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Pros
Cons
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV is among the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) in Canada.
The only models that cost less are the tiny Fiat 500e and the soon-to-be-replaced Nissan Leaf, both of which make better city runabouts than solutions to the one-vehicle dilemma. In a market where more affordable EV options are desperately needed, the all-electric Equinox — not to be confused with the gas-powered crossover with which it shares a name — is a compact crossover with 500 km of range at a starting price of less than $50,000.
Practicality 8 / 10
The Equinox EV rides on a dedicated electric platform, which means it shares nothing in common with the gas-powered Equinox. Rear passengers get a generous amount of legroom, and there’s 748 L of cargo space behind the rear seats.
There’s a large cubby under the centre console, and the door pockets are large enough to store a water bottle. The Equinox EV can tow 680 kg (1,500 lb) when properly equipped.
Power 7 / 10
The Equinox EV is offered with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, with the latter using two electric motors to make a combined 300 hp and 355 lb-ft of torque. While competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer more output, this Chevy doesn’t need any more than it’s got. All that instantaneous torque is enough to propel this crossover from a standstill to highway speed in about five seconds.
Driving Feel 6 / 10
The ride is excellent, with only a hint of body roll in the corners. The steering is accurate but quite numb off-centre, but it’s still easy to place the vehicle where you want it. Where many competitors prioritize sporty handling, the Equinox EV has been tuned with balance, smoothness, and comfort in mind and is all the better for it.
Fuel Economy 10 / 10
On a hot day with the air conditioning pumping ice-cold air, the Equinox EV was very efficient. EVs might not like the cold weather, but too hot can be a problem, too. Regardless, the Equinox EV registered an average of 17.0 kWh/100 km during a week of driving on a mix of highways and city streets.
Every version uses an 85-kWh battery pack that’s good for 513 km of range with front-wheel drive and 494 km with all-wheel drive. These figures put it near the top of its segment. When it comes time to recharge, the Equinox EV has an 11.5-kW onboard charger, while a 19.2-kW unit is available with the RS trim. It can also accept DC fast-charging at a rate of up to 150 kW. Chevrolet says that’s good for 112 km in 10 minutes.
Comfort 7 / 10
The Equinox EV gets single-zone climate control, but our tester was equipped with an optional package that included a dual-zone system, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The rear seats provided enough legroom for my six-foot frame, but the front seats could use a longer bottom cushion for additional thigh support to help reduce fatigue during long drives.
Styling 7 / 10
Visually different from the gas-powered version, the Equinox EV sports front and rear light bars, a grille-less front end, and more aerodynamic styling than its sibling. You can also get it with a white or black contrast roof and black wheels.
Inside, there’s a massive 17.7-inch infotainment screen, a digital driver display, and round jet turbine-style vents that are a bit of a nod to the now-defunct Camaro. The RS version can be optioned with red seating surfaces for a sporty look.
User-Friendliness 8 / 10
The Equinox EV bucks the trend of many new vehicles, especially EVs, and includes a row of physical buttons and knobs for the climate control and stereo. The screen’s large size makes it easy to use thanks to big icons and a smartphone-like app layout. The infotainment system is Google-based, which means Google Maps navigation is built in, and you also get access to the Google Play Store to access a variety of apps.
The pop-out door handles worked seamlessly during this week-long test. The Equinox EV also has selectable one-pedal driving, plus there’s a regen-on-demand paddle on the steering wheel that can temporarily increase the level of regenerative braking. It’s a cool feature, but it’s essentially an on/off switch, making it difficult to use it to stop smoothly. The best way to do that is by modulating the throttle pedal.
Features 8 / 10
One of the best technologies from Chevrolet parent company General Motors (GM) is its Super Cruise hands-free driving system, the latest version of which can be added to the Equinox EV. It includes automatic lane changes and will even pass vehicles travelling slower than your set speed if the adjacent lane is clear.
There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, which Chevy says is because its Google-based ecosystem enables the best EV experience and integration with the vehicle. All versions include a power driver’s seat, surround-view cameras, heated front seats and steering wheel, and 19-inch wheels. The RS adds 21-inch wheels and black trim, a flat-bottom steering wheel, wireless phone charger, and an automatic power tailgate that opens when you stand behind it.
Safety 9 / 10
Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning and keeping, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The Equinox EV hadn’t yet been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time of this writing, but it received five stars from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is its highest rating.
Value 9 / 10
With a starting price of $44,999 — plus a non-negotiable freight charge of $2,600 — and a range of more than 500 km, this Chevy is hands-down the best value on the EV market in Canada today. And it’s not like you’re getting some stripped-down vehicle; the Equinox EV is loaded with the latest tech and safety features and provides an excellent driving experience.
The price can rise quickly if you aren’t careful, though. All-wheel drive adds $3,500, while this tester also had a package of convenience features and Super Cruise, plus a premium coat of paint, pushing the sticker price to nearly $66,000 before tax.
The Verdict
If you’re in the market for an entry-level EV, it would be a crime not to check out the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV. It delivers great value and it feels like a premium product that’s being sold at a large discount. No other competitor offers as much range, features, or value for the money. The bug-free experience is also refreshing in the EV world, and with tech like Super Cruise, the Equinox bolsters GM’s position as a leader when it comes to electrification.
