You walked onto the Chevrolet lot ready to buy an Equinox. You’d done your homework, checked the reviews, and knew exactly what you wanted.
Then the salesperson said, “Are you looking at the regular Equinox or the EV version?”
And suddenly, everything got complicated. Same badge. Completely different vehicles built on separate platforms with entirely different personalities. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox you thought you knew? It comes in two forms that share almost nothing except a name.
Keynote: Equinox EV vs Equinox
The equinox ev vs equinox debate centers on two distinct vehicles sharing a nameplate. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox gas model delivers proven 175-horsepower turbocharged performance with 400-mile range and lower upfront costs starting at $28,600. The Equinox EV counters with 220 to 300 horsepower electric motors, 319 miles of range, 108 MPGe efficiency, and eligibility for the $7,500 federal tax credit through September 2025. Built on GM’s Ultium platform, the EV offers cutting-edge technology but sacrifices cargo space. The gas version provides 63.5 cubic feet maximum cargo versus the EV’s 57.2 cubic feet. Choose based on charging access and driving patterns.
Your First Big Question (And I’ll Help You Answer It)
Here’s what it really comes down to. Are you ready to plug in at night like your phone, or do you need that quick gas station freedom? Does your heart race for instant electric torque that pins you to your seat, or does steady, familiar turbocharged power feel safer?
“Choose the rhythm—plug-in nights or pump-and-go days”
Both vehicles will get you where you’re going. But they’ll take you there in fundamentally different ways. Let’s figure out which one fits your actual life.
Price: What You’ll Actually Pay (And Save) Over Time
The Sticker That Stares Back at You
The gas powered 2025 Chevrolet Equinox starts around $28,600 to $30,495. That’s the lower upfront number, the familiar territory where you nod and move forward with the deal.
The Equinox EV pricing starts at $33,600 to $34,995. That’s about $4,500 more at first glance, and I won’t pretend that gap doesn’t exist.
But here’s where the math gets interesting. The Equinox EV qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. With that credit applied, the EV can actually cost less to drive home than the gas version. That’s not marketing spin. That’s real money back at tax time, dropping the effective price to around $26,100.
One critical thing you need to know: this federal tax credit expires on September 30, 2025. The window is closing. If you’re even slightly EV-curious, the clock matters.
| Vehicle | Starting MSRP | Destination Fee | After Tax Credit | Typical Mid-Trim Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Equinox LT (FWD) | $28,600 | ~$1,395 | N/A | $30,000-$33,000 |
| Gas Equinox RS (AWD) | $33,000 | ~$1,395 | N/A | $34,400+ |
| Equinox EV 1LT (FWD) | $33,600 | ~$1,395 | ~$26,100 | $35,000-$42,000 |
| Equinox EV 2RS (AWD) | $43,400 | ~$1,395 | ~$36,900 | $44,800+ |
The Monthly Reality: Fuel Bills That Vanish
Let’s talk about what happens after you drive off the lot. The gas version burns through roughly $150 to $200 monthly if you’re driving 1,000 miles. That’s at current gas prices, and we both know those only go one direction over time.
The EV version? $30 to $50 monthly with home charging on Level 2. You wake up with a full battery every morning. No detours. No gas station stops in the rain.
Over five years of ownership, you could pocket $7,200 in fuel savings with the EV. That’s a vacation. That’s a college fund contribution. That’s real money that stays in your account instead of disappearing into a gas tank.
Monthly Fuel Cost Breakdown:
- Gas Equinox (1,000 mi/month at 27 MPG, $3.50/gal): ~$175
- EV Equinox (1,000 mi/month at $0.13/kWh): ~$40
- 5-Year Fuel Savings: $7,200+
- Breakeven Point: 3-4 years depending on driving patterns
The Maintenance Secret No One Mentions Up Front
Here’s something the dealer might gloss over. EVs skip oil changes. They skip transmission flushes. They skip most brake jobs because regenerative braking does the heavy lifting.
The gas Equinox will cost you an average of $9,200 in maintenance over ten years. Oil every 5,000 miles. Transmission service. Brake pads. Spark plugs. Exhaust work. It adds up in ways you don’t see coming.
EV owners mostly pay for tires and windshield fluid. The 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty covers the most expensive component. Imagine that relief when you realize you just eliminated an entire category of car ownership stress.
Range, Refueling, and Your Real Daily Rhythm
Gas Model: The “Go Anywhere, Anytime” Comfort
The gas-powered Equinox delivers roughly 400 to 450 miles per tank. That’s three weeks between fill-ups for most drivers. Maybe more if you’re gentle with the throttle.
