2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Redesign, MPG, Release Date  –  The shift toward an automotive era dominated by electric vehicles (EVs) continues to be a divisive one. There’s a vocal group vehemently opposed to motoring around in smooth, electrified silence – this despite most likely never having actually driven an EV in the first place – and there’s a group of happy early adopters that was quick to jump on the emissions-free bandwagon. And then there’s a group somewhere in the middle, where curiosity about electrification is increasing.

The 2025 Equinox EV is the latest in a growing series of vehicles based on the Ultium platform that’s been used to underpin everything from a pickup truck to the Honda Prologue. Chevrolet has taken a wise approach with the Equinox EV, developing it to be competitive not just as an EV, but as a compact crossover in general.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

The philosophy makes sense, and at a starting price of $48,199 for the base front-wheel-drive version, the Equinox EV actually overlaps with a fully loaded example of its sibling. It’s also priced competitively next to the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV, and the entry-level Volkswagen ID.4.

A second motor can be added to the rear of the Equinox EV, giving it all-wheel drive – and adding a few thousand dollars to the price of each trim while still undercutting other all-wheel-drive EVs. Most of this drive day was spent behind the wheel of the entry-level FWD 2LT model that felt far from basic. While manufacturers will offer a base trim to fit under specific, marketable price points, they can often be very hard to come by, with only a handful produced. This trim could easily be a volume leader for Chevrolet, however, with standard niceties like heated seats, a comprehensive advanced safety suite, and a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment display.

This tester also featured a $3,240 optional package that adds automated parking and hands-free highway driving capability. Updated to function on an ever-increasing series of highways, the so-called Super Cruise system continues to provide highly effective help that now includes automated lane changes. It worked remarkably well on the interstates in and around Detroit, only needing an occasional prompt to move back to the middle or right lane and get out of the way of fast-approaching traffic.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Specs

The Equinox EV’s chief engineer, Mark Allen, says “the days of EVs in their own exclusive segment are over.” While that may not be entirely true, it’s easy to see the case being made with his team’s creation. The nameplate alone supports transition, since the Equinox has existed for many years now, albeit with gas – and, for a short time, diesel – power. It should be noted that the two Equinox variants share nothing in terms of body, structure, or mechanicals. The thought is that an EV-curious buyer might find the transition from a gas-powered Equinox to an Equinox EV an easy first step as long as the electrified version doesn’t require a massive change of lifestyle or increased expenditure.

Engine and Performance

All Equinox EV models use the same 85-kWh battery pack. The front-wheel-drive version pairs it with a motor that generates 213 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet claims it’ll hit 100 km/h from a standing start in roughly eight seconds, which seems slow by EV standards, but there was decent pep when cruising around Detroit and its suburbs. Plus, the instantaneous nature of EV torque makes it more responsive than a comparable gas-powered vehicle.

Checking the box on the order form for all-wheel drive adds a fairly basic rear induction motor that bumps output to 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. It also adds a bit of mass to the equation. Nevertheless, the all-wheel-drive Equinox EV is said to do the dash to 100 km/h about two seconds quicker. Puttering around town, the difference in usable output is barely noticeable, and it’s not until stomping the accelerator when merging onto the highway that the all-wheel drive system’s added oomph is really noticeable. What stands out more is the considerable mass of this EV no matter how many wheels are powered, with a sense that it’s bigger than it actually is.

But then the low centre of gravity created by the floor-mounted battery keeps it from being a roly-poly mess when cornering. Still, while the steering offers good heft and even a decent amount of feedback, the Equinox EV isn’t a sporty machine, belying its appearance at least a little. (The Volkswagen ID.4’s suspension makes it a better-sorted driver’s EV.)  2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Redesign

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Fuel Economy

Besides its aggressive pricing, Chevrolet’s other big selling factor here is range. At 513 km, the front-wheel-drive version just barely exceeds the range of the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6; but for many, surpassing that 500-mark is the tipping point in EV consideration. At 459 km, the all-wheel-drive versions exceed many competitors in the segment.

The Equinox EV is rated to charge up at a maximum of 150 kW at a DC fast-charger. While it pales in comparison with the speeds its rivals from Kia and Hyundai are capable of, it’s still possible to add roughly 120 km of range to this Chevy in as few as 10 minutes.  2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Redesign

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Safety Features

The third feather in the Equinox EV’s cap is its style. Aiming to compete not only with other EVs, but other compact crossovers in general, the Equinox EV isn’t meant to look like a sci-fi spaceship. Instead, it’s styled like a contemporary crossover with an alternate means of propulsion.

Bearing a considerable family resemblance to its bigger (and darned sexy) Blazer EV sibling, the Equinox EV has its wheels pushed to the corners and offers a squat, aggressive look. Even the most basic trims ride on attractive 19-inch wheels, and Chevrolet has given buyers the choice between a more aggressive RS trim or slightly more subdued LT trim, both with the same drive bits beneath the skin. A variety of vibrant colours are available, as are two-tone treatments, allowing buyers a surprising amount of choice in creating a look to suit their tastes.  2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Redesign

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Price and Release Date

According to Chevrolet, the 2025 Equinox EV is the most reasonably priced all-electric car in Canada. Its assertion is supported by its starting price of $38,198 before destination fees, taxes, or incentives are taken into account. Considering its long range, this EV is also a great deal.

My problem with the value proposition is that you would really have to be committed to obtaining an EV and prepared to forgo certain valuable extras because those bucks would probably get you a better car and more amenities if you were shopping for an internal combustion engine. The lack of features for the price may still put off some of you who are hesitant to purchase an EV, despite government incentives, the fact that EVs require less mechanical maintenance, and the fact that charging is typically less expensive than gas (and can even be free if you look hard enough). 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Redesign