Chevy Equinox EV first drive: GM may have cracked the code in delivering a quality SUV that’s affordable [Video]

Chevrolet has finally launched the highly anticipated Equinox EV for public sale, but before that, I received an exclusive invitation to visit Detroit and get a firsthand look at this innovative vehicle. As a longtime skeptic of electric vehicles (EVs), I was pleasantly surprised when I got to drive the Chevrolet Equinox. From the moment I stepped inside, I was impressed by its solid build quality, generous feature list, and competitive pricing. Take a moment to view our comprehensive driving review below.

After years of anticipation, the Chevy Equinox EV finally hits the market.

As we mark this milestone, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on our journey thus far: the imminent arrival of the Chevy Equinox EV in the US market. General Motors has long teased its plans to bring an all-electric Chevrolet Equinox to market, first hinting at its development in early 2022 with the unveiling of the model’s design and promising a competitive starting price. of $30,000—sorry, “round $30,000.”

At around $30,000, this crossover EV offers a truly transformative value proposition, which General Motors successfully leveraged over the subsequent two years by refining their understanding of the Equinox’s appeal, including its distinctive two-tone exterior design. Despite these unknowns, we are still left wondering about crucial details such as battery life, verified pricing, and the much-needed vary measurement.

As the official launch drew near, it became clear that production of the Equinox EV would commence in 2024, with Chevrolet heavily invested in the vehicle’s success. By the time February rolled around in this 12-month period, it became apparent that “priced around $30,000” essentially meant “$35,000,” a figure higher than initially expected but still relatively affordable. The Chevrolet Equinox boasts a fuel-efficient range of up to 319 miles on a single tank.

To boost sales of its electric vehicles (EVs), Chevy took a proactive approach by introducing incentives well ahead of Equinox EV deliveries. Specifically, it offered existing Bolt owners a $3,000 discount to trade in their vehicle for an Equinox EV. The American automotive manufacturer has publicly expressed optimism about its newly unveiled all-electric model’s potential to help regain some of its market share, and after taking the crossover SUV for a spin, I am confident that it will achieve this goal. Listed here are my ideas.

The estimated efficiency specifications for the front-wheel drive (FWD) 3LT Chevrolet Equinox Electric Vehicle are:

* Energy consumption in kWh/100 miles: 284
* MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent): 104

During this exclusive drive event, journalists had the opportunity to visit Detroit, the hub of General Motors and Chevrolet, where we got hands-on experience with various front-wheel-drive configurations of the new Equinox electric vehicle. I’m grateful for Jared’s prompt arrival, which allowed him to secure our desired vehicle – a 3LT trim, boasting a unique two-tone finish as its distinctive feature, situated just below the flagship 3RS model in terms of prestige and luxury.

The Equinox arrives standard with either 19-inch or 21-inch aluminum wheels, paired with all-season self-sealing tires powered by a reliable single-front wheel drive motor. General Motors estimates that the front-wheel-drive variants of the Equinox Electric Vehicle will boast an estimated range of up to 319 miles on a single charge. The eAWD trims offer an estimated range of approximately 285 miles.

The 3LT produces 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-60 mph in under eight seconds; its eAWD counterparts deliver slightly enhanced performance courtesy of a compact air-cooled induction motor at the rear axle? The engines produce 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds.

While these electric vehicles won’t boast exceptional acceleration, our research indicates that potential buyers in this segment are more focused on other factors than simply speed. What the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) may lack in acceleration, it more than compensates for with its impressive range, ample cargo space, and silky-smooth ride.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox EV boasts DC quick charging capabilities up to 150kW, enabling an estimated 77 miles of range after just 10 minutes of charging, according to General Motors estimates. Charging speeds reach a maximum of 11.5 kilowatts, rapidly replenishing approximately 34 miles of range every hour. Before diving into my hands-on experience and in-depth review, let’s first explore the Chevrolet Equinox Electric Vehicle’s exterior and interior design.

A sleek, athletic exterior seamlessly integrates with an intuitive, uncluttered interior.

Initially, the Equinox’s exterior exudes a sleek, aerodynamic appearance without compromising its side profile, giving the impression of a well-balanced sedan rather than a top-heavy one. The sleek, slender headlights illuminate the entrance, while the subtle air flaps harmonize the design elements as you circle around to the side, revealing a striking two-toned paint scheme.

While I’m not typically enamored with the Chrome aesthetic, Chevrolet’s thoughtful integration of this styling element, paired with the wheelbase and window design, surprisingly resonates with me. Having the “riptide metallic blue” finish proved superior for photography, excelling in both sunny and overcast conditions. The coloration matched the Equinox badge on the rear with uncanny precision, prompting my driving companion, bystanders, and I to affectionately nickname the SUV the “Quinox.”

The trunk boasted ample cargo storage space, with an additional hidden compartment beneath the floor mat that appeared designed to function as a cooler. I would have preferred having a lever in the trunk to easily lower the seats, eliminating the need for a lengthy trek to the rear seats to manually adjust them. This crossover boasts a maximum cargo capacity of 57.2 cubic feet (1,614 litres), which is remarkably spacious even when the rear seats are occupied.

