Starting at
Starting at
210 | Horsepower (hp) | 175 |
5 | Max. Occupancy (seats) | 5 |
11/17.7 | Infotainment (in) | 7/8 |
From running errands to going through your daily routine to hitting the road on your next vacation, few vehicles are as perfectly suited for it all as an SUV. That being said, midsize and larger SUVs may be too large for some people to fit into their lives, which is why compact and subcompact options are so fantastic; they give you all the functionality you need in a size that works for just about any situation.
For years now, the Chevy Equinox has been one of the most popular compact crossover models on the road, and now it's being joined by a revolutionary new sibling: a stellar electric version that offers incredible performance and remarkable features inside and out. So, looking at the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV vs 2024 Chevy Equinox original, how do these two models stack up?
In the grand scheme, they have a lot of similarities—after all, the Equinox EV derives from the gas-powered Equinox—but there are some interesting and surprising differences between them other than their fuel source. In terms of performance, these distinctions are what you would expect, considering one is all-electric while the other has a conventional internal combustion engine.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the Equinox EV, with a single motor generating 210 hp and getting up to 300 miles of range from a full charge with an available 19.2-kW battery. A more powerful dual-motor system is available for those who want boosted performance; this will get you 290 hp and electric all-wheel drive (eAWD). With the traditional Equinox, your sole engine option is a 1.5L Turbo that delivers 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, giving you sporty performance and a fun drive with FWD standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) available.
You have numerous trims to choose from with either model, giving you increasingly excellent cabin features as you move from one to another. For example, the Equinox EV starts with an 11.0-inch infotainment interface and has a 17.7-inch version of this touchscreen available; the traditional Equinox has an 8.0-inch infotainment interface along with luxurious options like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
We're pleased to see that both of these crossover models come with the most cutting-edge safety features thanks to their standard Chevy Safety Assist packages, which include Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and more. Plus, with the Equinox EV, GM's remarkable Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system is available if you want to take your driving experience even further.
No matter what kind of vehicle you're interested in, you deserve a fantastic driving experience; this boils down to the engine in conventional vehicles and the battery/motor pairing in EVs. While the original Chevy Equinox keeps things simple by offering a single impressive engine, you have a few combinations available with the Equinox EV; this lets you choose the right power, range, and overall driving experience for what you're looking for in an electric compact crossover.
The 2024 Chevy Equinox EV has two options for its motor configuration and two different batteries available, ultimately giving you three total combinations. For starters, the standard single-motor FWD version of the Equinox EV delivers 210 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque, with an 11.5-kW battery that gets an estimated 250 miles of range on a full charge. You can also get this single-motor setup with an improved 19.2-kW battery instead, which boosts your total range up to 300 miles on a full charge. For improved performance, you'll want the dual-motor eAWD configuration, which delivers a remarkable 290 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque; its estimated 280 miles of range provides an amazing degree of freedom when you get behind the wheel.
Looking at the 2024 Chevy Equinox, things are a lot simpler since you have only one choice: an impressive 1.5L Turbo I-4 engine that delivers 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission with FWD standard; AWD is available, however, if you want something with improved traction and control. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, you can go far in the standard Equinox with few stops for gas interrupting your life. Both of these crossover models provide you with a great time on the road; your choice simply depends on what you need.
Since the majority of the time you spend with your vehicle is from the driver's seat, it's critical that you choose a ride with a great interior. Fortunately, both the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV and the gas-powered Equinox come through beautifully in this regard. We will admit, however, that the EV model has more to offer, which is no surprise since it's an otherwise entirely new vehicle ready to make a name for itself.
For example, you have three different trim levels to choose from with the Equinox EV, labeled as the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT; note that the latter two have an RS style option available. The standard 1LT model comes with an 11.0-inch infotainment interface paired with an 11.0-inch driver information center screen, both of which are gorgeous, efficient, and user-friendly. Moving up to the 2LT gets you an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, and more. If you go with the incredible 3LT model, then you get a massive 17.7-inch infotainment interface plus more available options, including a head-up display, sunroof, and Bose premium sound system.
With the 2024 Chevy Equinox, you have four trims to choose from: the standard LS, an improved LT, a stylish RS, and the pinnacle Premier. Moving from one to the next provides you with a number of terrific features and upgrades, while even the base LS trim comes with a 7.0-inch infotainment interface with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Choosing the LT gives you heated front seats and a rear power liftgate, while the Premier trim features a larger 8.0-inch infotainment interface, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless phone charger. The right trim for you largely comes down to the features you want, though many of the features available on the LT and RS become standard on the Premier.
Nothing is more important when looking at a vehicle than understanding how well it can help keep you and your loved ones safe. In recent years, Chevy models have become increasingly safe thanks to more advanced safety technology becoming standard, and you can see this beautifully when looking at these two crossover models. Both the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV and the conventional Equinox come with the Chevy Safety Assist driver assistance suite standard on all models, so you get amazing features no matter what else you choose.
Every Equinox comes with a Forward Collision Alert to warn you when a potential crash is detected, with Automatic Emergency Braking to help you avoid it. You also get a Lane Departure Warning to let you know when you seem to be drifting from your lane and Lane Keep Assist to help you stay in place. Front Pedestrian Braking is standard so you can avoid striking pedestrians who unexpectedly step out in front of you, while a Following Distance Indicator warns you when you are too close to the vehicle ahead of you.
The Chevy Equinox EV goes even further with more standard safety features, including Rear Park Assist to help you avoid obstacles while backing up, Rear Cross Traffic Alert in case someone is crossing behind you while you are in reverse, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert to help you avoid vehicles hiding in your blind spot. Perhaps most exciting of all, GM's innovative Super Cruise technology is available for the Equinox EV, giving you true hands-free driving on more than 400,000 miles of roads across North America.