10 Reasons Why The Chevrolet Equinox EV Is Special

With a starting price of $34,995, the Chevy Equinox EV is one of the most affordable EVs in its class. It will join several other Ultium-based electric models such as the Silverado EV and Blazer EV. As Scott Bell, the vice president of Chevrolet said, “the Equinox is an EV for everyone”, and it truly seems that way as the car offers a spacious, tech-loaded interior and a GM-estimated range of up to 319 miles, all at a prominently affordable price.

There will be five trim levels offered for the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV: 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, 2RS, and 3RS. However, it was announced that we’ll have to wait for the launch of the lower-priced models, which is estimated to be in 2024. Initially, the launch will feature the more expensive versions.

As a matter of fact, Chevrolet stated that beginning in early November 2023, dealerships will begin taking orders for these launch models. Still, no matter which one you choose, you’re most surely getting an attractive value from this SUV. Let’s explore what they have to offer!

Related: 10 Things That Make The Chevy Equinox EV A True Gamechanger

1 The Equinox EV Can Deliver Up To 290 Horsepower

The base model, the 1LT, is expected to be capable of reaching up to 210 horsepower thanks to its single electric motor. The 2LT, 3LT, and 2RS, with the same configuration, would deliver identical performance. It’s worth noting that all of these models feature a front-wheel-drive drivetrain.

All-wheel-drive Will Be Available On Almost All Trims

Additionally, these trims have the option to access an all-wheel-drive system (eAWD), which allows them to achieve 290 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque with the addition of another electric motor. This enables them to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed slightly above 110 mph, a respectable performance for an SUV.

On the other hand, the 3RS, the higher model, comes with an AWD drivetrain as standard, meaning it directly comes equipped with two electric motors. As you might notice, there’s a great deal of versatility when choosing one of these trims, which allows the buyer to acquire the same car but with different specifications and performance.

Chevrolet Equinox EV Specs

(Data sourced from Chevrolet)

2 It Boasts A 319-mile Driving Range

The Chevy Equinox is positioned to deliver exceptional performance among current EVs on the road as it is equipped with two GM Ultium battery packs (which are shared with other GM battery electric vehicles).

A Bigger Battery Is Also Available

While the 1LT trim comes with a standard-range battery pack, offering a substantial 250 miles of driving range on a full charge, making it an ideal choice for everyday driving, those planning longer journeys can opt for the long-range battery pack that extends the range to an impressive 319 miles. This extended range of 319 miles is standard on the 2LT, 3LT, and RS models and optional on the 1LT.

Related: Why GM’s Chevy Equinox EV Is A Stroke Of Genius

3 Its Exterior Combines Futuristic Touches With Traditional Design Cues

At first glance, the Equinox EV’s expressive design has an athletic, bold, and commanding appearance that unmistakably reflects the essence of a Chevrolet SUV. Combining the classic style of Chevrolet SUVs with futuristic elements, it comes out as a distinctly attention-grabbing vehicle, no matter the color option, which is quite wide.

Chevrolet Equinox EV’s Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Chevrolet)

Designed to ensure a lower center of gravity for improved stability and handling, this car comes equipped with standard 19-inch wheels (with available 20- and 21-inch wheel options depending on the trim), five doors, and dimensions well-suited for urban driving.

4 It Comes With A Premium-looking Cabin

The cabin is very spacious and aesthetically pleasing, available in various colors and materials. However, like in any model, each trim level comes equipped with different features. To begin with, the base model, the 1LT, offers the standard functions, as expected. Then, the 2LT and 2RS trim levels provide further features such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The Higher Trims Offer Even More Premium Vibes

Moving up to the higher setups, every Equinox EV 3LT and 3RS model offers more advanced and sophisticated features, including a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. For a sporty touch, you get to choose between a Black with Red Accents interior or an Adrenaline Red interior, along with a flat-bottom steering wheel in the 3RS trim.

Related: 10 Hybrid Alternatives To The Chevy Equinox EV

5 The Equinox EV Comes With An 11.0-inch Digital Display

In order to make the transition to an electric vehicle as smooth as possible, Chevrolet’s engineers have worked diligently to come up with clever solutions to address some of the daily challenges drivers might encounter.

