If you like the idea of an affordable, long‑range electric SUV, a certified pre-owned Chevrolet Equinox EV deserves a serious look. The Equinox EV combines compact‑SUV practicality with up to roughly 300+ miles of range, modern tech, and the peace of mind that comes with GM’s certified pre-owned (CPO) backing, if you know what to look for before you sign.
A quick note on availability
The Equinox EV is a brand‑new model (U.S. production started in 2024), so the certified pre-owned supply is still limited. Early off‑lease vehicles and dealer demos will begin appearing in more meaningful numbers through 2026–2027. That makes it even more important to understand how to evaluate the few you do find.
Why a certified pre-owned Chevrolet Equinox EV makes sense
Key advantages of a CPO Equinox EV
Why many shoppers prefer CPO over a regular used purchase
Extra protection
Modern range & tech
Depreciation discount
In a crowded compact‑SUV segment, the Equinox EV aims to be the value play: long range, familiar Chevy ergonomics, and aggressive pricing versus rivals from Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen. Buying certified pre-owned lets you capture much of that value without taking the full brunt of first‑owner depreciation.
Chevrolet Equinox EV at a glance
Chevrolet Equinox EV basics: trims, range, and charging
Before you shop for a certified pre-owned Equinox EV, it pays to understand the basics. All Equinox EVs ride on GM’s Ultium platform and use a roughly 85‑kWh lithium‑ion battery. The main differences from a buyer’s perspective are trim, drivetrain, and available options like bigger wheels or advanced driver assistance.
Typical U.S. Equinox EV configurations
Exact features and ratings vary by model year, but this gives you a working snapshot of what you’re likely to see on the CPO lot.
| Trim | Drivetrain | EPA-est. range* | Approx. power | Key highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT 1 | FWD or AWD | FWD up to ~319 mi; AWD low‑ to mid‑300s | ~220 hp FWD / ~300 hp AWD | Value trim, 17.7" center screen, Chevy Safety Assist, 19" wheels |
| LT 2 | FWD or AWD | Similar to LT 1 | Same as LT 1 | Adds comfort features like heated seats & steering wheel, roof rails, more appearance and convenience upgrades |
| RS | FWD or AWD | Similar to LT 1 | Same as LT 1 | Sportier styling, larger wheels (up to 21"), blacked‑out trim, additional tech and safety options |
Always verify the specific equipment and ratings of the exact vehicle you’re considering.
Wheel size matters for range
Many RS models wear larger 21‑inch wheels and wider tires that look terrific but can trim some real‑world range versus LT trims on 19‑inch wheels. If you commute long distances, ask for actual EPA figures and consider a range‑focused wheel/tire package.
Charging is straightforward. Every Equinox EV offers at least 11.5 kW Level 2 AC charging, and some higher trims can be equipped with 19.2 kW onboard charging. Public DC fast charging tops out around 150 kW, respectable, but not class‑leading, so plan on roughly 30–45 minutes for a 10–80% top‑up during a road trip under good conditions.
How GM Certified Pre-Owned works for electric vehicles
GM’s Certified Pre-Owned program was designed around gas vehicles, but it now extends to many EVs, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV, as used inventory becomes available. That means a CPO Equinox EV typically has to meet stricter standards than a regular used Chevy on a corner lot.
- Age and mileage caps, so you’re not looking at the oldest, highest‑mile examples.
- A multi‑point inspection that covers major systems, including the high‑voltage battery and charging equipment.
- Factory‑backed limited warranty extensions, which stack on top of any remaining original bumper‑to‑bumper and battery coverage.
- Roadside assistance and, on many CPO vehicles, courtesy transportation benefits during covered repairs.
Know what "certified" actually means
Different dealers use the word “certified” loosely. A true GM Certified Pre-Owned Equinox EV should show up in GM’s own CPO inventory tools and have official CPO paperwork, not just a dealer‑branded inspection sticker.
GM CPO Equinox EV
- Backed by Chevrolet/GM, not just the selling dealer.