Five-minute stops at any gas station. No apps to download. No charging network to figure out. No range anxiety math in your head. You point the car toward your destination and drive. The entire highway system is yours, with a gas station every few exits.
Road trips? Just go. Pack the family. Load the gear. Drive until you’re tired, not until the battery says stop.
EV’s 319 Miles: What That Actually Means for Your Life
The front-wheel-drive Equinox EV hits up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated electric range on its 85 kWh Ultium battery. The all-wheel-drive versions give you 285 to 307 miles depending on configuration.
That’s generous for an EV in this price range. Real-world testing has even seen it exceed EPA ratings, hitting 356 miles on some test loops. But here’s the honest truth: winter cold and sustained highway speeds at 70 mph can trim 15% to 25% off that range. Real highway tests show 280 to 306 miles as a more realistic long-distance figure.
For most days? It’s plenty. Your commute. The grocery run. Soccer practice. Weekend errands. You’ll use maybe 50 miles a day, and you’ll recharge overnight while you sleep. But you will think about charging more than you ever thought about fueling. That’s the trade.
Realistic Range Scenarios:
- Daily commute (50 mi round trip): 6+ days between charges
- Weekend road trip (200 mi): Comfortable with 100+ mi buffer
- Highway driving at 70 mph: 280-306 miles real-world
- Winter conditions: Expect 15-25% range reduction
- City driving: Often exceeds EPA ratings
Charging at Home vs. Hunting for Pumps
Installing a Level 2 home charger costs $500 to $2,000 depending on your electrical setup. After that, you plug in like your phone. The Equinox EV’s standard 11.5 kW onboard charger fills the battery from empty in about 9.5 hours overnight.
Level 1 charging with a standard 120V outlet? Forget it for daily use. That adds only 3 to 5 miles per hour. It’s for emergencies, not real life.
DC fast charging adds approximately 70 to 77 miles in 10 minutes at 150 kW when you’re road-tripping. The Equinox EV now uses the NACS charging port, which means access to Tesla Supercharger network compatibility in addition to other charging networks.
Could a nightly plug-in routine save your mornings? Picture this: you never detour for gas on the way home from work again. You never stand in the cold pumping fuel. You just park, plug in, and walk inside. By morning, you’re full again.
Charging vs Refueling (per 100 miles):
- Gas refuel: 5 minutes, ~$13 cost
- Level 2 home charging: 3-4 hours, ~$4 cost
- DC fast charging: 15-20 minutes, ~$10-15 cost
How They Look, Feel, and Make You Smile
Step Inside: Where These Vehicles Really Diverge
The gas Equinox gives you a familiar 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you already love. Your music. Your maps. Your apps. Everything works exactly how you expect.
The EV Equinox? A massive 17.7-inch touchscreen display dominates the dashboard with Google Built-In infotainment. Google Maps. Google Assistant. It’s powerful and integrated. But here’s the controversial part: no Apple CarPlay. No Android Auto at all.
That decision frustrates some folks intensely. You’re locked into GM’s software ecosystem. For Google users, it’s seamless. For Apple devotees, it feels like a betrayal of a feature that’s become universal.
Both seat five comfortably. But the gas model gives rear passengers slightly more legroom: 39.9 inches vs 38.0 inches. Your teenagers will notice on longer trips.
The Design That Catches Eyes (Or Doesn’t)
The gas model adopted a rugged, squared-off stance for 2025. It looks like a scaled-down Traverse with bold, upright lines. Ready for adventure. Familiar. Reassuring.
The EV model embraces a sleek, aerodynamic profile with a slim LED light bar stretching across the front. Futuristic without shouting about it. Flush door handles. Two-tone paint options. Available 21-inch wheels that make it look premium parked next to the gas version.
The EV is noticeably larger: 190.6 inches long vs 183.2 inches. That’s over seven inches. It’s also two inches wider. You’ll feel that in tight parking garages.
Cargo Space: When You Need to Haul Life’s Stuff
Here’s where the gas model wins decisively. It offers 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet max with seats folded. That’s legitimately spacious for a compact SUV.
The EV trades cargo volume for batteries. You get 26.4 cubic feet behind the seats and 57.2 cubic feet max. That’s about 6 cubic feet less overall. A couple of checked bags. A few Home Depot runs worth of supplies.
