Switching to electric vehicles has been an exciting journey for our household. After experiencing a range of EVs, from the Chevy Volt to the Kia EV6, we recently added the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT to our garage as our second EV, alongside our VW ID.4. Coming from a family with a long history with Chevrolet – dating back to a classic 1968 Corvair convertible – it’s fascinating to see how far GM has come in the EV space, especially under Mary Barra’s leadership. While publications like Car and Driver offer professional reviews, here’s a personal perspective on living with the Equinox EV.
Smooth Ride and Initial Impressions
One of the first things you notice about the Equinox EV is its remarkably smooth ride. Compared to our other EVs, the Equinox absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, providing a more comfortable driving experience. Having driven it for a few months now, covering 383 miles, the smooth ride quality remains a consistent highlight. This is a noticeable step up and contributes to a more relaxed feel behind the wheel.
Infotainment System Quirks
However, it hasn’t been entirely seamless. The infotainment system has presented some glitches. Experiencing screen freezes while driving is frustrating, especially when a reset isn’t possible until you come to a complete stop. This is definitely an area where Chevrolet could improve the user experience and reliability of their in-car technology.
Driver Assistance: Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist
On the driver assistance front, the cruise control works effectively, especially in traffic situations. It’s a welcome feature for daily commutes. However, the lane assist system feels somewhat unrefined. It tends to wander within the lane and sometimes reacts late, even nudging the rumble strips before correcting. While functional, it doesn’t inspire complete confidence and feels less polished compared to lane-keeping systems in other vehicles we’ve driven. For future Chevy EVs, features like Super Cruise would be a significant upgrade in this area.
Camera Views and Visibility
A standout feature of the Equinox 2LT is its exceptional camera system. The backup and parking cameras, particularly the overhead view, are significantly better than what we’ve experienced in other vehicles, including our ID.4. The crisp, clear view of curbs and obstacles around the vehicle, both front and rear, is incredibly helpful for parking and maneuvering in tight spots. While the side mirrors are on the smaller side and lack a reverse tilt-down function (a feature we appreciated in our Kia EV6), the superior camera system largely compensates for this, providing excellent all-around visibility.
One-Pedal Driving and Regen Braking
For EV enthusiasts who appreciate one-pedal driving, the Equinox EV delivers. The regenerative braking system is well-tuned, allowing for smooth deceleration and bringing the vehicle to a complete stop simply by lifting off the accelerator. Switching back to our ID.4, which requires using the brake pedal more frequently, highlights how much we’ve come to enjoy and rely on this feature in GM and Kia EVs. It makes driving more engaging and efficient in everyday situations.
Conclusion: A Solid EV Choice
Overall, the Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT presents a compelling package as a second EV, especially considering its value proposition. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in infotainment system stability and lane assist refinement, the Equinox EV shines with its smooth ride, excellent camera system, and enjoyable one-pedal driving experience. For those considering an electric SUV, the Equinox EV is certainly worth a look, blending Chevrolet’s automotive heritage with modern EV technology. It will be interesting to see how Car and Driver’s professional testing and reviews further evaluate these aspects and provide a more comprehensive expert perspective.
