source of genuine concern.
Google Maps integration reimagines route planning as battery-aware route guidance. Input your destination, and the system automatically identifies compatible charging stations along your path, accounting for your vehicle’s estimated range—up to 319 miles (FWD) or 289 miles (AWD). The Charge Assist function displays nearby stations with real-time filters and compatibility details.
| Feature | Benefit | Access Point |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Command | Hands-free station finding | “Google, show charging stations” |
| Route Planning | Battery-level optimization | Guidance menu |
| Saved Favorites | Quick access | Charging App |
| Real-time Data | Availability confirmation | myChevrolet integration |
You’re not just finding chargers—you’re strategically plotting stops that keep you moving. The system integrates over 250,000 North American chargers, filtering by speed, availability, and your vehicle’s compatibility. That’s confidence built into your dashboard.
Customize Your Cabin: Temperature, Radio, and Driver Profiles
You’ll appreciate how Driver Profiles store your preferred temperature, radio stations, and seat positions automatically.
Log in, and the system recalls everything.
Multiple drivers? Each profile maintains separate settings, so your spouse’s 68°F preference doesn’t override your 72°F comfort zone.
Each driver profile maintains separate settings, so your 72°F preference never conflicts with your spouse’s 68°F comfort zone.
Here’s what you’re actually controlling:
- Temperature zones – Dual or triple-zone systems let you set independent temperatures; preconditioning warms your cabin to your preferred setting while plugged in
- Radio customization – Google Built-in saves AM/FM presets, streaming services, and podcasts through the touchscreen
- Eco Climate Mode – Fine-tunes heating and cooling based on passenger count, preserving range
- Remote Start integration – Your last driver’s settings activate automatically, so you’re never climbing into a cold cabin
This integration elevates routine commutes into genuinely tailored experiences.
iPhone Users: Stay Productive in Your Equinox EV
How do you stay connected without abandoning your iPhone’s ecosystem?
You’re not locked out—you’re just working differently. Your Equinox EV syncs seamlessly with iPhone through Bluetooth pairing via the Phone icon on your home screen. Once paired, you’ll access contacts, music, and messaging directly through the 17.7-inch touchscreen. Toggle “Show Notifications” and “Sync Contacts” in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings to enable full functionality.
| Feature | iPhone Integration | Setup Required |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Voice commands or manual contact selection | Bluetooth pairing + contact sync |
| Text Messages | Send/receive through vehicle interface | Sync Contacts enabled |
| Music Streaming | Bluetooth audio without CarPlay | Standard pairing |
| Route Guidance Audio | Apple Maps audio prompts via speakers | iPhone app, no screen projection |
Voice commands handle calls and messages hands-free, keeping your focus on the road. Multiple iPhones pair to one vehicle—switch between devices instantly. Disconnect and reconnect your iPhone after enabling notification settings to refresh the connection, ensuring everything works smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google Built-In Work Without a Service Plan or Data Subscription?
You’ll get basic infotainment and Bluetooth features working without a plan, but you’ll need an active data connection for Google Maps’ real-time traffic, Google Assistant, and Play Store apps. Your trial period covers initial setup.
Can I Use Multiple Google Accounts Across Different Driver Profiles?
You’re free to link individual Gmail accounts to each of your eight profiles. Your maps, contacts, and calendar sync uniquely per account, letting you customize your digital space exactly how you want it.
What Happens to Google Built-In Features During Software Updates?
Your Google Built-in features—Assistant, Maps, and Play apps—stay intact during updates. You’ll keep your personalization, app downloads, and account settings. Installation takes up to 20 minutes while parked.
Are There Offline Capabilities for Google Maps Navigation in Equinox EV?
You’ve struck gold with offline maps—you can get around without constant data by enabling auto-download in your Equinox EV’s Google Maps settings. Your vehicle reroutes intelligently, supporting charger predictions even offline.
How Does Google Built-In Compare to Competitor Infotainment Systems Functionally?
You’ll find Google Built-in outperforms competitors with seamless wireless CarPlay compatibility, integrated trailer profiles, Transparent Trailer View, and hands-free Google Assistant control—all while keeping vehicle settings accessible alongside your preferred apps.
