You’re standing between two electric futures, and I get why your head’s spinning. Both the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV promise freedom from gas stations, yet they feel surprisingly different when you slide behind the wheel. Here’s the relief you’ve been seeking: these sibling SUVs share Chevy’s advanced Ultium platform bones, which means both deliver that instant electric torque you’ve heard about. I’ll walk you through the real differences that matter, not just specs on a screen, but the everyday moments that’ll make you smile or sigh as you navigate your daily life.
Keynote: Blazer vs Equinox EV
The Blazer EV delivers premium space and performance starting at $44,600, while the Equinox EV prioritizes efficiency and value from $33,600. Both share Ultium architecture and qualify for federal credits. Choose Equinox EV for daily efficiency, Blazer EV for passenger comfort or RWD dynamics.
Understanding Your Investment: More Than Just Sticker Shock
The Numbers That Make Your Heart Race
The Equinox EV starts around $33,600, giving you that sweet entry point without sacrificing dignity or modern features. The Blazer EV asks roughly $44,600 to start, establishing an immediate $11,000 price chasm that isn’t arbitrary. Federal tax credits slash $7,500 off either model, making that mental math suddenly exciting for your household budget.
Here’s what you’re looking at across the trim levels:
| Model | Trim | Starting MSRP | After Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox EV | 1LT FWD | ~$33,600 | ~$26,100 |
| Equinox EV | 2LT/2RS AWD | ~$41,900 | ~$34,400 |
| Equinox EV | 3LT/3RS AWD | ~$43,900 | ~$36,400 |
| Blazer EV | LT FWD | ~$44,600 | ~$37,100 |
| Blazer EV | RS RWD/AWD | ~$54,595 | ~$47,095 |
| Blazer EV | SS AWD | ~$65,995 | ~$58,495 |
Dealer inventory reality check matters more than you think. The Equinox EV floods showrooms as Chevy’s high-volume play, while Blazer EV availability varies wildly depending on your region and desired trim.
The Long Game: Five-Year Wallet Impact
Home charging runs about $8 per “fill-up” versus your old $60 gas habit, a difference that adds up to roughly $2,700 annually if you’re driving 12,000 miles. Insurance tends to pinch harder on the Blazer EV, factoring in an extra $300 to $400 yearly due to its higher replacement value. Maintenance becomes almost laughably simple compared to your oil-change routine, with both models requiring mainly tire rotations and brake fluid checks every few years.
Range Reality: How Far Your Adventures Really Go
The Promise vs. The Pavement
The Equinox EV FWD delivers up to 319 miles on a full charge, enough for three roundtrips to grandma’s house without range anxiety creeping in. The Blazer EV RS in rear-wheel-drive configuration stretches to 334 miles, the longest legs in either lineup thanks to its larger 102-kWh battery pack. That’s Chicago to Detroit without sweating the battery gauge.
Here’s how the ranges stack up across configurations:
| Model | Configuration | EPA Range | Battery Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox EV | FWD | 319 miles | 85 kWh |
| Equinox EV | AWD | 285 miles | 85 kWh |
| Blazer EV | RWD | 334 miles | 102 kWh |
| Blazer EV | FWD | 312 miles | 85 kWh |
| Blazer EV | AWD | 279 miles | 85 kWh |
| Blazer EV | SS AWD | 303 miles | 102 kWh |
AWD trims on both models trade 20 to 40 miles for all-weather confidence, a worthwhile swap if you’re navigating snowy winters or rainy commutes.
What Winter and Speed Actually Do
Cold mornings slash up to 40% off your range when temperatures dip below freezing, so plan those ski trips with charging stops mapped out in advance. Highway cruising at 75 mph eats into your battery faster than the EPA test cycle suggests. Real-world testing shows the Equinox EV AWD achieving 260 miles at sustained highway speeds, while the Blazer EV AWD drops to around 200 to 210 miles under the same conditions.
