I've had one for almost three months. FWD. Power level feels just fine. No need for more. The last long trip we took, the car charged to 345mi of range at 100%. Normally for day to day use we charge 40-60%. Car has been fantastic. Highly recommend.
As a mainstream EV, I think this does a very good job. For the most part, it's a "regular car", which I think makes an easier transition to EVs for most people. It's also reasonably well priced, well equipped and looks good. It's not perfect (no vehicle really is), but I think this hits the mark quite well.
The gas Equinox is only 175hp and unlike years past there is no engine upgrade. So if you want more than that in an Equinox the EV is the only way to get it. So the EV version is more power and tech for a lower costs than the gas version. That seems like value to me.
@@DrivenCarReviews my 2014 honda crv lx fwd has 474 miles of range evs have a longway to go lol. MSRP $23,120 in 2014 = $30,431.23 in 2024 wheres 30k 450+ mile range evs? lol. by the way evs require oil changes in each electric motor.
Thanks for adding the comment in the end about EVs being a political issue. I live in a deep, Red state and I feel people giving me the eyeball whenever I drive my Mach-E. It drives me nuts! I know why they do it, but I'd love to speak with them, like you, about the upsides of owning an EV if it's not your first car or your road-trip car. We're lucky enough that we're able to afford both and my EV is awesome to do everything around town and cheaper to fill up than my wife's SUV. She, however, doesn't drive that much because she works from home, so to fill an Expedition Max only once a month is a blessing (close to $80 every time). But the fact of the matter is, my EV gets filled up at home or at work, which is free. Thanks, as always, for your awesome reviews!
It's political because this weirdness is being 'forced' on people. But it's not your fault. We just have to stop listening to whoever these politicians are. They are nobodies.
Excellent review! I also appreciated how you muted the "G" word when demonstrating that system. As an owner of a 3LT, AWD, I've also used the Google system to activate several other car features (i.e. controlling A/C temperature, turning on seat fan & steering wheel heater, etc.), so, I've found multiple uses - especially when I didn't want to take my eyes off the road to search for the right buttons.
I had already taken the Chevy Equinox off my list because of Apple Car Play. I'm glad I watched your video, I didn't realize Waze was an option for the built in system (unlike Tesla). Honestly, that's the major reason I want Car Play, so I think I could live with that. I see Spotify on the screen in your video, I'm curious if Audible can be installed as well.
I like the design of the Equinox. The humming sound is very irritating. They had that on the Blazer EV too. It's fine if it's on the outside, but if you can hear it in the cabin, that's no good. Lack of Apple CarPlay is going to cost them sales, considering they offer it in the Cadillac EV (plus all their ICE vehicles). Which I don't get why they did that if they could just offer both. But otherwise, I really think this is the a great EV. The range is awesome. It now can charge on the Tesla network. Great review, Tom! I also like the added lore for the Evil Twin: he's the infamous Florida Man.
@@DrivenCarReviews which is sad, because Cadillac showed it was possible and was removed not for the “safety reasons” GM used as the excuse. I ended up getting a great deal on a used 2023 Ford Mach E Premium. I’ve been really enjoying it. But the Equinox was in my price range and in consideration.
I don’t think it’s appropriate for GM to remove CarPlay and replace it with a system that costs the owner additional money after 8 years. CarPlay is included with the cost of my smartphone for as long as I want to own the vehicle (hint: longer than 8 years)
You can precondition the battery for fast charging. Also, Chevy has always done battery preconditioning at the same time as cabin preconditioning. They don't dump a ton of power into the battery, but it will absolutely dump some energy into conditioning the battery.
Thank you, Tom, for another excellent presentation. While the Chevrolet Equinox looks like an overall winner, that Cadillac Optiq - I think it has my name on it!
I learned a long time ago...(remember the infamous GM "X" car?...) Never buy a newly designed car the first year out. Sorry GM, I don't trust you. You fooled me once.
Have to agree with you but I feel that way about any brand. My favorite (relatively) affordable cars are the Blazer EV and the Trax, but I’ll wait a few years before getting a used one. I also like the Lyriq which has been out longer (and has CarPlay) but I’ll still wait for the early adopters to be the guinea pigs.
I own a 3LT and like it a lot. Great review overall. As someone else mentioned, you can get heated rear seats. Also, I doubt anyone has ever charged this car 10% to 80% in 30 min. The low pack voltage and other limitations won't allow it. Great car overall, but not the best quick charging EV for frequent long road trips. I charge at home and my usage is mostly urban, so I don't mind a few extra minutes a few times a year
For a frugal shopper, a CPO lease return EV is a great value in todays market. For a road tripper, Tesla supercharger system is still the best in today’s market. The location of charger ports in non Tesla EVs may be a challenge in using the Tesla superchargers. We have a 2022 Nissan Leaf as our city car and a 2023 Subaru Outback for road trips. Both cars have Apple car play.
