Chevrolet hopes the brand new Equinox EV will get American patrons off the fence. It addresses their two largest issues over EVs, value and vary, with a base value of $34,995 earlier than tax credit and a 319-mile attain. These figures alone make this a particularly compelling automobile.
The Equinox EV went on sale earlier this yr as a 2024 mannequin yr, however this most cost-effective model is new for 2025. And this one here’s a true base mannequin—no choices, $34,995 MSRP. It rides on GM’s Ultium EV platform, shared with all the pieces from this Equinox to the large GMC Hummer EV, and it has a single 223-horsepower motor driving the entrance wheels. Going all-wheel drive provides $5,200 to the bottom value.
As a lot as it is a competitor to decrease priced EVs just like the Hyundai Kona Electrical, this Equinox competes with gasoline and hybrid crossovers just like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and sure, Chevy’s personal internal-combustion Equinox. The lengthy vary and reasonably priced base value are supposed to tempt patrons away from gasoline and into electrical energy.
We’ve bought this Riptide Blue Metallic tester in for every week. I’m very curious to see if it’s a adequate various to gasoline crossovers.
What’s Good So Far
- It doesn’t really feel like a base mannequin. Sure, the seats are non-power-adjustable and trimmed in material, and the steering wheel is roofed in vinyl, however the Equinox feels stable and prime quality all through. What helps is that each one Equinox EVs get a normal and fairly massive digital gauge cluster and infotainment display—no large bezels to be discovered right here.
- It appears very environment friendly. I solely picked up the automobile yesterday, however on a 30-plus mile drive from the New Jersey suburbs to New York Metropolis the place I averaged round 30 mph—site visitors!—I averaged 3.7 mi/kWh. Not unhealthy in any respect given the frigid temperatures within the Northeast proper now.
- It’s loads of automobile for the cash. Look, a $35,000 crossover is reasonable by fashionable requirements, whether or not an EV or not. And if you will get one whereas we nonetheless have the $7,500 federal tax credit score in place, the Equinox EV is a discount.
What’s Not So Good
- No heated seats. Sometimes, complaining a few lack of luxuries in a base-model automobile is silly, however there’s some logic right here. It takes quite a bit much less vitality to warmth up an individual through contact factors, like heated seats and steering wheel, than it does through the use of local weather management to get the cabin to a sure temperature. (Sarcastically, the one that advised me that may be a GM engineer.) Heated seats could be a pleasant nod in the direction of saving vitality right here.
- Unhealthy visibility. The low hood, ahead seating place, and big A-pillars make this automobile troublesome to position on the highway. It’s positively disorienting at first.
- Lackluster trip. The Equinox EV positively isn’t unhealthy, and customarily, it’s fairly comfy, however the trip is commonly busy. It’s a must to remind your self that this factor is quite a bit heavier than your common gas-powered crossover of comparable measurement.
It’s early days. I’ve solely put round 40 miles on the Equinox, so there’s nonetheless quite a bit to study it. However I’m excited. If People need EVs, this may be the most effective choices but. Inexpensive, with road-trip vary, and within the crossover type issue everybody loves.