The EV does have a flat floor with no transmission hump, which makes loading boxes and strollers easier. But for sheer volume, the gas model is the more practical hauler.
| Dimension | Gas Equinox | Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo (seats up) | 29.8 cu ft | 26.4 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 63.5 cu ft | 57.2 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 39.9 in | 38.0 in |
| Passenger volume | 104.3 cu ft | 102.2 cu ft |
| Liftover height | Standard | Standard |
Real-world fit examples: The gas model easily handles four full-size suitcases plus carry-ons. The EV requires more strategic packing but still manages most family weekends without complaint.
Power, Performance, and That Feeling When You Merge
The Gas Engine’s Steady, Predictable Kick
The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivers 175 horsepower. It’s smooth enough for commuting. Adequate for highway merging. Nothing wild. Nothing that’ll make your pulse jump.
The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts without drama. Reviewers have called the steering “sloppy” and the acceleration “tepid.” The 0-60 mph time sits around 8.0 to 8.9 seconds with AWD.
You know this feeling already. It’s reliable. Familiar. Like your favorite coffee that never surprises you but always gets the job done.
The engine can sound buzzy and loud when you push it hard. But for daily driving? It fades into the background and just works.
The EV’s Instant, Silent Surge
The base 220 horsepower electric motor feels more responsive than those numbers suggest. Zero lag. Zero transmission. Just instant torque of 236 to 243 lb-ft that shoves you back in your seat the moment you press the accelerator.
The front-wheel-drive EV hits 60 mph in about 7.7 to 7.9 seconds. Unremarkable by EV standards, but perfectly adequate for real-world driving.
Then there’s the AWD version with dual electric motors. 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque. A thrilling 5.8-second 0-60 sprint that puts it in performance SUV territory. That’s genuinely quick. Grin-inducing quick.
The cabin stays eerily quiet. No engine noise. No vibration. Just a smooth, stable, planted feel from the low center of gravity created by the battery pack sitting low in the chassis.
Power Comparison:
| Spec | Gas (FWD/AWD) | EV (FWD) | EV (AWD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 220 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 184/203 lb-ft | 243 lb-ft | 355 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 8.6 / 8.0-8.9 sec | 7.7-7.9 sec | 5.8 sec |
| Transmission | CVT / 8-speed auto | Single-speed | Single-speed |
One-Pedal Driving: The Feature That Changes Everything
Here’s something the gas model can never offer. Lift off the accelerator in the EV and the car slows itself through regenerative braking. It captures energy and sends it back to the battery instead of wasting it as heat through friction brakes.
You can complete entire trips using just one pedal. Your right foot controls both acceleration and deceleration. Press to go. Lift to slow. It sounds weird. It takes maybe three days to feel natural.
Then most drivers can’t imagine going back. It’s smoother. More controlled. More efficient. And you’ll barely touch your brake pedal in city driving, which means those brake pads last far longer.
Tech, Safety, and the Features You’ll Touch Every Day
The Screen Showdown (And Why It Matters)
The EV’s 17.7-inch display dominates your sight line. Navigation. Climate control. Vehicle settings. Everything lives in that screen. It’s impressive. Modern. Sometimes overwhelming if you just want a simple button for the defroster.
The gas model keeps that smaller 11.3-inch screen plus the phone mirroring you’re already comfortable with. Your Spotify playlists. Your Apple Maps with all your saved locations. Your podcasts. Everything transfers seamlessly.
Which would you miss more: a giant futuristic screen, or your familiar CarPlay maps with live traffic from Waze?
Safety That Protects Without Fussing
Both models earn five-star overall crash ratings from NHTSA. Both come standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams.
The tech works quietly in the background. You’ll barely notice it until that one moment when it prevents a fender bender you didn’t see coming. Then you’ll appreciate every sensor.
The EV offers Super Cruise on higher trims. That’s hands-free highway driving where you can relax your grip, chat with passengers, and let the car handle the monotony of long stretches. The gas model doesn’t offer anything close to that level of driver assistance.
Safety Feature Checklist:
| Feature | Gas Equinox | Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| Auto emergency braking | Standard | Standard |
| Lane-keeping assist | Standard | Standard |
| Blind-spot monitoring | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive cruise control | Standard | Standard |
| Super Cruise | Not available | Available (higher trims) |
| Enhanced parking assist | Not available | Available |
| 5-star crash rating | Yes | Yes |
Warranty Basics:
- Bumper-to-bumper: 3 years/36,000 miles (both)
- Powertrain: 5 years/60,000 miles (both)
- EV battery: 8 years/100,000 miles (EV only)
The Little Conveniences That Smooth Your Day
Wireless charging pads. Heated seats. Panoramic sunroofs. Remote start via smartphone app. Both vehicles offer these comforts across various trim levels.