'Great for a family.' If that family happens to own their own home, with a garage, where they can install a home charger and charge it overnight at reasonable electric rates. That is. Then it's a fantastic choice.
Seems like a pretty good car. The EPA MPGe is 117/99/108. SUV's aren't very slippery. I bought a used Tesla Model 3 Long Range in July and I got 147 MPGe in August and 143 in September. So as long as I drive like an old man, it won't cost me!
Hey Tom, Speaking of GM EVs, do you still drive the Cadillac ELR? If so, how do you feel it's holding up? Thanks for your time and the videos. I hope you're having a good day. Tell Martin I said, "Hi."
I do have the ELR, you can see it poking out of the garage in the charging section. The HVAC needed fixing, $1,300. Needed a full coolant flush this summer. Other than that, it’s been a great car.
Even with the regenerative pedal off, it isn't fully off. I keep my blazer EV regen brake on "off" and when I do it still shows energy feeding back in. Its not like on the EV6 when regen pedal "off" means it'll coast forever. Its more like off = Less like a normal car engine braking (like level 1 on ev6/ioniq5) low = car will stop (like level 2 on ev6) high = car hits its brakes hard, and feels like I'm using the "paddle brake" its more aggressive than lvl 4 on the EV6. usually on "off" when I left off the throttle, it shows as much as +20kw feeding back into the battery.
To get the Drive Clean NY rebate of $2000 your Equinox will have to cost $41900 or less. I was going to get an Equinox but bought a used 23 VW Pro S AWD with 961 miles for $29,395 the equivalent Equinox with similar options comes in at about $50,000. The VW has a max fast charge rate of 175 kw the Equinox 150 kw. Put 6000 miles on it and no problems at all. There are now a lot of really good used high end EVs on lots with low mileage.
GM is improving, still not interested in buying an EV until they charge like ICE vehicles (minutes) instead of 30 to 60 minutes on road-trips. Another problem are lithium batteries fires, my evil twin (actual) demonstrated with a model airplane version. Very intense!
My wife and I have a Polestar 2. Very similar software package to this (both Android based) and never had a problem with no carplay even though she's fully in that ecosystem. Polestar did add it at some point, but she hasn't bothered.
Thanks Tom and Martin. I agree with your review, which of course you’ll be relieved to know. 😊 I wonder how the government rebate works for retirees with not much income anyway. I’ve read that it doesn’t provide much benefit?
Equinox EV does have rear heated seats but you need to move up to the 3RS or 3LT for 2024 Model Year. For 2025 you need to get the Convenience Package II.
I may give this a look when the 2025 comes to my local dealership. I want all the bells and whistles with my next car and the 2025 can be more fully loaded and gets a small boost in horsepower to 300. It will also be available with a heads up display and a wireless phone charger. I wonder if people really value the 21 inch wheels over range. I'd much rather see a range of 300 miles than 21 inch tires on my car. I think he's wrong about the 8 years, I think that is only for the maps, the rest of the system is only for 3 years. Not a problem if you are leasing but could be annoying to pay for another subscription to keep your car going. I like the idea of the car not needing to connect to the phone so there is an advantage to this Google system, but I'd rather have the choice of using Carplay as I've had it since 2014 and have always liked it. For those who want to be able to choose and want a little more space there is the Honda Prologue which is essentially the same guts as a Blazer, but a nicer skin, in my opinion.
Wondering if GMC could put a burlier face on this and make something to go up against the Rivian R2, which looks to have almost identical specs as the Equinox/Optiq. I wish Rivian well but they better come with something magical in 2026 because everyone else isn’t standing still.
For the avoidance of doubt, no Apple CarPlay won't even consider the vehicle. Manufacturers should support both Android and CarPlay in all their vehicles. It's none negotiable.
@@mowcowbellI had a Model Y for 3 weeks as a rental car. The charging network was great, yes the car was fast. But the build quality was just miserable. I had wanted to love the model Y but after 3 weeks I was glad to drop it off at Avis.
@@mowcowbellNothing wrong with a manufacturer adding more options, just don’t limit my choices. There is a danger a manufacturer removes the likes of Android Auto or CarePlay because they are being paid by a vendor….. That’s in their interests not the consumers.
News that GM is ditching their Ultium platform is disconcerting. Then there are the smaller irritations like no physical light switch or trouble easily texting hands free while driving. Or the inevitable 20% range drop in the winter. No spare….of course actually changing one of those monsters would send most of us to the chiropractor. Thanks for your usual informative review Tom.
They aren't "ditching their Ultium platform," they are no longer going to use the name Ultium. It's just going to be another GM EV platform instead of branded separate from GM.