- Includes factory‑approved inspections and standardized coverage.
- Typically includes some form of roadside assistance.
- Easier to understand if an issue crosses state lines or you move.
Dealer "certified" only
- Terms and coverage can vary widely by store.
- Warranty may be short or limited to that single location.
- Inspection checklists aren’t always EV‑specific.
- Resale value benefit is often weaker than GM CPO branding.
Battery health on a CPO Equinox EV: what to look for
With any used EV, the single most important question is battery health. The Equinox EV’s Ultium pack is engineered for long life, but daily DC fast‑charging, extreme climates, or consistently running to 0% can take a toll over time.
Battery health checks before you buy
1. Review battery warranty status
Chevrolet’s EVs typically carry long high‑voltage battery warranties measured in years and miles. Confirm the in‑service date and mileage so you know exactly how much factory battery coverage is left on the Equinox EV you’re considering.
2. Ask for documented charging habits
Light home Level 2 charging is ideal. A history of almost exclusive DC fast charging, especially in very hot climates, may accelerate degradation. Service records and connected‑car reports can help paint a picture.
3. Compare indicated range to EPA ratings
With the battery at 100%, compare the displayed range estimate to the original EPA figure for that trim. A small gap is normal and reflects driving style and conditions, but a dramatic shortfall may warrant deeper investigation.
4. Look for warning lights or software updates
Make sure there are no high‑voltage or charging‑system warnings and that recall campaigns or important software updates have been performed. On a CPO unit, the dealer should provide documentation.
5. Consider independent diagnostics
For a high‑value purchase, it can be worth obtaining a third‑party EV battery health report or shopping with a retailer that already includes battery diagnostics, like Recharged’s <strong>Recharged Score</strong> report.
How Recharged handles battery health
Every used EV sold through Recharged includes a Recharged Score battery health report. That means verified pack condition, real‑world range estimates, and expert interpretation, so you’re not left guessing about the most expensive component on the vehicle.
Warranty coverage and maintenance costs
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One of the biggest selling points of a certified pre-owned Chevrolet Equinox EV is the combination of remaining original warranty and any added CPO coverage. The exact mix will depend on model year, mileage, and when the original owner took delivery.
- High‑voltage battery and electric drive coverage: Typically measured in years and high mileage caps, often longer than the basic warranty.
- Bumper‑to‑bumper warranty: Some portion will usually remain on a young CPO Equinox EV, plus any extension from the GM CPO program.
- Corrosion and roadside assistance: Important if you live in snowbelt states or plan long‑distance travel.
- Software and infotainment support: Important for features like Google built‑in, over‑the‑air updates, and advanced driver‑assist systems.
Good news on EV maintenance
Compared with a similarly sized gas SUV, an Equinox EV has no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and no traditional transmission. You’ll still budget for tires, cabin filters, brake fluid, and occasional services, but overall maintenance costs are typically lower over time.
Pricing: what to expect for a used Equinox EV
Because the Equinox EV is new to the market and volumes are ramping up, there isn’t a decade of pricing history yet. But we can outline the forces that will shape certified pre-owned Equinox EV pricing over the next several years.
What drives CPO Equinox EV pricing?
Four variables that matter more than a simple model‑year badge
Age & mileage
Region & incentives
Battery & warranty status
Trim & options
Watch total cost, not just price
When you compare a certified pre-owned Equinox EV to a new one, consider total cost of ownership: the purchase price, expected incentives on used EVs in your state, insurance, energy costs, and maintenance. A well‑priced CPO example can be a sweet spot between payment and peace of mind.
How a CPO Equinox EV compares to rival EVs
If you’re shopping a certified pre-owned Chevrolet Equinox EV, you’re very likely cross‑shopping a used Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, or Volkswagen ID.4. Each brings its own strengths, but the Equinox EV stakes out a compelling position on value and familiarity.