The EV adds one clever trick: it can pre-condition the cabin temperature while plugged in. The battery stays full because you’re drawing power from the wall, not the pack. You climb into a perfectly comfortable car without sacrificing a single mile of range.
Those little touches matter on cold February mornings and sweltering July afternoons.
Reliability Signals: The Honest Truth About Recalls and Durability
What Shoppers Should Know Right Now
The Equinox EV has had a couple of recalls, as most new platforms do. In January 2025, there was a brake module software issue on some AWD builds. Fixed over-the-air with a software update. In October 2025, a pedestrian warning sound calibration recall. Quiet, simple fix.
Owner feedback has been mostly positive. The ride quality gets praised consistently. Some folks grumble about road noise and the missing Apple CarPlay. But the mechanical reliability signals look solid so far.
The gas model is built on more proven technology. Fewer unknowns. Fewer first-year platform bugs. That’s the advantage of choosing conventional rather than cutting-edge.
Current Status:
- EV recall count: 2 (both software-related, easily fixed)
- Owner complaints: Missing CarPlay, some road noise
- Owner praise: Ride quality, performance, efficiency
- Gas model: Standard reliability for turbocharged GM engines
The Warranty Safety Net
That 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty on the EV is substantial peace of mind. Battery degradation is the biggest fear for first-time EV buyers. This warranty covers it.
The powertrain warranty is identical on both: 5 years/60,000 miles. Bumper-to-bumper is 3 years/36,000 miles.
Maintenance costs are baked into EV ownership. You’ll spend less over time because there’s simply less to break, less to service, and less to replace.
Who Should Buy Which? Your Honest Answer Lives Here
You’ll Love the Gas Equinox If You…
Drive 300+ miles regularly or take frequent cross-country road trips where charging infrastructure feels uncertain. The gas model gives you that quick five-minute refuel freedom.
Need to tow trailers, small boats, or camping gear. The 1,500 lb towing capacity matches the EV, but fueling for towing is faster and more predictable.
Live in an apartment without reliable home charging access. Street parking makes EV ownership complicated and frustrating.
Prefer the lower sticker price and the familiar rhythm of gas station stops. Sometimes conventional just feels safer, and that’s okay.
The Equinox EV Is Perfect If You…
Have a garage or driveway where you can install a Level 2 charger. Home charging transforms the EV ownership experience from stressful to effortless.
Drive mostly local routes under 200 miles per day. Work commutes. Grocery runs. Kid pickups. School drop-offs. The daily routine where overnight charging means you always leave home full.
Want to slash monthly fuel bills and skip oil change appointments forever. The maintenance savings are real and substantial over five years.
Enjoy quiet rides, instant acceleration, and cutting-edge tech that updates itself over-the-air. The EV driving experience feels like stepping five years into the future.
The Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding
Can I charge at home, or does my workplace have chargers I can reliably use? This is the single most important question. Without consistent charging access, EV ownership gets frustrating fast.
What’s my typical daily driving distance, honestly? Not the rare road trip you take twice a year. Your actual daily average.
Do I take long trips often enough that quick gas stops matter more than nightly charging convenience?
Am I ready to embrace something new and different, or does familiar technology feel safer right now? There’s no wrong answer. Only your answer.
“Trust your gut—which car made you smile more when you imagined driving it?”
Your Test-Drive Checklist: So Nothing Important Gets Missed
What to Feel, Load, and Ask Before You Sign
Drive them back-to-back if possible. Same day. Same roads. Same weather. Notice cabin noise at highway speeds. Feel the throttle response. Compare brake pedal feel between regenerative and friction braking.
Load your actual gear. Strollers. Sports equipment. Groceries. Luggage. Compare liftover heights and see which cargo floor works better for your real life.
Try the driver-assistance features. Adaptive cruise. Lane-keeping. Does the system feel smooth or intrusive? Check if the dealer has installed the latest software updates.
Ask about current recall status and whether any fixes are pending or already applied to the specific vehicle you’re considering.
Your 10-Minute Drive Script:
- Acceleration: Merge onto highway, feel power delivery
- Braking: Test one-pedal driving (EV), check brake pedal response
- Handling: Take some corners, notice body roll and steering feel
- Visibility: Check blind spots, rear visibility, camera quality
- Comfort: Seat support, ride quality over bumps, cabin noise
- Tech: Navigate infotainment, test voice commands, connect phone
The Final Nudge: Which One Calls to You?
