The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV is General Motors’ attempt to put a genuinely mainstream-priced, long-range electric SUV into American driveways. On paper it looks compelling: up to roughly 319 miles of range, a big 17.7‑inch touchscreen, and pricing that undercuts most rival EV crossovers. In this 2024 Equinox EV review we’ll cut through the launch buzz and look at what it’s like as an everyday family EV, and how it’s likely to fare once it starts showing up on the used market.
Context: model years vs calendar years
2024 Chevy Equinox EV overview
Built on GM’s Ultium EV platform, the 2024 Equinox EV is a compact, two-row crossover roughly the size of a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR‑V. It’s positioned below the Blazer EV in Chevy’s lineup, but interestingly, it actually offers similar passenger space and slightly more cargo volume behind the rear seats.
Equinox EV at a glance
The hook is simple: give you nearly long‑range Tesla or Hyundai Ioniq 5 mileage, but at a price closer to an upgraded gas Equinox. The reality is a little more nuanced, especially around interior quality, options packaging, and charging, but the Equinox EV does some important things right.
Key specs, powertrain and range
Powertrain and range options
Two basic choices: more range or more traction
Single‑motor FWD
Approx. 213–220 hp, 236 lb‑ft
- Ultium battery pack in two sizes depending on trim
- Best‑case EPA range around 319 miles
- More efficient and cheaper than AWD
Dual‑motor AWD
Approx. 288–300 hp, 333 lb‑ft
- Standard larger battery pack
- EPA range in the 285–307 mile ballpark
- Quicker acceleration and better all‑weather traction
For a compact SUV, those range numbers are strong, competitive with long‑range versions of the Ford Mustang Mach‑E, Nissan Ariya and VW ID.4. Real‑world highway tests have seen roughly 260 miles out of both FWD and AWD versions at 70 mph, which is solid given winter conditions and mixed driving in some of the early reviews.
Range tip
- Ultium battery pack with liquid cooling and an 8‑year/100,000‑mile battery warranty
- Standard one‑pedal driving with fairly strong regenerative braking
- Heat pump hardware to help preserve range in colder climates
- Front‑wheel drive layout by default, with optional eAWD on most trims
Pricing, trims and value story
Chevy’s original headline for the Equinox EV was a roughly $35,000 starting price for the 1LT. Launch timing has shifted, and the earliest build mix leaned heavily toward better‑equipped 2LT and RS models, but the basic pricing picture is still one of the most aggressive among compact EV SUVs.
2024 Equinox EV trims and approximate pricing
Exact pricing and availability vary by region and model‑year build mix, but this gives you the general ladder.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Approx. starting MSRP* | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1LT | FWD | ≈$35,000 | Late‑availability base model; cloth seats, big screen, long range, but many comfort features optional. |
| 2LT | FWD or AWD | ≈$43,000 | Adds more comfort and appearance features, popular volume trim. |
| 2RS | FWD or AWD | ≈$44,500 | Sportier styling, larger wheels, similar equipment to 2LT. |
| 3LT | FWD or AWD | ≈$45,000 | More premium interior touches, ventilated seats and more options. |
| 3RS | FWD or AWD | ≈$46,500+ | Top trim with the most features and the sportiest look. |
Most Equinox EV trims also qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which can effectively drop transaction prices into the high‑$20,000s to mid‑$30,000s for many buyers.
About that “$35,000 EV” headline
Where the Equinox EV really stands out is when you factor in the federal EV tax credit. Many configurations are assembled in North America with qualifying battery components, so a $43,000 2LT can effectively behave like a mid‑$30,000 vehicle once the $7,500 incentive is applied, before any state or local benefits.
Interior space, comfort and tech
Cabin and cargo room
If you’re cross‑shopping the Equinox EV against gas compact SUVs, it lands squarely in the “family‑friendly but not oversized” camp. There’s ample head‑ and legroom for adults in both rows, and the cargo area is genuinely useful, Edmunds’ real‑world luggage testing backs up Chevy’s specs, and even shows this smaller EV out‑trunking the larger Blazer EV.
Interior strengths
- Space utilization: Flat floor and generous rear legroom make the back seat comfortable for adults.