As you slip into the Equinox EV’s cockpit, the familiar layout of the sprint and steering wheel will feel instantly recognizable if you’ve driven other Chevy models – or even the Honda Prologue or Acura ZDX. While the supple leather trim offers a pleasing tactile experience, elevating the overall sense of luxury and refinement, the cockpit itself is otherwise unremarkable in its design or features. With a sleek design that far surpasses expectations, this product exudes quality and sophistication, never once giving the impression of being cheap or tacky.

The subtly nuanced blue brushed aluminum accents strike a harmonious balance, neither dominating nor compromising the refined ambiance of the entry seat’s overall aesthetic. It seems to resemble a thin layer of metallic material with a protective coating. I was eager to remove the wrapper and share it with the r/OddlySatisfying community?

My 2013 LT trim arrived with heated seats, but unfortunately, the air conditioning is absent. While I find this aspect to be a significant concern for myself, I’m convinced that many others won’t share my apprehension. Despite this, the seats are remarkably cozy.

The rear is indeed straightforward, even effortless. There’s little to discuss in this immediate moment. The interior features supple leather accents on the seating surfaces, while the rear of the center console boasts several convenient USB-C charging stations; unfortunately, the heating ventilation and air conditioning controls are not conveniently located within easy reach. Once I arrived back, I enjoyed ample legroom while snapping photos that you’ll see below.

The sprint offers two distinct displays: an 11-inch driver display and a 17.7-inch central touchscreen, where you can manage almost everything, including customizable ambient cabin lighting. As we navigated the road during the day, I couldn’t fully appreciate the overall effect, but it’s a delightful experience to enjoy the scenery at night?

You can seamlessly manage the Equinox’s four drive modes using the central touchscreen display, a feature I’ll be exploring in-depth during my real-world assessment of this Chevrolet electric vehicle.

What’s the thrill of the open road? For many car enthusiasts, it’s all about the rush of adrenaline as you push the limits of speed and control. But for those seeking a more relaxed driving experience, there’s another story to tell.

The Chevrolet Equinox EV features four distinct drive modes: Regular, Snow/Ice, a customizable “My Mode,” and Sport Mode – the latter being my go-to choice most of the time. Despite having a sole front-wheel drive motor, the driving experience doesn’t exhibit a significant difference.

While the navigation system presented its benefits, I still found myself longing for Apple CarPlay when it wasn’t available to me. It’s simpler. Throughout the long haul, my partner and I would frequently half-jokingly exclaim, “Bring back CarPlay… and expedite the return of the Bolt, already!”

As a seasoned driver of my current Silverado EV and other Ultium-powered vehicles, I’ve had the pleasure of pushing them to their limits, and SuperCruise has consistently impressed me. The intuitive hands-free advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) simplifies long highway excursions, rendering them even more enjoyable. I quickly captured snapshots of my adventure, including the one below.

Noticing a stark difference in the Equinox’s lane-changing strategy compared to the Silverado EV, which wouldn’t have altered my usual course anyway? Despite these reservations, the benefits of this technology still shine through – it’s undoubtedly more practical and beneficial in its current form than fully autonomous driving capabilities.

The cabin’s overall ambiance was marked by a quiet calmness and spotless cleanliness. With a smooth ride courtesy of its well-tuned suspension, the SUV has effectively minimized highway and wind noises, while adeptly absorbing even the most pronounced bumps. This provides a satisfying driving experience on the highway, within a neighborhood, or on a side street.

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The Chevy Equinox EV’s price tag and release date are now out. Check out our in-depth video review to see how this electric SUV stacks up.

The Chevy Equinox EV has all the ingredients to emerge as a standout player in both the crossover segment and the broader BEV market. While it may not boast impressive features from the get-go, this product still exceeds expectations in a satisfying way. While it may not have been assembled at a breakneck pace, it’s worth noting that Chevrolet claims to have brought this electric vehicle to market remarkably quickly, aside from the Hummer.

The trip is characterised by a surprising lack of noise pollution, making it an inviting prospect for those seeking a serene travel experience. Additionally, the estimated 319-mile range (pending EPA confirmation) presents a significant selling point for customers who typically don’t require more than 300 miles of range on most days.

While Chevrolet’s starting MSRP of $35,000 might be slightly higher than initially announced, it still represents an incredible value proposition, particularly given the level of sophistication in this compact crossover – a price point that’s likely to resonate with many budget-conscious buyers. The 3LT FWD trim I tested commences with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $45,295, excluding taxes and destination fees.

With a total $7,500 federal tax credit potential, this battery-electric vehicle (BEV) stands out as a stable option priced below $40,000 – a significantly broader range than its competitors.

The Chevrolet Equinox EV is now available for configuration and ordering, offering both front-wheel drive (FWD) and electric all-wheel drive (eAWD) options, as well as trim levels including the 2LT, 3LT, 2RS, and 3RS. According to Chevrolet, its $35,000 base-level LT trim is expected to debut later this year, boasting an estimated range of approximately 319 miles from a single charge. As new options and specs emerge, it will be fascinating to compare them with current choices; our future reports will provide insight into these developments, and we look forward to driving one of these vehicles soon.

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Please take a moment to view my comprehensive video review of the Chevy Equinox 3LT EV’s performance capabilities, now available at: