2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Review: The V Represents Value

      The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV is quite a large vehicle. Having driven the new gas-powered Equinox, I can say that this one feels like maneuvering a spacious living area in comparison. It offers exceptional comfort, comes equipped with impressively large instrument and infotainment displays, and boasts a travel range of 319 miles on a full charge. In summary, it's a substantial vehicle—especially with its base price of $34,995, including shipping.

      Personally, I don’t require a large SUV like this. I’m among those who regretted the discontinuation of the compact Bolt—that model was an ideal size for an entry-level electric vehicle. Nonetheless, even someone like me, who prefers smaller cars, cannot overlook the tremendous value this offers. Usually, when automakers provide vehicles to reviewers, they supply models loaded with features. In this instance, Chevy let me test the least-equipped Equinox EV available, and I’m grateful for that because it really highlighted the value: this vehicle is a steal.

      ### The Basics

      Technically, 2025 marks the second model year for the Equinox EV, although it has only been available in showrooms since May. When it first premiered, the most affordable trim started around $43K. However, now the base Equinox EV LT can be had for just $34,995. I won't consider the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, as the future of that is uncertain, but even without it, this price is about as low as it gets for electric vehicles these days.

      Typically, a price point this low comes with poor range and limited interior space. However, the base front-wheel-drive version of the Equinox EV features a single motor producing 220 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, powered by an 85-kWh battery that promises 319 miles on a full charge. We will discuss its real-world performance later, but the initial specifications are impressive.

      ### Design and Interior

      That being said, this vehicle doesn’t make a bold design statement. Its exterior adheres to the typical electric SUV design features: a lengthy roof, a low floor, and a front end that smoothly slices through the air. It has a pleasantly generic appearance, which is fitting for a mass-market crossover. Inside, the materials are sturdy—no complaints about the plastics here—and I'm pleased to report that the base cloth seats are excellent.

      ### Infotainment and Controls

      The only flaw that might detract from this otherwise satisfactory interior is GM's decision to exclude Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its EV models. The standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 17.7-inch center touchscreen are generous offerings, but GM's Google-based system misuses these spaces with a confusing, chaotic user interface.

      The buttons beneath the volume knob were difficult to see from my seating position due to the steering wheel. I do appreciate that there are still physical controls for the HVAC system, but essential functions like power settings and one-pedal driving options are buried in a cluster of software buttons under the large volume knob, represented by small, similar-looking icons that are hindered by the steering wheel. Surely, there could have been a better placement for these controls. To change the information displayed on the instrument cluster, instead of using a button on the steering wheel like in most cars, you have to navigate through menus on the center display to move widgets to the driver’s panel.

      Additionally, because there’s no CarPlay, whenever you are streaming music and receive a notification, a volume bar pops up as if you were in a 2013 Sonic. If you choose to switch from music to a podcast in a different app, you can’t use the car’s display for that and will have to pull over. It's simply not user-friendly—there’s no other way to put it.

      ### Driving Experience

      The Equinox EV is quiet, comfortable, and even with a single motor, it has enough pep. The 243 lb-ft of instant torque provides a lively experience for city driving and overtaking, though the base Equinox EV tends to lose steam once you reach highway speeds. While mainstream EVs are often promoted for their impressive acceleration, this isn't necessarily one of those vehicles. If you drive it aggressively, you'll reduce efficiency significantly.

      Regarding the one-pedal driving feature, I must admit I don’t often drive EVs. Living in a rural area with outdoor parking, the chances of having a public charger installed are about as likely as a significant asteroid impacting Earth in the next decade. So, when I got into the Equinox EV, I had to quickly adjust my driving style. I was concerned about how rapidly the large SUV decelerates when you release the throttle in one-pedal mode, so I opted to deactivate that feature.

      For me, this was the right choice. There is still some regenerative braking while coasting in two-pedal mode, but it isn’t abrupt. The transition from regenerative braking to