- Cargo flexibility: Split‑fold rear seats and an optional dual‑height cargo floor help with bulky items.
- Big screens: An 11‑inch digital cluster and 17.7‑inch infotainment screen are standard on most trims.
- Available comfort features: Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel on higher trims.
Interior tradeoffs
- Material quality: Surfaces and switchgear feel closer to a budget SUV than a near‑luxury EV, especially in lower trims.
- Base‑trim stinginess: Manual front seats, missing small features (like lighted visor mirrors) and no standard wireless charging in early LT reviews.
- No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: GM’s Google Built‑in approach replaces phone mirroring, which some drivers will dislike.
Infotainment caveat
Driving experience: how the Equinox EV feels on the road
Driving impressions from early long‑term tests paint the Equinox EV as an easygoing, confidence‑inspiring commuter rather than a performance EV. The Ultium platform’s low center of gravity and multi‑link rear suspension keep body motions in check, but Chevy has clearly tuned this for comfort and predictability over excitement.
On‑road character
Comfort‑biased, with usable performance
Ride & refinement
The Equinox EV is quiet and composed, especially at city and suburban speeds. Wind and road noise are well suppressed for the price point, and the suspension takes the edge off most impacts.
Acceleration
Even the single‑motor versions feel adequately quick off the line thanks to instant EV torque. Dual‑motor AWD adds more punch, but this still isn’t a hot‑rod EV like a Mustang Mach‑E GT.
Handling
Steering is light and easy around town, with predictable responses. It’s not particularly engaging on a backroad, but for commuting and family duty, that may be exactly what you want.
In a week of mixed winter driving, one tester averaged about 3.5 mi/kWh in an Equinox EV LT, good efficiency for a boxy SUV, with the potential to do even better in warmer weather.
Taken together, the Equinox EV drives like what it is: a compact family crossover that happens to be electric, not a science project or an enthusiast toy. If you’re coming out of a gas Equinox or similar compact SUV, the learning curve will be short, aside from one‑pedal driving, which most new EV drivers end up appreciating quickly.
Charging speed and road-trip viability
Charging performance snapshot
Charging hardware on the Equinox EV is competitive rather than groundbreaking. A roughly 150‑kW DC fast‑charge ceiling is fine for this segment, though it trails the ultra‑fast 230–350 kW peaks you’ll see advertised by a few pricier EVs. What matters more is how consistently the Equinox can hold strong charging speeds across the 10–80% band, and early testing suggests it performs respectably, if not spectacularly.
How the Equinox EV fits into your charging life
1. Home charging is where it shines
On a 40‑ or 48‑amp Level 2 home charger, you can easily replenish a day’s commute overnight. That’s where the Equinox EV’s efficiency and range combine to make ownership feel almost effortless.
2. Plan DC fast‑charge stops realistically
Assume comfortable legs of 180–220 highway miles between fast‑charge stops, leaving buffer for weather and speed. That’s plenty for most U.S. highway corridors.
3. Mind winter range
Like every EV, you’ll see more range loss in cold weather, especially at 70–80 mph. Preconditioning the battery and cabin while plugged in helps a lot.
4. Use apps to find reliable stations
Pair Chevy’s route planning with third‑party apps like PlugShare to filter by power level, reliability scores and amenities. Not all “fast” chargers are created equal.
Safety note on home charging
2024 Equinox EV vs key competitors
On specs alone, the Equinox EV punches above its price bracket. But EV shoppers don’t buy spreadsheets, they buy experiences. Here’s how Chevy’s compact Ultium SUV stacks up against the usual suspects you’re likely to cross‑shop.
Equinox EV vs rival compact electric SUVs
High‑level comparison of where the Equinox EV leads or lags.
| Model | Starting price (approx.) | Max range (EPA) | Fast‑charge peak | What it does best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy Equinox EV | ≈$35k–$40k before incentives | Up to ~319 mi | ≈150 kW | Excellent range for the money, big screen, practical interior. |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Low $40ks | ≈303 mi | ≈235 kW | Super‑fast charging, standout design, refined interior. |
| Ford Mustang Mach‑E | High $30ks–$40ks | Up to ≈320 mi | ≈150 kW | Sportier drive, strong brand appeal, more performance variants. |
| VW ID.4 | Mid $30ks | ≈291 mi | ≈170 kW | Comfortable ride, solid feature mix, improving software. |
| Nissan Ariya | Low $40ks | Up to ≈304 mi | ≈130 kW | Quiet cabin, upscale feel, good driver‑assist tech. |
Exact range and pricing will vary by battery/drivetrain choice and incentives, but this matrix captures the general positioning.
