2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

Interiors are largely black and grey, but even on lower-end trims, accent trim in matte silver or blue liven up the cabin. The more expressive RS package has its own suite of upholstery and cabin materials, including seat piping, ‘RS’ insignia, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. A large 17.7-inch touchscreen display in the center of the dash on all models sits next to an 11.1-inch digital instrument cluster; their low, long shapes reinforce the width of the cabin. Two large eyeball vents mark the outboard ends of the dash; oddly, the two center vents are rectangular. Drivers don’t have to control everything via the touchscreen; they’ll find traditional knobs, switches, and stalks for functions like heating controls and turn signals.

The one-pedal driving in Chevrolets has always been good, and the electric Equinox is no exception. Regenerative is turned on via a permanent icon at the top of the touchscreen; it pops up a box labeled “One Pedal Driving” that’s set to the “Normal” level. Tapping the icon again turns off regen entirely, making the Equinox EV drive as if it had a conventional automatic transmission, meaning it glides rather than slowing to recharge the battery.

At roughly 1,600 pounds heavier than the gasoline Equinox, the electric SUV is comfortable, smooth, and predictable on the road—aided by a long wheelbase with the wheels at the corners. Its 38-foot turning circle is only average for the category. Our first road test took place in and around Detroit, which is flat and has very few curvy roads. The suspension is tuned for comfort, and roadholding was perfectly fine for any situation we put it through—but we’re eager to test the Equinox EV in more varied terrain. 

Is the Chevrolet Equinox EV 4WD?

All-wheel drive is available as a $3,400 option on all versions of the Equinox EV presently on sale, via a second electric motor between the rear wheels.

How fast is the Chevrolet Equinox EV?

Chevy quotes an acceleration time of 8.0 seconds from 0 to 60 mph for the front-wheel-drive version of the Equinox EV, and 6.0 seconds with optional all-wheel drive.

Unlike a few EV crossover competitors, the rear seat backs of the Equinox EV fold all but flat, meaning long flat cargo (Ikea boxes, anyone?) can be hauled around—just like any other SUV. Cargo volume is 26.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat, and the load bay totals 57.2 cu ft with the rear seat backs folded down. Our test Equinox EVs had no discernable rattles, squeaks, or other quality flaws.

GM’s well-reviewed Super Cruise hands-free cruise control system is an option on every trim level of the Equinox EV at launch. More than 400,000 miles of U.S. and Canadian roads have already been mapped, allowing hands-free operation. But like all such systems, the driver must remain ready to take the controls back at any time—with an eyeball camera on the steering column to monitor attentiveness.

Every Equinox EV comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-window wiper. The large 17.7-inch central touchscreen has large icons and a small button on top that mutes the audio volume with a single tap, and turns off the screen altogether with a second tap. The standard feature set, range of options, and relative value all earn a point, but Chevy misses a point for its basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and we can’t give it’s otherwise robust infotainment system a point because it lacks smartphone pairing for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

Chevy provides Google Assistant in the dash, with better voice recognition than any automaker’s own effort. Navigation comes via Google Maps with integrated charging data. More than 50 common apps are now in the car’s Play Store, with more arriving each week, and we found the system easier to use than expected once we’d signed into each app through the car—a one-time annoyance. Bluetooth pairing is still provided to play music or other audio from a device, but users dedicated to Apple Maps are out of luck.

Another notable omission in the specs was wireless phone charging—at any trim level. 

Which Chevy Equinox EV should I buy?

The front-wheel-drive 2LT version we tested represents a good value, with a price well under $40,000 after the point-of-purchase incentive. All-wheel drive is a pricey option, at $3,400. The RS trim swaps in 21-inch wheels with lower-profile tires, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a black-painted roof, and various trim and appearance accents. But we’d be tempted to add GM’s excellent Super Cruise hands-free cruise control for highway travel. If you add the hardware, it comes with a three-year free trial period, and costs $25 a month thereafter.

How much is a fully loaded Chevy Equinox EV?

The higher-line 3LT version adds dual-zone climate control, power adjustment for the front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, heated parking for the windshield wipers (useful for those in icy climates). The 3LT also gets 21-inch alloy wheels, though we always suggest smaller wheels may deliver a more comfortable ride and perhaps extend EV range slightly. The 3RS adds the same appearance upgrades as the 2RS. Adding all-wheel drive, Super Cruise hands-free cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof to a top-trim Equinox EV 3RS will likely push it over $50,000.

Every Equinox EV has an onboard charger rated at 11.5 kw, meaning up to 36 miles of range per charging hour can be added. DC fast charging up to 150 kw comes via a CCS port, though the NACS port may appear in subsequent model years. Chevy quotes the ability to add “approximately 77 miles of range in 10 minutes,” but properly notes the charge “varies” based on battery energy, charging-station power capability, ambient temperature, and other factors. The standard portable AC charging cord lives under the rear deck, which requires emptying the load bay to access it.