New 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Starts at $30,000
All-wheel-drive versions of the new electric vehicle tout 290 hp and a 280-mile range
By Jeff S. Bartlett
General Motors released pricing and performance details today for its coming Equinox EV, as it continues to aggressively fill out its electric vehicle lineup, including the recent unveilings of Silverado and Blazer EVs. The Equinox EV, considered a small SUV, is based on the company’s Ultium platform that will underpin most of GM’s electric vehicles going forward, and even the upcoming Honda Prologue.
The two key numbers for the Equinox EV: a $30,000 estimated starting price and a range of up to 300 miles for certain front-wheel-drive configurations.
The Equinox EV will be offered with a wide range of convenience features, such as a massive infotainment screen, power hatch, and multifunction smartphone app. Plus, it will come with a solid roster of active safety features, and it will offer hands-free Super Cruise driver assistance technology.
The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV goes on sale in fall 2023, starting with the uplevel 2RS trim. Others, including the base-level 1LT that will start around $30,000, will soon follow. It will be built at GM’s Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, facility.
Here’s what we know so far.
What it competes with: Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4
What it looks like: Generic modern EV
Powertrains: 210-hp with front-wheel drive or 290-hp with all-wheel drive.
Price: $30,000-$48,000 (estimated)
On sale: Fall 2023
CR's Take
The Equinox has long been a mediocre small SUV whose main attraction has been its aggressive pricing and ever-present incentives. The bargain base price of $30,000 for the next-generation model sounds enticing when most electric SUVs start in the $40s. However, the low price brings to mind the Bolt EUV, whose price was recently lowered to $28,195; it truly feels like an entry-level SUV. We hope the shift to the Ultium Platform will bring cost savings that allows the Equinox EV to feel on a par with non-electric $30,000 small SUVs.
The Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV will soon give Chevrolet electric models in popular segments. And significantly, this three-pronged release next year will draw more customers to EVs who were deterred by pricing and availability; the large Chevrolet owner base and dealer network will be significant in accelerating sales.
We are enthused by the low cost of entry here, with a generous roster of active safety features.
Outside
The styling is a bit conservative, with few overt clues to signal that it is a Chevrolet. For buyers looking for a bit of flash, LT trims are available with a white roof, and the RS can be had with black.
The smooth front and large charge door on the front driver’s side fender are among the limited cues that this is an EV. The Equinox EV will fit right in with any parking lot; the lack of extroverted styling may add appeal for many buyers.
Wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches—rather large on a small SUV.
A neat convenience: Top trims have heated windshield wipers, making it easier to break them free when coated in snow and ice.
Slim rear lights, angled glass, an integrated spoiler, and bulging fenders give character to the rear of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV.
Photo: Chevrolet
Inside
The five-passenger interior looks contemporary, moving in pace with the competition. Available two-tone seating surfaces add some distinct flair.
The knobs flanking the climate control buttons are a welcome sight; some peers have become a bit too innovative in this area.
Two-tone upholstery adds sporty flair to the new Equinox EV.
Photo: Chevrolet
The base 1LT trim has manual front seats and an 11-inch infotainment screen. Stepping up to the 2LT brings numerous comforts, such as front heated seats, heated steering wheel, and power seat adjustments. It transforms the dash with a huge 17.7-inch infotainment screen. It also allows for numerous options, such as Super Cruise (shown here), color interior accents, a hands-free liftgate, and a moonroof.
The RS trims add more equipment and sporty flourishes. Even the well-equipped 3RS offers numerous options, such as a head-up display and Bose stereo. Oddly, customers need to choose the 3LT or 3RS to get dual-zone climate control.
Super Cruise, a head-up display, and a large infotainment screen are showcase upscale features on the Equinox.
Photo: Chevrolet
What Drives It
There are two power configurations, each tied to the drive wheel choice.
The front-drive versions have 210 hp and 242 lb.-ft., with 250 to 300 miles of range.
The all-wheel-drive Equinox EVs have 290 hp and 346 lb.-ft., with 280 miles of range. Chevrolet claims 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of about 6 seconds and towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds for the AWD.
The Equinox EV comes with 11.5-kilowatt Level 2 charging, which GM estimates adds 34 miles of range per hour. It is also DC fast-charging compatible up to 150 kW. The automaker estimates that a fast charger can add 70 miles of range in 10 minutes.
The top trim 3RS boasts 19.2-kW Level 2 charging, for an estimated charge rate of 51 miles per hour.
In addition to the standard bumper-to-bumper warranty, the battery is protected with an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
The Equinox EV comes with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of features that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, reverse automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beam headlights.
In addition, buyers can equip their SUV with adaptive cruise control, surround view camera, rearview camera mirror, and a head-up display.
It will also be available with Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assistance technology that helps relieve fatigue and stress, such as on long highway road trips, automating some acceleration and steering functions. General Motors is doubling the Super Cruise network to 400,000 miles of mapped roads in the U.S. and Canada in late 2022. By the end of 2023, there will be 22 GM models with available Super Cruise.
Monochrome Chevrolet Equinox EV in 1LT trim.
Photo: Chevrolet
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