Where Chevy has an edge
Where the Equinox EV shines, and where it falls short
Equinox EV strengths
- Range/price combo: Long‑range capability without Ioniq 5–level pricing.
- Practical space: Genuinely usable rear seat and cargo area for family duty.
- Predictable driving manners: Easy to live with, comfortable, and not intimidating for first‑time EV drivers.
- Ultium platform: Modern battery tech with a long warranty and decent efficiency.
- Tax‑credit eligibility: Many trims qualify for the full $7,500 federal EV credit in the U.S.
Equinox EV limitations
- Interior feels budget‑conscious: Plastics and switchgear don’t match the best in class.
- Options packaging: Desireable comfort and tech features are often bundled in pricey packages.
- No CarPlay/Android Auto: GM’s software strategy is controversial with everyday drivers.
- Charging is good, not great: 150‑kW peak is fine but no longer standout.
- Early‑build availability: The low‑price 1LT may be hard to actually find on dealer lots at first.
Who the 2024 Equinox EV is (and isn’t) for
Is the Equinox EV a good fit for you?
Match the SUV to your real use case
Great for
- Suburban families who want one do‑everything EV with solid range.
- First‑time EV buyers who care more about practicality than performance.
- Commuters with a driveway or garage who can install Level 2 charging.
Also good for
- Company‑car drivers whose employers reimburse electricity or offer workplace charging.
- Road‑trip light duty: Occasional highway trips with planned charging stops.
Probably not for
- Enthusiasts chasing performance EV thrills.
- Drivers who insist on Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.
- Shoppers who prioritize luxury interiors over value and range.
Buying tips, and how this will age on the used EV market
Because the Equinox EV is designed as a mass‑market Ultium vehicle, it’s almost guaranteed to become an important player in the used EV market a few years down the line. That has two implications: one for new buyers today, and one for shoppers who plan to wait for depreciation to do its work.
Smart buying tips for the Equinox EV
1. Start with your charging reality
If you can install Level 2 charging at home, the Equinox EV’s range is arguably more than you need. If you can’t, focus heavily on public charging near your home and workplace before committing.
2. Choose FWD vs AWD based on climate
In snow‑belt states, the eAWD system is worth considering, but don’t over‑buy. Good winter tires on FWD can be surprisingly capable and more efficient.
3. Don’t over‑option the interior
The Equinox EV’s core strengths are range and value. It’s easy to option a 3RS into near‑luxury price territory without actually getting a luxury‑grade cabin. If you want real premium feel, cross‑shop carefully.
4. Think ahead to resale
Trims with the larger battery pack, common option bundles and popular colors are likely to be more liquid on the used market. That can matter both when trading out and when you’re shopping used a few years from now.
How Recharged can help, today or later
2024 Chevy Equinox EV FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the 2024 Equinox EV
Bottom line: is the Equinox EV a good EV SUV?
The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV isn’t trying to be the quickest, flashiest or most luxurious electric SUV on the market, and that’s exactly why it matters. It’s one of the first genuinely mainstream‑priced, long‑range EV crossovers from a Detroit automaker that feels engineered for the realities of suburban family life rather than for social‑media specs battles.
If you value range, practicality and total cost of ownership more than cutting‑edge design or lavish interiors, the Equinox EV deserves a serious look. Its charging performance is solid, its cabin is spacious, and its Ultium battery tech appears well‑engineered for the long haul. The tradeoffs, most notably the no‑CarPlay infotainment strategy and some budget‑grade interior touches, are real, but they’re also the reason this SUV can undercut many rivals on price.
Looking a few years down the road, this is exactly the kind of EV that should age into a compelling used‑market buy: efficient, practical, and simple to live with. When those used Equinox EVs start arriving in volume, Recharged will be here to surface the ones with the healthiest batteries, fairest pricing, and the right feature mix for how you actually drive.
