Great compact SUVs aren't hard to find, but picking the perfect one takes some research. Want something cheap? Something luxurious? Something sporty? Or something that offers a bit of everything? There are countless options.
If you're looking specifically for a crossover with a Bowtie in the grille, Chevrolet has two great compact SUVs that share the same name: The Equinox EV and the Equinox. But that's about all they share.
The Equinox runs on old dinosaurs, while the Equinox EV runs on electrons, as you likely gathered by those two ubiquitous letters. Their designs are light years apart, their interiors are drastically different, and even the driving experience of each is entirely unique.
That said, both Equinoxes (Equinii?) are excellent in their own right. Here's what we think after driving each of them back to back.
Design: Future Meets Present
For two SUVs that share the same badge, they couldn't look more different.
The Equinox EV is pretty—not just for a crossover, not just for a Chevy, but it's a genuinely attractive vehicle. The slim headlight bar that runs across the hood line and faux grille makes it look futuristic, as any good EV should. The same goes for the full-width taillight bar on the rear. The optional 21-inch wheels on this LT2 model, meanwhile, fill out the wheel wells wonderfully, and the two-tone Riptide Blue and white paint job is the perfect spec.
The standard Equinox, meanwhile, opts for a more rugged aesthetic—you can even get it in an Activ trim with additional off-road upgrades. It borrows cues from the larger Traverse and Tahoe, like the bulky grille, split headlight design, black wheels, and angular C-pillar with a "floating roof." It also gets a two-tone paint job: Radiant Red with a black roof.
It's not the prettiest SUV on the road; Chevy's recent designs are a bit too busy for my liking. But at least it stands out.
Driving: Two Different Approaches
To say these two SUVs couldn't be further apart in terms of the driving experience would be an understatement. It's like they come from two different companies.
Almost everything about the Equinox EV's drive is excellent. The ride is comfortable, the handling is refined, body control is poised, and if you press hard enough on the go pedal, it moves pretty quickly. This version has a single-motor setup with 220 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor model with 300 horsepower is undoubtedly much quicker.
The one noticeable downside is that the Equinox EV's ride can be a little choppy over certain stretches of road. The LT2 model weighs about 5,000 pounds, and it certainly feels it at times.
To say these two SUVs couldn't be further apart in terms of the driving experience would be an understatement.
The gas Equinox, on the other hand, is much less enjoyable to drive; it just feels unrefined. The steering is sloppy, there's a lot of body roll, the cabin is loud, and the suspension bounds over broken pavement like it's made of rubber bands.
The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, at least, is an excellent powertrain. It makes 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, plenty for any gas SUV in this segment. Never once did it feel underpowered or unable to make a pass on the highway, while the eight-speed automatic transmission shifted seamlessly at all times.
Technology: Bigger Isn't Always Better
This is where the Equinox EV and its gas-powered brethren come closer together.
Both SUVs have sizeable screens occupying the center of the dashboard and driver's side console. And both of them use GM's excellent state-of-the-art infotainment system.
But, the Equinox EV has a large 17.7-inch touchscreen while the standard Equinox opts for a smaller 11.3-inch center touchscreen. Both of them have the same 11.0-inch digital cluster, at least.
Here, though, is where we prefer the gas Equinox ever-so-slightly to the EV—and for one reason alone: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet has removed CarPlay and Android Auto from its EVs, while the brand's gas cars soldier on with smartphone mirroring. That makes the setup that much better to interact with.
Interior: Room For Activities
Beyond technology, both cabins are well-finished and comfy as heck. But it really depends on which trim you go with.
In this case, this Equinox RS tester is loaded with stitched faux leather that extends to the center armrest and portions of the door panels, and it does a decent-enough impression of the real thing. High-quality metal trim pieces dot the dash and center console, making it all feel more premium.
The gas Equinox doesn't feel as nice inside; there are still faux leather seats on this RS model—including eight-way power adjustability on the driver's side—and some nicer materials on the door panels and dash. But there's still a lot of hard plastic, particularly around the A/C vents and central dials.
Beyond technology, both cabins are well-finished and comfy as heck.
The back seats on both SUVs are roomy, but adults will probably be happier in the second row of the gas Equinox. The standard Equinox has 39.9 inches of rear legroom and 39.2 inches of rear headroom compared to the EV's 38.0 inches of rear legroom and 38.5 inches of rear headroom. That said, the Equinox EV's flat floor, thanks to its low-mounted battery pack, does give you a little extra space to stretch out your feet.
The gas Equinox also has more cargo space behind the second row: 29.8 cubic feet vs 26.4 cubic feet in the EV.
Fuel Economy: Great Range & Efficiency
Comparing the Equinox EV’s range to the gas Equinox’s fuel economy is like comparing apples to potatoes. That said, the Equinox EV does return an impressive 319 miles of range in the base rear-drive model, while this all-wheel-drive version gets a still-impressive 307 miles of range.
The gas Equinox gets up to 27 miles per gallon combined with the base front-wheel-drive setup, or 26 combined with AWD. Those numbers are good for 400 miles of range and 406 miles of range, respectively.
Pricing & Verdict: One Standout
The great news is that both of these SUVs are extremely affordable (relative to current market prices, at least). The gas Equinox starts at $31,995 with destination, while the EV is just a titch more at $34,995 to start.
Opt for the loaded Equinox RS with AWD like the one tested here, and that will set you back a still reasonable $36,890 before options. The Equinox EV tested here is a base LT2, which starts at $43,295 before options. Options hike the price of the EV to $52,040 as tested, while the gas Equinox is $40,370 post options.
Truth be told: You can't really go wrong with either of these SUVs at that price. The gas Equinox has stiff competition from the likes of the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, and so many others, which makes it a tougher sell when it's lacking in a few key areas.
The Equinox EV has equally stiff competition in the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and others. But more so than its gas counterpart, Chevy nailed it with the Equinox EV. From the exterior styling and interior comfort, to the technology, driving experience, and range.
If we had to pick one, it's the Equinox EV.
| 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT2 | 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS |
| Dual Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors | Turbocharged 1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine |
| 220 Horsepower / 243 Pound-Feet | 175 Horsepower / 203 Pound-Feet |
| Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| 4,776 Pounds | 3,690 Pounds |
| 319 Miles | 24 City / 29 Highway / 26 Combined |
| $34,995 (Base) | $31,995 (Base) |
| $52,040 (As Tested) | $40,370 (As Tested) |