One owner I spoke with shared this insight: “I learned to embrace the 70 mph sweet spot on road trips. My Equinox EV FWD actually exceeded its EPA rating by 37 miles on a mixed-driving loop, hitting 356 total miles.”
The sweet spot for road trips involves planning stops every 160 to 180 miles, which conveniently aligns with natural rest breaks for coffee and comfort.
Charging Speed: Your Coffee Break vs. Lunch Stop
The Power Race That Matters
The Blazer EV with the larger 102-kWh battery peaks at 190 kW DC fast charging, adding roughly 80 miles during your 10-minute Starbucks run. The Equinox EV maxes at 150 kW, still quick enough to add about 70 miles in that same timeframe, though you’ll scroll through one more Instagram reel while waiting.
| Charging Type | Equinox EV | Blazer EV (85 kWh) | Blazer EV (102 kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 (Home) | 11.5 kW standard | 11.5 kW standard | 11.5 kW standard |
| Level 2 (3RS) | 19.2 kW optional | Not available | Not available |
| DC Fast Peak | 150 kW | 150 kW | 190 kW |
| 10-min DC add | ~70 miles | ~68 miles | ~80 miles |
Both models taper their charging speed after hitting 60% battery capacity, that’s just physics protecting battery longevity, not a design failure. NACS adapter access to Tesla’s Supercharger network is rolling out now, dramatically expanding your charging options beyond the standard CCS1 network. Ask your dealer about adapter availability and timeline before you buy.
Space for Your Life: From Groceries to Great Escapes
The Daily Squeeze Test
The Blazer EV gives rear passengers three extra inches of legroom to breathe, measuring 38.9 inches versus the Equinox EV’s 38.0 inches. Your teenagers will thank you for that shoulder room too, with the Blazer EV providing nearly three more inches of width in the back seat. The Equinox EV feels cozy with three across the back, perfect for couples or small families, but tight for regular carpools.
| Dimension | Equinox EV | Blazer EV |
|---|---|---|
| Front legroom | 41.7 inches | 44.2 inches |
| Rear legroom | 38.0 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Rear shoulder room | ~54 inches | ~57 inches |
| Front headroom | 39.2 inches | 40.9 inches |
Both vehicles let someone who’s 5’7″ sleep inside with the seats folded down, a feature I actually tested during a camping adventure.
Cargo Surprises Nobody Mentions
Here’s where things get counter-intuitive and fascinating. The smaller Equinox EV actually wins with seats up, offering 26.4 cubic feet versus the Blazer EV’s 25.5 cubic feet. That extra space swallows IKEA runs beautifully and handles weekly grocery hauls without Tetris-level packing skills. The Blazer EV dominates with seats folded down at 59.8 cubic feet compared to 57.2 cubic feet, perfect for camping gear, bikes, and your whole outdoor world.
The lift-over height matters more than most reviews mention. The Equinox EV sits lower to the ground with 6.4 inches of clearance, genuinely saving your back during repeated grocery loads compared to the Blazer EV’s 7.9-inch stance.
Driving Feel: The Personality Behind the Wheel
The Nimble vs. The Planted
The Equinox EV darts through traffic like it’s genuinely enjoying itself, feeling more like a car than a crossover in the best possible way. Parallel parking becomes fun rather than stressful thanks to its compact 116.3-inch wheelbase. The Blazer EV feels substantial and steady, stretching to 121.8 inches between the wheels, which translates to less tossable but more confident in crosswinds on the highway.
One-pedal driving in both models transforms stop-and-go commutes into something almost zen-like once you adapt to the regenerative braking rhythm.
Highway Confidence and Canyon Carving
Where Power Shows Its Colors
The Blazer EV SS rockets to 60 mph in a jaw-dropping 3.3 seconds, a performance figure that makes your passengers gasp and rivals dedicated sports cars. That’s thanks to its dual-motor setup pumping out 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque in Wide Open Watts mode. The Equinox EV AWD hits 60 mph in a respectable 5.8 seconds, still quicker than most buyers expect from what looks like a sensible crossover.
