Equinox or Equinox EV: Which Is Better for You?

This is a great question and one that we’re asked a lot by customers who come to us looking for a Chevy Equinox for sale in Cincinnati while exploring their options. The answer, however, is not always simple and comes down to a variety of details and your specific circumstances, as well as what you’re looking for in your next ride. There are certain things that both of these models have in common, along with numerous details that set them apart—the most obvious being that one is all-electric.

Choosing the right SUV isn’t always easy, which is why we’re committed to helping all of our customers with everything they need. Let’s take a closer look at these two models and what they offer to get a better sense of each; then, we can figure out which one is right for you.

Performance and Efficiency

Although there are numerous differences between these two vehicles, the most notable is how each of them is powered. The 2025 Chevy Equinox is a gas-powered vehicle with a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine that provides 175 hp and up to 203 lb-ft of torque; it is available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

By comparison, the Equinox EV is an all-electric vehicle powered by an 85-kWh battery, with options for either a single motor for FWD or a pair of motors for AWD. A single-motor Equinox EV provides 220 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, while dual-motor models are incredibly fun to drive thanks to 300 hp and 355 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel efficiency with the gas-powered Equinox is quite impressive, thanks to its compact design and excellent engineering. FWD models get an estimated 26 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and up to 400 miles of range from a full tank; going with AWD alters that slightly to 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

A single-motor Equinox EV can go an estimated 319 miles from a full charge, while dual-motor models get about 307 miles of range. If you’re in a situation where you can easily charge your vehicle at home overnight, then leaving the gas pump behind is a huge advantage and makes driving the Equinox EV incredibly simple and convenient.

Overall Size and Dimensions

One point worth considering when looking for your next vehicle is how much room you have in your life for it and how much space you need inside. Although both of these Equinox models have a lot in common, there are some key differences between them in terms of size.

These are both compact SUVs with two rows of seating inside that can safely accommodate five passengers when you hit the road. That said, the traditional Equinox measures about 183 inches in total length, nearly 75 inches in width, and stands about 65 inches tall. By comparison, the Equinox EV is slightly larger and measures more than 190 inches in length, nearly 77 inches in width, but is just under 65 inches in height.

The traditional Equinox is a bit more spacious inside. You’ll find 40 inches of headroom and nearly 41 inches of legroom up front, along with just under 40 inches of headroom and 40 inches of legroom in the rear seats. With the Equinox EV, on the other hand, you get a little over 39 inches of headroom and nearly 42 inches of legroom up front, along with less than 39 inches of headroom and 38 inches of legroom in the back.

In total, the Equinox has 104 cu.ft. of total passenger volume inside, while the Equinox EV has 102 cu.ft. of passenger space. Perhaps more notably, the Equinox has nearly 30 cu.ft. of rear cargo space and more than 63 cu.ft. of total cargo volume behind the first row, while the Equinox EV has just over 26 cu.ft. of rear cargo room and about 57 cu.ft. of total cargo volume—so you get more space inside the traditional Equinox to take advantage of.

Interior Comfort and Tech Features

Since these are both Chevy SUVs, you can count on them to have impressive standard and available features inside, creating a vehicle that you’ll look forward to driving each day. Looking at the Equinox LT (its base trim), we find a beautiful 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google Built-In, plus an 11-inch Driver Information Center screen and a six-speaker sound system.

A heated and wrapped steering wheel is standard, along with Keyless Open and Start, Remote Start, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Available features include comfortable Evotex seating with an eight-way power driver’s seat, a wireless charging pad, and heated front and rear seats that are perfect for winter.

Electric vehicles are known for being loaded with exciting tech features, and the Equinox EV is no exception. Standard features in the 2025 Equinox EV include a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, along with an 11-inch Driver Information Center. A six-speaker sound system is standard here, plus you get Adaptive Cruise Control, Remote Start via the myChevrolet mobile app, and much more.

Available options include similar Evotex seating, a head-up display that projects drive data onto the windshield, and even GM’s innovative Super Cruise hands-free driving tool. This is a stunning selection of options that can transform your time on the road in Cincinnati each day.

Trim Levels and Price Differences

Finally, we should briefly talk about the overall options that are available to you with these two models. The 2025 Equinox has three different trim levels: the base LT, the rugged ACTIV, and the sporty RS. By comparison, only two trims are offered for the Equinox EV: the base LT and the sporty RS. You get a bit more freedom to configure your SUV the way you want if you go with the traditional Equinox, which is also offered at a starting price that’s about $5k lower than the Equinox EV.

Note, however, that the 2025 Equinox EV can qualify for up to $7,500 of federal tax credits. The exact amount available depends on a number of factors, including your adjusted gross income, so keep that in mind. If you qualify for the full credit, it can actually be applied here at McCluskey Chevrolet toward the final purchase cost of your Equinox EV, thereby greatly reducing its price.

This can make the Equinox EV a more budget-friendly option, especially when combined with easy overnight charging compared to going to the gas pump. Make sure you know whether you qualify for the full tax credit before making a final decision; it’s a good idea to talk to a tax professional to be certain.

Two Fantastic SUVs for Cincinnati Drivers

As you can see, these are both fantastic SUVs with a lot to offer; the right one for you ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to stick with a gas-powered vehicle, prefer a bit more space, and like having three trim levels to choose from, then the traditional Equinox is the better choice. On the other hand, if you want the enhanced performance and impressive all-electric range of the Equinox EV, along with its incredible tech features and options, then it’s clearly the right choice for you.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you want and which of these stunning compact SUVs delivers the features you’re looking for. And if you’re still not sure which one that is, then we’re here and ready to help.