Equinox EV vs. common rival used EVs (high-level snapshot)
This is a conceptual comparison to frame your decision, always compare the exact trims and options you’re considering.
| Model (used) | Typical strength | Potential downside for some shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | Strong value, competitive range, simple trim walk, widely available Chevy service network. | DC fast‑charging speeds are solid but not class‑leading; brand‑new to the market so long‑term data is still developing. |
| Tesla Model Y | Very broad charging network, strong efficiency, mature software ecosystem. | Interior and ride feel very different from traditional SUVs; some shoppers prefer dealer service over direct‑to‑consumer model. |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Standout styling, extremely fast DC charging, refined ride. | Shorter warranty left on early used examples; availability can vary widely by region. |
| Kia EV6 | Sporty driving character, quick charging, upscale cabin on higher trims. | Rear visibility and learning curve for controls not for everyone. |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | Comfortable ride, practical interior space, strong safety scores. | Software has improved but still not everyone’s favorite; charging performance varies by model year and battery. |
Ranges are rounded, and real‑world results vary with driving style, weather, and wheel/tire choice.
Checklist: shopping for a certified pre-owned Equinox EV
Step‑by‑step CPO Equinox EV shopping checklist
1. Confirm it’s truly GM Certified
Ask the dealer to show official GM CPO documentation and confirm the vehicle appears in GM’s certified inventory systems, not just on a dealer‑branded “certified” list.
2. Pull a full history report
Request a vehicle history report to check for accidents, flood damage, odometer issues, or lemon‑law buybacks. With a new model like the Equinox EV, structural damage is a red flag.
3. Verify all open recalls are addressed
Ask for a printout of recall and service campaigns using the VIN, and ensure all safety‑related items and important software updates have been completed.
4. Get battery health documentation
Request any available battery diagnostics, and note real‑world range estimates. If you’re shopping online, choose a seller that publishes this information, not just a generic “battery OK” line.
5. Inspect charging equipment
Make sure the portable charge cord (if equipped) is included and test public charging before finalizing the deal if possible. A damaged inlet or misbehaving charger can be expensive.
6. Test drive your real commute
If you can, drive a route similar to your daily commute at highway speeds. Watch consumption and range estimates to make sure the Equinox EV fits your routine with margin to spare.
7. Compare financing and total cost
Run payments for CPO versus new, and factor any used‑EV incentives or tax credits in your state. Sometimes a slightly higher price on a CPO unit with stronger coverage is the smarter long‑term move.
How Recharged helps you buy with confidence
Buying a relatively new EV like the Equinox EV can feel intimidating; there isn’t a long track record, and many traditional dealers are still learning the nuances of used EVs. That’s where a specialist can make a difference.
Why many buyers choose Recharged for used EVs
Designed from the ground up around electric vehicles, not adapted from gas‑car processes.
Recharged Score report
Flexible ways to sell or trade
Nationwide delivery & EV pros
Try comparing several used EVs side‑by‑side
On Recharged, you can line up a certified pre-owned Equinox EV against other used EVs, compare Recharged Scores, warranty status, and pricing, and quickly see which one fits your driving and budget best.
FAQ: certified pre-owned Chevrolet Equinox EV
Frequently asked questions about CPO Equinox EVs
Bottom line: is a certified pre-owned Equinox EV right for you?
If you’re looking for a practical, modern electric SUV that doesn’t demand a luxury‑car budget, a certified pre-owned Chevrolet Equinox EV is well worth putting on your test‑drive list. You get competitive range, up‑to‑date safety tech, and the familiarity of a Chevy dealership network, all while letting the first owner absorb the steepest depreciation.
Take the time to verify true GM CPO status, dig into battery health, and compare total cost of ownership against both new and other used EVs. If you’d rather have those steps handled for you, platforms like Recharged, with expert EV support, transparent Recharged Score reports, flexible trade‑in options, and nationwide delivery, can make buying a used Equinox EV feel as straightforward as any traditional car purchase, just with far fewer stops at the gas station.