The Choice Comes Down to Your Daily Life
Cutting-edge tech and significantly lower running costs with the EV. Lower upfront cost and ultimate road trip freedom with the gas model. Both are capable, comfortable compact SUVs that will serve you well for years.
You can’t go wrong. You can only choose different right.
Picture your typical morning. Are you plugging in before bed and waking up to a full battery? Or are you stopping for gas on the way home, five minutes and done?
Which scenario fits your life with less friction? That’s your answer.
Your Next Step Is Easier Than You Think
Run the actual numbers using your yearly mileage and local electricity rates. The 5-year total cost of ownership tells the real financial story beyond the sticker price.
Trust that gut reaction you had while reading this. Which vehicle sparked more excitement? Which one made you lean forward and think, “Yeah, that’s the one”?
Schedule two test drives. Same day if possible. Same roads. Let your hands on the wheel and your foot on the pedal make the final call. Logic helps. But sometimes you just know.
Bonus: Quick Spec Snapshot for Skimmers
Side-by-Side Numbers That Tell the Story
| Specification | Gas Equinox | Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,600 (LT) | $33,600 (1LT) |
| After Tax Credit | N/A | ~$26,100 |
| Powertrain (FWD) | 1.5L turbo, 175 hp, 184 lb-ft | Electric, 220 hp, 243 lb-ft |
| Powertrain (AWD) | 1.5L turbo, 175 hp, 203 lb-ft | Dual electric, 300 hp, 355 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 8.6 sec (FWD), 8.0-8.9 sec (AWD) | 7.7-7.9 sec (FWD), 5.8 sec (AWD) |
| Range/Efficiency | ~400 mi, 27 MPG combined (FWD) | 319 mi, 109 MPGe (FWD) |
| Cargo Space (max) | 63.5 cu ft | 57.2 cu ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.9 in | 38.0 in |
| Infotainment | 11.3-in screen, Apple CarPlay | 17.7-in screen, Google Built-In |
| Charging/Refueling | 5 min gas fill-up | 9.5 hr (Level 2), 77 mi in 10 min (DC fast) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Warranty (battery) | N/A | 8 years/100,000 miles |
Dimensions:
- Gas: 183.2″ L x 74.9″ W, 107.5″ wheelbase
- EV: 190.6″ L x 76.9″ W, 116.3″ wheelbase
Key Takeaway: The EV is larger outside but less spacious inside. The gas model offers more cargo room and rear legroom despite its smaller footprint.
Equinox vs Equinox EV (FAQs)
Is the Equinox EV worth the extra cost over the gas version?
Yes, especially with the $7,500 federal tax credit through September 2025. That credit drops the EV’s effective price below the gas model in many cases. Factor in $7,200+ in fuel savings over five years and dramatically lower maintenance costs, and the EV becomes the better long-term value if you can charge at home. Without home charging access, the gas model makes more financial sense.
How much does it cost to charge an Equinox EV vs filling the gas Equinox?
Charging the EV at home costs about $30 to $50 monthly for 1,000 miles at average electricity rates. Filling the gas model costs $150 to $200 monthly for the same distance at current fuel prices. That’s roughly $1,500 yearly savings with the EV. A full charge from empty at home runs about $11 to $13, while filling the gas tank costs around $45 to $55 depending on fuel prices.
What is the real-world range of the Equinox EV?
The EPA rates it at 319 miles for FWD models. Real-world highway driving at 70 mph typically delivers 280 to 306 miles. City driving often exceeds the EPA rating, with some tests achieving 356 miles. Winter cold can reduce range by 15% to 25%. For daily commuting under 200 miles, you’ll rarely think about range anxiety. For long road trips, plan for charging stops every 250 miles to stay comfortable.
Does the Equinox EV qualify for the $7,500 tax credit?
Yes, the 2025 Equinox EV qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit for eligible buyers. This credit is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2025, so timing matters. Check your specific tax situation and income limits with a tax professional, as not everyone qualifies. Some dealers can apply the credit at purchase as a point-of-sale rebate, lowering your upfront cost immediately instead of waiting until tax time.
Can the Equinox EV tow as much as the gas version?
Yes, both have the same 1,500 lb towing capacity. That handles small trailers, jet skis, or light camping gear. The difference is in the refueling experience. Towing reduces EV range significantly (potentially by 30% to 50%), which means more frequent charging stops on long trips. The gas model offers quicker refueling when towing. Both are capable for occasional light towing, but neither is designed as a heavy-duty towing vehicle.