After introducing a slew of expensive EVs, GM entered the lower-priced, higher-volume EV segments around last year. First, there was the mid-size Chevrolet Blazer EV, followed by the Chevrolet Equinox EV offering compact SUV buyers a budget all-electric option.
Recently, we got to spend time with the all-electric Chevrolet Equinox EV LT version in the Riptide Blue Metallic shade. Here’s what we found:
Design
The Chevrolet Equinox EV has a clean, modern exterior with bold headlights and tail lights, sculpted surfaces, sleek lines, and pull-type flush door handles. Muscular haunches, 21-inch wheels, decent ground clearance, and a wide body lend it a commanding stance. Elements like the textured pattern on the closed front grille, raked C-pillar, and concave surfacing on the liftgate, etc. help it look more stylish and upscale than a typical gas-powered compact SUV.
My favorite part of the exterior is the lighting. GM designers have split the headlights into two and placed the low and high beam lights discreetly in the grille surround area. The animated light sequence of the daytime running lights and the tail lights lend the SUV a high-tech, futuristic look.
Interior
Moving to the cabin, the dashboard is inspired by the Blazer EV, while the compact steering wheel is the same unit. All essential functions can be controlled with knobs, switches, or buttons; GM hasn’t exaggerated digitalization and complicated the interior. There are plenty of clever storage solutions in the cabin, including an open space below the front center console.
Experience in the Equinox EV
The dual-tone blue body and white roof look premium, but step inside and things get simpler. The door doesn’t shut with a solid thud, it feels a bit light, but that’s expected at this price point. The center console is wide and practical. There are two cup holders, USB-C ports, space for a phone, and a large storage bin under the armrest.
The driver’s seat is comfortable and power-adjustable. For someone 5’8″, you sit slightly knees-up, but it’s better than the experience in other born-EV models like the Ioniq 5. The windshield is sharply raked, which takes some getting used to, and outward visibility is average. The mirrors are small, and we’d recommend a bigger unit for the facelift to reduce blind spots.
In the rear, you get good knee room and decent headroom for someone my height, thanks to a scooped-out roof under the sunroof. The floor’s still a bit high, but overall comfort is good. The cabin is wide enough for three adults, with a center armrest and two cupholders. The fabric seats are basic but cushioned well. Overall, the Equinox EV is practical, roomy, and we have no real complaints for the price.
Specifications
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV is available in five trims, LT 1, LT 2, and RS, with FWD or AWD. The FWD version makes 220 hp and 243 lb.-ft., while the AWD setup delivers 300 hp and 355 lb.-ft. thanks to dual motors. The EPA-estimated range is an impressive 319 miles for the FWD, and 285 miles for the AWD, using a lithium-ion battery.
Charging at 11.5 kW adds up to 36 miles per hour, and 150 kW DC fast charging adds 77 miles in 10 minutes. The Equinox EV rides on MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup at the rear. It gets 19- or 21-inch wheels and offers a new Habanero Orange paint for MY2025. Inside, there’s 102 cu. ft. of passenger space, 57.2 cu. ft. of cargo space with seats down. Towing capacity is 1,500 lbs with the optional hitch.
Price
The 2025 Equinox EV, which is imported from Mexico, starts at $31,995 for the LT1 FWD, and $46,090 for the RS AWD (excludes incentives; tax, title, license and dealer fees extra).
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
