2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV First Drive Review
Chevrolet builds an affordable electric crossover SUV, but don't let the name fool you.
Ron Sessions
Though charging and range remain reasons buyers in the United States are less likely to purchase electric vehicles (EVs), another one is price. With the 2024 Equinox EV, Chevrolet addresses the affordability part of the equation.
You're likely familiar with the Chevrolet Equinox, the automaker's compact crossover SUV. The new 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV shares a name with that model. It is all new and built on the General Motors Ultium platform, which forms the basis of numerous GM EVs, including the zapped Equinox's sibling, the larger and more expensive midsize Blazer EV.
Initially, the 2024 Equinox EV comes in 2LT, 3LT, 2RS, and 3RS trim levels with single-motor front-wheel-drive (FWD) or dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations. New Equinox EV prices range from the low $40,000s to the low $50,000s, including the destination charge, to ship it from the Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, assembly plant to your local dealership.
Ron Sessions
Later in 2024, the more affordable Equinox EV 1LT arrives with a base price starting in the mid-$30,000s. All Equinox EV models qualify for the $7,500 federal income tax credit, which can dramatically lower the price, dipping it into the high $20,000s for the 1LT trim level.
After a test drive, I can say that the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offers sporty looks, a roomy and pleasantly equipped interior, ample storage and cargo space, up-to-date technology, and agreeable road manners.
Ron Sessions
Up to 319 Miles of Driving Range in the 2024 Equinox EV
Chevrolet equips every 2024 Equinox EV with an 85-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery. Single-motor, front-wheel-drive versions have 213 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and the dual-motor all-wheel-drive (eAWD) variants offer a total of 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque.
Official EPA range and efficiency estimates claim the Equinox EV four-wheel drive travels 319 miles on a fully charged battery, consuming electricity at 31 kWh per 100 miles. The Equinox EV eAWD earns a 285-mile range rating and uses 35 kWh per 100 miles.
According to Chevrolet, the Equinox EV is compatible with 150-kilowatt (kW) DC fast chargers and can add an estimated 70 miles of driving range in 10 minutes. Alternatively, using an 11.5-kW 240-volt Level 2 AC home or public charger can add 34 miles of range per hour.
All Equinox EVs offer Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and customizable MyMode drive settings, which affect acceleration, deceleration, steering effort, and drive sounds. Drivers can also use a one-pedal driving mode to bring the SUV to a stop by simply releasing the accelerator pedal. The maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.
Ron Sessions
The Equinox EV Is Smooth, Quiet, and Available with Super Cruise
My Equinox EV 3RS test vehicle was FWD, sported snazzy Red Hot paint, and had the optional Active Safety Package 3 and a twin-panel sunroof. Those upgrades brought the manufacturer's suggested retail price to $50,995, including the $1,395 destination charge.
Chevy gives the Equinox EV an appealing design that should age well, and the 3RS trim looks terrific on its black 21-inch wheels. Open the driver's door, and you'll find getting in is easy, though the step-in height is more like a car than an SUV. The standard flush door handles pop out when you push the unlock button on the remote or touch them with your finger.
Ron Sessions
Starting the drive from downtown Detroit, I appreciated the Equinox EV's compact size and outward visibility, making the SUV simple to maneuver. Like most EVs, the Equinox EV's cabin is hushed, perhaps amplifying the evident thuds of road impacts from the large wheels traveling over the city's many patched and uneven pavement sections. Overall, however, the Equinox EV's balance of ride quality and control in an urban environment was agreeable.
After merging onto Detroit's well-maintained freeway network, the Equinox EV's communicative and nicely weighted electric steering made the SUV feel stable at higher speeds. I also appreciated the big four-wheel-disc brakes and their quick, predictable response, especially when another vehicle cut unexpectedly into my lane. Wind noise proved negligible.
Ron Sessions
The freeway drive was also an excellent time to test the Super Cruise hands-free driving system, part of the optional Active Safety Package 3 upgrade. After releasing the steering wheel, it performed as expected, even through a series of curves.
Activate the turn-signal lever, and Super Cruise's automatic lane-change feature will overtake a slower vehicle ahead. The technology automatically checks for traffic in the adjacent lane, changes lanes when it is safe, and returns to the original lane after making the pass.
Chevrolet claims the Equinox EV I drove can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. (It lists a 5.9-second time for eAWD versions.) The FWD version feels quicker than that due to the instant torque available at the push of the accelerator.
The steering-wheel paddles allow you to customize the amount of brake regeneration. I like the standard pedal feel, but the Equinox EV offers one-pedal driving. It works well, bringing the SUV to a complete and smooth stop by lifting your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Ron Sessions
Comfort and Capability With a Healthy Helping of Technology
Super Cruise may get the top tech billing in the new Equinox EV, but it caps an extensive roster of standard safety features.
In addition to a standard Chevy Safety Assist package of the basics, the 2LT, 2RS, 3LT, and 3RS models have adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, rear parking sensors with reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. Chevy's haptic Safety Alert Seat, which pulses the driver's seat cushion to call attention to evolving safety concerns, is also standard.
In addition to those driving aids, the Equinox EV has a pair of bright and colorful LCD screens, including a customizable 11.0-inch driver information display and a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in landscape orientation. Drivers enjoy a logical mix of physical and electronic controls. Notable among them is the shifter mounted to the steering column, which frees up space on the center console.
Ron Sessions
The infotainment system has Google built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and apps through the Google Play store. I quickly paired my Android phone and found the infotainment system intuitive and effortless. It retains a physical knob for adjusting audio volume, but other interactions require the buttons on the steering wheel, on-screen prompts, or voice control.
Ron Sessions
The Equinox EV's front seats proved comfortable during my test drive and had good bolstering. With 3RS trim, the SUV offers dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable front passenger's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. In addition, the back seat is surprisingly roomy, offering generous headroom and legroom for three adults.
With the shifter moved to the steering column, the center console storage space is generous. Cargo space is ample enough for several airport roll-aboard bags, measuring 26.4 cubic-feet after you power the liftgate up. Fold the 60/40-split rear seat down, and the EV provides 57.2 cu-ft of space. Chevrolet includes a hidden storage well under the adjustable-height cargo floor, making it an ideal place to stash a purse or computer bag.
Ron Sessions
Chevrolet Now Sells a Stylish, Family-Friendly EV at an Affordable Price
With the 2024 Equinox EV, Chevrolet offers a truly family-friendly five-passenger electric SUV with style, modern technology, and practical utility at an affordable price. Thanks to its 319-mile estimated maximum driving range, the new Equinox EV is an attractive alternative to other compact electric crossovers, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Honda Prologue, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X, and Volkswagen ID4.
Chevrolet provided the vehicle for this 2024 Equinox EV review and paid for airfare, lodging, and meals during the evaluation period.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Ron SessionsRon Sessions is a seasoned vehicle evaluator with more than three decades of experience. He has penned hundreds of road tests for automotive and consumer websites, enthusiast magazines, newsletters, technical journals, and newspapers.
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