In my estimation the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is a near-perfect electric SUV. From the range to driving dynamics to the overall comfort, this new compact EV SUV checks most of the boxes that you could possibly want. And it even looks good.
More electric-vehicle news and reviews
Though the Equinox EV takes some styling cues from its gasoline sibling, it has unique front and rear styling and a more aerodynamic profile. Even so, it doesn’t immediately scream: I’M AN EV! It looks (perish the thought) normal.
The interior has a high attention to detail and is nicely laid out. Plus, contrary to the popular EV design motif of putting all the controls in the screen, the Equinox EV has manual HVAC controls as well as an actual volume knob. It’s a nice mix of tech and tradition that makes this compact SUV sleekly styled as well as easy to use.
Prices and specs
The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is available with both front- and all-wheel-drive options. This means there are two range options and two different power outputs. You’ll get less power but more range with FWD models and less range but more power with the AWD (eAWD) models. Specific numbers for each are as follows:
- FWD: 213 hp, 236 pound-feet of torque, 0-to-60-mph in 8.0 seconds, 319 miles of range
- eAWD: 288 hp, 333 pound-feet of torque, 0-to-60-mph in 6.0 seconds, 285 miles of range
Both of the vehicles I drove were FWD models, and even though you’re looking at significantly less horsepower, there was plenty of get-up-and-go for this aggressive Chicago driver. It had nice off-the-line starts and was pleasantly fast on the highway in passing maneuvers. It wasn’t “insane” fast like a Tesla, or “WOW” fast like the Silverado EV, but it felt good. Additionally, the relatively low center of gravity, gave the Equinox EV a planted feel on the highway, and the compact size made it downright nimble. And then, when you look at the range of both the FWD and eAWD models, all the pieces seem to fall into place.
The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is one of those rare EVs that has the potential to be a person’s only vehicle, especially if that person has an at-home charger. It’ll do great in around-town driving. It’s easy to parallel park, fits in tight spaces and has plenty of zip for aggressive urban accelerations. On the flip side, with 285 to 319 miles of range, it has the potential to be a road trip car. Added to that, it is capable of 150 kW DC fast charging and can add 77 miles of range in 10 minutes. So, even in the winter, when the cold can limited battery performance, this compact EV SUV should be able to get you where you need to go.
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium: Test Drive
During the drive portion of the media preview, I spent time toggling through the levels of one-pedal driving, which essentially go from a normal gas-powered-car feel, all the way to not needing to use the brake at all. I personally like “one-pedal” driving, modulating both acceleration and deceleration by using just one pedal, but I understand how someone who might not be familiar with EVs would want the ability to “coast” like normal. But the one-pedalness in the Equinox EV is really well done.
When you get into the tech features on the 2024 Equinox EV, there’s a lot of good stuff here, too. This vehicle has a hands-free start, which means you walk up to it and the door handles pop open automatically to unlock, then all you have to do is sit down and put your foot on the brake to start the vehicle. This means it turns off when your but leaves the seat as well. There is, however, a manual option to turn the vehicle of or keep it running for 60 minutes after you leave via the info screen.
In terms of safety tech, the Equinox EV has a ton of it – and a lot of it is on every vehicle. The standard Chevy Assist safety suite includes automatic emergency braking, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Other standard driver assistance features include intersection automatic emergency braking, rear pedestrian alert, side bicyclist alert, adaptive cruise control, reverse automatic braking, rear cross traffic braking, and blind spot monitoring. And as if that weren’t enough, optional features include Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving, and enhanced automatic park assist (i.e. the vehicle will park for you).
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5: 5 Cool Things
In the tech realm, what you do not have is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Instead, Chevrolet has opted to go with a Google-based operating system that blocks the phone mirroring systems, so to take advantage of app-based features on the in-screen infotainment, you have to create. and log into, your Google account in the car. When you pair your phone, new text messages will pop up on the screen for you to play, but you will have no access to past text messages or voicemail.
If you live in an Apple environment, you can also pair your phone and use Siri to read your text messages or play your Apple music, but it’s all a bit clumsy if you want to do all the Apple things without touching your phone. I personally didn’t like it, but Android users probably won’t mind, and there will be some Apple users who like the Equinox EV enough to deal with this annoyance. I mean, I can’t stress enough that it is a pretty great vehicle.
Currently, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is available in 2LT, 2RS, 3LT and 3RS trim levels, with a base, base 1LT becoming available in late 2024. Here’s a brief trim breakdown and pricing info that includes the $1,395 destination fee on FWD models:
1LT (TBD): Includes manual front seats, 17.7-inch infotainment screen, Google operating system, 11-inch digital driver cluster, 19-inch machine-face aluminum wheels.
2LT ($43,295): Adds 8-way power adjustable seats, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, black or gray interior options, front LED light bar, roof rails, power liftgate, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, available Super Cruise, available panoramic sunroof.
2RS ($44,795): Adds flat-bottom steering wheel, 21-inch aluminum wheels, heated outside mirrors, available black roof, available Super Cruise, available panoramic sunroof.
3LT ($45,295): Adds ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, dual-zone climate control, heated wipers, available Super Cruise, available panoramic sunroof.
3RS ($46,795,): Adds available black with red accents or red interior options, heated flat-bottom steering wheel, available Super Cruise, available panoramic sunroof.
Considering that the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV can take advantage of the full federal tax credit, this becomes a lot of EV with a lot of great features for a relatively affordable price.
So, back to my first line of this review: What would make this a perfect electric SUV? IMHO: Apple CarPlay. Really, other than the lack of this necessary-to-me tech, I couldn’t find anything wrong with the Equinox EV – not as a compact SUV or as an electric vehicle.
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Gallery
Click below for enlarged images
