Having transitioned from a fleet of General Motors EVs, including a Volt, multiple Bolts, and even a Kia EV6, we recently added a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT to our garage as a second electric vehicle, alongside our VW ID4 Pro S. The Equinox arrived on September 4th, following the ID4 which we’ve had since July. While the Kia EV6 was a personal favorite, its low profile wasn’t ideal for my wife’s comfort, making the slightly taller Equinox a more practical choice for her daily drives, while I enjoy it as well.
For longer journeys, the ID4 remains our go-to due to its superior fast-charging capabilities, boasting 175kW compared to the Equinox’s 150kW. However, in terms of day-to-day driving, the Equinox 2LT, with just 383 miles on the odometer when we got it, has quickly impressed us with its remarkably smooth ride quality.
The infotainment system, while generally functional, has presented some intermittent glitches, occasionally blacking out while driving and requiring a stop to reset. This is a minor annoyance in an otherwise well-rounded vehicle. On the positive side, the cruise control is intuitive and effective in managing traffic congestion. The lane assist, however, leaves room for improvement. It tends to be somewhat vague, allowing the vehicle to drift and even graze lane markers before making corrections, which is a safety concern. Despite this, the compelling 24-month lease deal on the 2LT model was the primary motivator for choosing the Equinox as a secondary EV. For my next Chevy EV, I’m definitely eyeing a model equipped with Super Cruise for a more refined driving experience.
One standout feature of the Equinox 2LT is its exceptional backup and parking camera system. The overhead view, in particular, is invaluable for navigating curbs and obstacles, both front and rear. This is a significant advantage over the ID4, which relies more heavily on audible alerts for obstacle detection. While the Equinox’s side mirrors are on the smaller side and lack a reverse tilt-down function (a feature the EV6 excelled at, especially useful for tight parking situations), the superior camera system more than compensates for this minor drawback.
The regenerative braking and one-pedal driving in the Chevrolet Equinox are a joy. Switching back to the ID4 occasionally reminds me of the conventional braking I haven’t needed in years, thanks to GM and Kia’s excellent EV implementations.
As someone whose automotive journey began with a 1968 Chevy Corvair convertible, witnessing the evolution of GM vehicles, especially under Mary Barra’s leadership, is truly remarkable. The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT is a testament to how far electric vehicles, and GM, have come. For those considering an affordable and practical electric SUV, the Chevrolet Equinox, as noted by many reviews echoing sentiments you might find in Car and Driver, is definitely worth a serious look.