Motor Trend recognized the Blazer EV as SUV of the Year, highlighting its impressive dynamics when properly equipped. The Blazer EV’s rear-wheel-drive configuration makes corners feel genuinely athletic, with balanced weight distribution that enthusiasts appreciate. The Equinox EV prefers predictable comfort over sporting pretensions, which perfectly suits its mission as a daily driver.
Road noise at 70 mph stays library-quiet in both vehicles until you hit rough pavement, where the Blazer EV’s softer suspension can feel slightly floaty compared to the Equinox EV’s taut setup.
Tech and Comfort: The Daily Delights
Screens, Streams, and Hands-Free Dreams
That massive 17.7-inch touchscreen makes every other car feel ancient the moment you tap it, paired with an 11-inch digital driver display that’s crisp and customizable. Google Built-In means you lose Apple CarPlay compatibility, a controversial trade-off, but the native Google Maps with EV-specific routing and offline capability saves the day when cell service vanishes.
| Feature | Equinox EV | Blazer EV |
|---|---|---|
| Main touchscreen | 17.7 inches | 17.7 inches |
| Driver display | 11 inches | 11 inches |
| Google Built-In | Standard | Standard |
| Super Cruise | Available 2LT+ | Available |
| Wireless charging | Available 2LT+ | Standard all trims |
| Heated front seats | 2LT+ trims | Standard RS+ |
| Ventilated seats | Not available | RS and SS trims |
Super Cruise availability on higher trims delivers genuine hands-free highway magic across over 400,000 miles of compatible roads, genuinely reducing fatigue on long drives.
Where Blazer Justifies Its Premium
Heated and ventilated front seats come standard on Blazer EV RS and SS trims, a luxury your back will sing about during summer heat and winter freezes. Rear seat heating keeps everyone happy on frozen mornings, a feature absent from the Equinox EV lineup. The head-up display projects your speed and navigation directions without the neck crane, while the power passenger seat ensures your co-pilot enjoys equal comfort.
The Reliability Story: Software Scares and Happy Endings
The Bumps GM Fixed
Early 2024 Blazer EV models hit that infamous software wall that made headlines, with GM issuing a temporary stop-sale while engineers pushed critical updates. The company pushed massive over-the-air updates throughout late 2024, and current owners report smooth sailing with their infotainment systems behaving properly. The Equinox EV learned valuable lessons from the Blazer EV’s growing pains, launching with cleaner and calmer software that avoided most of those early teething issues.
Ask for the current software version before signing any paperwork on a 2024 model. It’s your right to know, and dealers should readily provide that information without hesitation.
Your Life, Your Choice: Three Clear Paths Forward
Choose Equinox EV If You’re…
Seeking maximum value without compromise, that lower $33,600 starting price still gets you 90% of the premium EV experience with none of the guilt. You’re driving solo or with just one passenger most days, so why pay for passenger space you won’t regularly use? Navigating tight city spots daily turns the Equinox EV’s smaller footprint into a genuine superpower for parking.
Prioritizing maximum efficiency matters deeply in your world, where every electron counts toward your sustainability goals and monthly electricity bill.
One Equinox EV owner told me: “I wanted an electric car that didn’t scream ‘look at me,’ just handled my 60-mile commute efficiently. The Equinox EV delivers exactly that, plus it exceeded its EPA range by 12% on my regular loop.”
Choose Blazer EV If You’re…
Road-tripping with family more than twice yearly, where everyone staying comfortable becomes worth the premium price during those long hauls. Craving that genuinely premium feel where ventilated seats and refined ride quality matter deeply to your daily satisfaction. Hauling three or more passengers regularly means nobody fights for shoulder room or complains about cramped quarters.
Ready to pay for legitimate performance, that SS trim delivers thrills that justify its $65,995 starting price for driving enthusiasts.
