Chevrolet Equinox EV

The Chevrolet Equinox EV brings one of America's most familiar SUV names into the battery-electric era without asking buyers to pay a premium for the privilege. Riding on GM's Ultium platform, it delivers up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated range in long-range front-wheel-drive trim, undercuts many rivals on sticker price, and qualifies for the full federal EV tax credit. The result is a practical, tech-loaded family crossover that makes a credible first EV for the mainstream buyer.

Chevrolet's approach with the Equinox EV was straightforward: take a trusted nameplate, drop in a competitive Ultium powertrain, price it to undercut most of the competition, and let the value proposition do the work. The exterior follows through on that philosophy — clean and aerodynamic rather than aggressively futuristic, with a blanked-off front fascia, slim LED lighting, and flush door handles on higher grades. Inside, the standout element is a sweeping 17.7-inch touchscreen paired with a separate 11-inch digital driver cluster. Google Built-in is native throughout, providing Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store access without requiring a mirrored phone.

Two powertrain configurations cover most buyers. The front-wheel-drive layout pairs a single motor producing 210 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque with either a standard-range or long-range battery; the long-range FWD earns up to 319 miles of EPA range, a class-leading figure at this price point. The dual-motor AWD variant adds a rear motor for 290 hp and 346 lb-ft, improving wet- and cold-weather traction at the cost of roughly 40 miles of range. DC fast charging is rated at 150 kW, supporting a 10-to-80 percent charge in around 25 minutes at a capable station, while Level 2 home charging runs at up to 11.5 kW.

The cabin prioritizes usefulness over theater. Rear-seat legroom is genuinely adult-friendly for a compact crossover, and the cargo floor sits low enough to load without straining. Folding the rear seats flat opens 57.3 cubic feet of space — enough for flat-pack furniture runs or weekend gear. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on every trim, and one-pedal driving with adjustable regenerative braking is intuitive once mastered. The optional Super Cruise hands-free highway system, available on 3LT and RS trims, remains one of the more confidence-inspiring driver-assistance setups currently on sale, with hands-free capability on mapped divided highways.

Value is where the Equinox EV makes its strongest case. At $34,995 before destination, buyers who qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit can effectively enter for around $27,495 — a figure that pressures not just rival EVs but comparably equipped hybrid crossovers. The Mustang Mach-E and VW ID.4 charge meaningfully more for similar or lesser range, while the Tesla Model Y's software polish and Supercharger network come at a steeper premium. The Equinox EV won't convert drivers who need sports-car reflexes or a spartan minimalist interior, but for a family that simply wants a roomy, capable, affordable electric SUV, it is among the easiest recommendations in the segment.