Having navigated the electric vehicle landscape for nearly a decade, my household has become quite the EV testing ground. Starting with a 2015 Chevy Volt, we progressed through a 2017 and then a 2020 Chevy Bolt, before experiencing the delights of a 2022 Kia EV6. The Kia EV6 was a personal favorite, boasting sleek design and impressive features. However, its lower profile presented a challenge for my wife, impacting her hip and back comfort when entering and exiting the vehicle. Currently, our garage houses a 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S, acquired in July, and a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT, our second EV added in September. My wife primarily drives the ID.4, while I’ve taken the reins of the Equinox, which, despite being an SUV, maintains a comfortable height for her to drive when needed.
For longer journeys, the Volkswagen ID.4 is our chosen companion, primarily due to its superior charging speed. Rated at 175kW, it noticeably outpaces the Chevrolet Equinox’s 150kW charging capability, a crucial factor for minimizing travel time on extended trips.
My initial impressions of the Equinox 2LT, with its impressive 383-mile range, are overwhelmingly positive. The ride quality is noticeably smoother compared to our other EVs. However, the infotainment system has presented some intermittent glitches, occasionally freezing and requiring a complete stop to reset, a minor inconvenience interrupting the otherwise seamless driving experience. On a brighter note, the cruise control system is intuitive and effective, proving invaluable in navigating congested traffic conditions. The lane assist feature, while present, feels somewhat unrefined. It exhibits a tendency to wander within the lane and occasionally nudges against lane markers before making corrections, lacking the assuredness one might expect. My decision to opt for the 2LT trim was largely influenced by the exceptionally attractive 24-month one-pay lease deal, making it a financially prudent choice as a secondary vehicle. Looking ahead, my next Chevrolet EV will undoubtedly feature Super Cruise, anticipating a more advanced and polished driver-assistance system.
One area where the Equinox 2LT truly shines is its backup and parking camera system. The clarity and comprehensive vehicle view are significantly superior, particularly the overhead perspective which provides an invaluable aid when maneuvering near curbs and obstacles, both front and rear. In contrast, the ID.4 relies heavily on audible alerts, beeping frequently to indicate proximity to objects. The side mirrors on the Chevy are notably compact and, disappointingly, lack a reverse tilt-down function. The ID.4’s mirrors are only marginally better, offering a right-side tilt-down feature, and only when the mirror selector is pre-set to the ‘R’ position. It’s worth noting that our previous Kia EV6 excelled in this aspect, with both side mirrors intelligently tilting down in reverse to a driver-customizable preset – a particularly useful feature for navigating the narrow confines of my 1931-era driveway, a relic from a time when cars were considerably smaller! This mirror feature was indeed an “awesome” detail that speaks to thoughtful design. While considering features, the Kia Ev6 Car And Driver reviews often highlight its blend of technology and driver-centric design, and the mirror feature is a small but significant example of this philosophy in action.
The regenerative braking and one-pedal driving experience in the Chevrolet Equinox is another standout feature. Having become accustomed to one-pedal driving in previous EVs, transitioning back to the ID.4 necessitates re-engaging the brake pedal, a habit I had largely abandoned thanks to the intuitive regenerative braking systems pioneered by GM and Kia.
Reflecting on my automotive journey, from my first car, a 1968 Chevrolet Corvair convertible, it’s remarkable to witness the advancements GM has made over the decades. It’s particularly encouraging to see Mary Barra leading the company into this new era of electric mobility. The current EV offerings from GM, and indeed competitors like Kia, demonstrate a significant leap forward in automotive technology and design, promising an exciting future for electric vehicles.