Chevrolet packages each 2024 Equinox EV 1LT base model with standard front and rear walk-up exterior lighting animation as well as 11.0-inch infotainment and gauge cluster screens. Also, 3LT and 3RS models, the top two trims, boast a standard 17.7-inch central display and hands-free power liftgate, features that are also optional for the 2LT and 2RS models.

6 No Dearth Of Space In The Equinox EV

It’s clear to say that this SUV is a great option for families and commuters who are looking to switch to an electric vehicle. It seems to be a very spacious and comfortable vehicle, with a roomy cabin and numerous storage solutions from front to rear.

Minimum Cargo Capacity Of 30 Cubic-feet

Every trim has a cargo volume of 30 cubic feet behind the second row but, when folding the rear seats, it’s possible to get up to 57 cubic feet of max cargo room. Additionally, considering the interior dimensions, it can comfortably seat up to five people ensuring that, regardless of the journey’s duration, everyone can enjoy a comfortable ride.

Chevrolet Equinox EV’s Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Chevrolet)

Related: 10 Reasons Why The Chevy Equinox EV Should Be Your First Electric Vehicle

7 It Can Add 70 Miles Of Range In 10 Roughly Minutes

Charging the Equinox EV is a convenient affair. With an 11.5-kW onboard charger, you can replenish up to 34 miles of range per hour. In the upper trims, such as the 3RS AWD, 19.2 kW level-2 charging is optional, which can provide an impressive 51 miles of range per hour of charging. If you decide to take a short break during your journey, you can simply plug in your Equinox, enjoy a meal, and quickly get back on the road.

You Can Add Up To 70 Miles Of Range In 10 Minutes

The Equinox also supports 150 kW-capable DC fast charging, which is perfect for long road trips. When using fast-charging, you can expect to add 70 miles of range in just ten minutes, which sets an industry-leading standard and places significant pressure on the competition.

8 The Equinox EV Will Start At $34,995

With the recent opening of order books, General Motors declared that the Chevy Equinox EV will have a pricing range that goes from $34,995 to $52,395 in the United States (depending on its powertrain and tech features). In the LT lineup, the base model has a starting price of $34,995, which then increases as additional features, such as a bigger battery, are added.

Chevrolet Equinox EV Prices

(Data sourced from Chevrolet)

When transitioning from the LT models to the RS models, there is a substantial change in the SUV’s interior features, with a stronger emphasis on available technology and materials quality. This translates into the price, where the FWD 2RS is at $48,995 and the AWD 2RS at $52,395 (this last price jump is justified by the addition of standard all-wheel drive to the drivetrain).

Related: 10 Things That Toyota Could Learn From The Chevy Equinox EV

9 Standard Driver-assistance Features Will Be Included In All Trims

Every 2024 Equinox EV comes equipped with Chevy Safety Assist as a standard feature. This includes various safety and driver assistance features, some of which are the following:

• Front collision alert.
• Automatic emergency braking.
• Lane-keeping system.
• Automatic high beams.
• Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring.
• Reverse automatic emergency braking.
• Parking sensors.

Additional active safety features are available, including adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree view camera system, head-up display, rear camera mirror, and the brand’s Super-Cruise hands-free driving system. Furthermore, to help locate charging stations and plot routes, both the MyChevy and Ultium Charge 360 apps simplify the charging experience, allowing the driver to easily find the nearest charging stations.

10 The Chevy Equinox EV Faces Stiff Competition

A price-based comparison among the Equinox EV and its main competitors in the segment reveals that price plays a significant role. With a budget of around $40,000, you can choose between the base models of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, VW ID,4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the top trims of the Equinox EV, which boasts more advanced technology and similar performance.

Although the Equinox EV doesn’t directly take them on, it is equipped well enough to be considered a good alternative to any of the mentioned electric SUVs. It must be kept in mind that the Equinox EV will be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit — thank you, IRS!

Chevrolet Equinox EV Specs vs. Competition

(Data sourced from each respective automaker)