Still Torn? Here’s Your Tiebreaker
Book back-to-back test drives at your local Chevrolet dealer, because your gut instinct knows the right answer after just 20 minutes behind each wheel. Visit a DC fast charger during your test drive to see and feel the charging speed difference firsthand with your own phone timer. Sit in the back seat of both vehicles, imagining your tallest friend or teenage child there for a three-hour road trip.
Load something bulky in each cargo area, actually feeling the lift-over height difference that spec sheets can’t communicate. Check which trims are actually available on dealer lots rather than theoretical configurations listed online.
Conclusion: Your Electric Future Starts Now
Budget-conscious daily drivers seeking long range find their perfect match in the Equinox EV LT FWD at $33,600, delivering 319 miles and excellent efficiency. Weekend warriors wanting sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics discover those back-road grins in the Blazer EV RS RWD configuration. Family haulers needing all-weather confidence stay safe and happy with either model equipped with AWD, choosing based on whether passenger comfort or cargo space matters more.
Remember this liberating truth: both models beat gas prices forever, both qualify for substantial federal credits, and both put that instant electric torque at your command. You genuinely can’t lose here, just pick the one that matches your daily reality rather than aspirational dreams.
Your Next Move
Check current inventory at three local dealers this week, because availability varies wildly by region and trim level right now. Confirm software versions on any 2024 models before signing, ensuring you’re getting the latest updates for peace of mind. Calculate your real charging costs using your local electricity rates, which is probably 70% less than you’re currently spending on gasoline.
Test drive your favorite trim this weekend before potential regulatory changes shift the pricing landscape.
Chevy Blazer vs Equinox EV (FAQs)
What is the price difference between Blazer EV and Equinox EV?
The Equinox EV starts at approximately $33,600 while the Blazer EV begins at $44,600, creating an $11,000 gap at entry level. That price difference buys you more passenger space, access to rear-wheel drive, higher towing capacity, and premium features like ventilated seats. Both models qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, which narrows the effective difference to around $3,500 after incentives when comparing base trims.
Which has better range: Blazer EV or Equinox EV?
The Blazer EV RS in rear-wheel-drive configuration claims the crown with up to 334 EPA-estimated miles thanks to its larger 102-kWh battery pack. The Equinox EV FWD follows closely at 319 miles with its 85-kWh battery. However, real-world testing shows the Equinox EV FWD can actually exceed its EPA rating by 12% in mixed driving, achieving 356 miles in independent tests. For highway-only driving at 75 mph, expect both models to deliver 20-30% less than their EPA ratings.
Is the Blazer EV bigger than the Equinox EV?
Yes, the Blazer EV measures 192.2 inches long with a 121.8-inch wheelbase, making it a true midsize SUV compared to the compact Equinox EV’s 190.6-inch length and 116.3-inch wheelbase. That size translates to 44.2 inches of front legroom in the Blazer EV versus 41.7 inches in the Equinox EV. Surprisingly, the smaller Equinox EV offers slightly more cargo space behind the rear seats at 26.4 cubic feet versus the Blazer EV’s 25.5 cubic feet, making it more practical for daily hauling despite its compact dimensions.
Does the Equinox EV qualify for the tax credit?
Both the Equinox EV and Blazer EV currently qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles, as both are assembled in North America on GM’s Ultium platform. This credit significantly improves the value proposition, dropping the effective starting price of the Equinox EV 1LT to around $26,100. Eligibility requirements include income caps and vehicle price limits, so verify your specific situation with a tax professional before purchasing.
What is the towing capacity difference between Blazer EV and Equinox EV?
The Blazer EV RS in rear-wheel-drive configuration can tow up to 3,500 pounds, double the 1,500-pound rating of all AWD versions of both models. The Equinox EV maxes out at 1,500 pounds regardless of configuration. If you need to tow a small boat, lightweight camper, or dual-axle trailer regularly, the Blazer EV RWD becomes the only viable choice between these siblings.