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The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV seems to be the type of electric car that most people are looking for: a reasonably priced, right-sized SUV that can accommodate a modest family's demands while offering a large range.
Consequently, the front-wheel-drive Equinox 2LT's 319-mile EPA range makes its $43,295 pricing (before government incentives) quite attractive. There isn't an electric SUV available right now that offers a longer range for less money. Expect a basic-level set of amenities from the upcoming 1LT base model, which will go on sale later this year for $34,995. Despite having the same range, it's still a great deal.
Comfort and Interior Space
With its sleek design and broad, narrow LED strip, the Equinox is a logical addition to Chevy's lineup of electric cars, which also includes the Silverado EV and Blazer EV. Among its EV competitors, the Equinox is particularly noteworthy. These include the stylish Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Tesla Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Volkswagen ID.4.
It's odd that the Equinox EV has less inside room than almost all of its competitors even though it is longer and broader than each of them. Yes, from the driver's seat, the variations are subtle and imperceptible. The second seat offers ample headroom and legroom for average-sized adults, but you have to wonder where all that additional room went.
Other than that, the inside is impressive, mostly due to the standard 17.7-inch central touchscreen included on all model levels. Similar to the Silverado EV and the Blazer EV, this screen has a stunning appearance and reacts to inputs swiftly and smoothly. It has Google's Built-In software package, which includes Spotify and Google Maps, but it does not support Apple CarPlay, which is probably a deal breaker for many. Taking places, speed, and time into consideration, Google's navigation engine intelligently accounts for charges when designing a route.
The lack of a distinct start button is also clever. It makes reasonable that the brake pedal would have that duty since shifting into gear requires pressing it. EV newbies may find the effect strange at first, but you rapidly get used to it.
Chevy also makes the most of the flat floor of the Equinox, which provides a large center-console storage area. A purse may be stored in a container located beneath the floating center armrest. Additionally, the center console's fussily constructed shifter is absent. Rather, a column shifter completes the task.
Test Result
We've lauded electric motors for years for their ability to accelerate quickly and responsively; they're ideal for negotiating the twists and turns of the daily commute, tearing down short on-ramps, and grabbing tiny gaps in traffic. However, owners of recently purchased Equinox EVs may be wondering what we've been discussing.
Two Equinox vehicles were put to the test: the entry-level 2LT all-wheel-drive model and the high-trim 3RS front-driver. The permanent-magnet front motor of the front-drive Equinox EV, which powers the Blazer EV as well, produces 213 horsepower. When you combine that output with the 4923 pounds of our tester, the power-to-weight ratio trails by segments. Our test results show that, with a 60 mph acceleration time of 7.7 seconds and a quarter-mile pass time of 16.1 seconds, it is comparable to the less costly, more spacious, and more compact Honda CR-V Hybrid.
In a similar vein, the Equinox EV's stopping ability is mediocre at best. At 70 mph, the single-motor model can stop in 189 feet, while the dual-motor version, which has smaller wheels and tires (19 vs 21) can stop in 178 feet.
This front-wheel drive Equinox experience ought to persuade everyone to get the $3300 all-wheel drive option. The overall power is increased to 288 horsepower by adding an induction motor to the rear wheels. This reduces the quarter-mile pace by 1.5 seconds and the 60 mph time by 1.9 seconds. However, the EPA range of the all-wheel-drive variant is little lower, at 285 miles.
However, the two Equinox models produced similar results of 260 miles in our highway range test conducted at 75 mph, which we ascribe to the different wheel and tire combinations. The EPA range differential between the single- and dual-motor powertrains was eliminated by our all-wheel-drive test vehicle on smaller 19s, as opposed to the 21s on the top-trim 3RS front-driver. This is despite the fact that Chevrolet does not publish range estimates for every combination as some automakers do.
When driving, the Equinox EV is a pleasant but unexceptional vehicle with well-weighted steering and a soft, comfortable ride. There are many regenerative braking modes available to drivers, one of which is a one-pedal driving mode. If needed, maximum regenerative braking can be smoothly applied using a paddle on the left side of the steering wheel.
On appropriate roads and highways, Chevy's Level 2 driver-assistance technology, Super Cruise, is available and offers hands-free driving and automated lane changes.
Trim Levels and Charging
The Equinox EV features an 85.0-kWh battery pack that can take DC fast-charging up to 150 kilowatts, regardless of the driving wheels. When charging from 10 to 90 percent, we saw a peak of 158 kilowatts. In this test, the Equinox contributed 100 miles of highway range in the first 17 minutes, requiring 51 minutes to fully charge. The maximum EPA range of most Equinox EVs is 11.5 kilowatts, or around 34 miles per hour, while charging at home using a Level 2 charger. For the 2025 Equinox 3RS with all-wheel drive, a faster 19.2-kW Level 2 charging option is available, bringing the total miles of charge per hour to 51.
The sole visual difference exists between the LT and RS trim levels, which share the same features and settings. While the RS features darker exterior trim and black wheels, the LT has lighter design components. The top-spec models, indicated by a "3," are equipped with comforts like heated rear seats, dual-zone temperature controls, power-adjustable front passenger seats, ventilated front seats, and a universal home remote.
Read Also: The Electric Cars That Will Be Future Classics
Cargo and Storage
Similar to the inside, the Equinox EV's 26 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row is on the lesser side compared to rival vehicles. This is because of the rear hatch's shape and the way the glass slopes downhill practically right after the C-pillar. The designs of the majority of other small SUVs, both electric and non-electric, create additional room in this area. This will be especially evident when you splurge on that large screen at Costco, as the reduced cargo room originates from the top back half.
With its two height options, the cargo floor saves you a valuable few inches when you need them. However, to use the lower setting, you must move the bag containing the adaptor for the charging cable. Thankfully, it may be kept in the little container beneath the floor, or left at home.
Unlike the Model Y and the Mustang Mach-E, the Equinox EV is not equipped with a trunk. When you open the hood, you'll see the powertrain, much like in a gas-powered vehicle.
Overall
Overall, the Equinox EV is fairly balanced. Although it has an impressive range for the price, the model doesn't have the spirited acceleration that we've grown accustomed to from electric vehicles. Although its large and responsive center screen sets it apart from other competitors, it doesn't sync as well with your phone. On paper, the interior contradicts the principles of spatial efficiency, yet it remains mostly hidden until you reach the cargo space.
It's not a terrible thing to choose a middle route, and we're confident that the federal EV tax credit will help a lot of consumers who qualify, but it's ultimately up to each owner to decide if the compromises required by the Equinox EV are worth it.