@@mononeookaaaay you’re correct and not. Yes they’re dropping the name but it was originally tied to one type of cell within the platform. Now they’ve realized that one configuration doesn’t fit every vehicle so they are starting over. Again. Looks to me like they’re going Toyota’s route with an array of battery choices.
GM always talked about new battery chemistries, and how new ones would be able to slot in as replacement modules if one went bad in this generation of pack. It’s what the wireless network does so well. Dropping Ultium is largely branding.
@@mononeothey are probably ditching the Ultium concept of using same module in all packs, and adding other chemistries and cell suppliers. Essentially ditching Ultium as a single strategy because it has major flaws.
@@DrivenCarReviewsTom, I suspect new cell suppliers are going to be used (or maybe GM already announced this?), so Ultium brand(colab with LG) can’t be used due to contracts and potential egg on face.
@DrivenCarReviews thank you Tom. I've been watching for years from here in Québec, bought an Abarth 124 partly on your advice, and appreciate your work and response!
My Tesla model 3 doesn’t have Apple car play either so I added it as a 3rd party mod from a Tesla User Club member who has a business that does Tesla mods!!
Yes is absolutely true EV s are unfortunately a political issue nowadays and If you re on the Trumpy side of life then EVs should and have to be banded from our life that kind of progress is simply radical left and an obstacle to make America great again. For my humble opinion this Equinox looks realy nice and is great to see that GM can still build competitive cars! Great review Tom as always.
you are a total effing moron, thats why you vote Dem so they take MY Money and give it to you moron. IN FACT I AM A STRONG TESLA EV ADMIRER and MUSK IS A TRUMP SUPPORTER 100% oFFicIALLY ENDORSED. I WILL RATHER DIE THAN VOTE FOR THE CACKLING IMBECILE. GROW A BRAIN.
I test drove the Equinox EV, it was nice but, GM needs to make a few changes before they're see mass adoption as we WANT a frunk, even tiny. We want a large sunroof, and the HUD is a complete waste of money and time, just go with the center screen, and lose the ugly, chrome air vent things, and make it a bit faster. I own 2 Tesla Model Y's, love them but the Equinox EV was a bit more roomy, nice, and felt more solid, so GM is super close to getting it right.
I think GM did a good job here. The Chevy EV looks better than the Cadillac, I think. I'm starting to see these on the road. In terms of subscription services, I don't want to be forced to subscribe to anything in my car.
EVs are not just quiet and refined. There’s no turbo lag, no downshifting, no upshifting, you don’t lose 20% of your power when you turn the air conditioning on. They are superior in almost every way.
I love mine I am so happy I took my time and chose the Equinox ev awd 3rs. Kias/Hyundais were also nice but I felt the fast charging was the main reason to go with them and I wouldn't be using that much. Love it could never go back to a gas car. Even with the 21" rims I got 440km mostly highway and some battery left.
Will it sell? In Canada, it was the best selling EV in August, edging out the Tesla Model 3. In Q3 it outsold every GM vehicle in Canada except for GMC Sierra and ICE Silverado. On this side of the border, especially in Quebec, they are selling like hotcakes...
It should not have that option of going to %85 charge. That should be built in; sort of like a dummio feature. I just don't think people should be left to make those decisions. And a fee after three years for supercruise? Why?
When the Chinese battery electric vehicle manufacturers follow GM down to their own Mexican auto assembly plants, then it'll be OVER for a whole lot of the companies currently selling insanely overpriced battery electric vehicles in North America.
Hang on, give me a few hours, and I'll stop rolling my eyes. Believe it or not, Tom, somewhere over half of the human beings on this planet (that can afford to purchase private motor vehicles) DO NOT USE APPLE PRODUCTS. Geez, Louise. I'll wander away grumbling about "drinking that koolaid..........."
Tom M from State of Charge said that this is one of the slowest EVs he's ever driven. Not a ringing endorsement given how much he knows about EVs. I'd do a Mach E before thinking about this one.
If it's the FWD version, it's slow like a gas car. If it's the EV version it's about as fast as like a Camry V6 was. It's quick, it's not fast. The Equinox EV is also not the performance model, which is the Trailblazer EV SS.
The AWD version is 0-60 in under 6 seconds. When I was learning to drive, that was faster than most super cars. Given the fact that most of us commute in stop-and-go traffic, anything faster than this is kind of pointless. When was the last time you floored the accelerator pedal in your vehicle for more than a second or two?
@4:48 PLEASE do not drop the article and include "the" you sound like a mindless marketing drone. I love your videos but that gets under my skin so badly. "Equinox" is not a lifestyle experience, it's a car.
Been an Apple Maps user since the time Google Maps got me lost about an hour south of Yosemite and Apple Maps knew exactly where I was and how to route me to my destination. That was years ago, and it’s steadily improved ever since. As for this car it looks OK but I’d probably get the Honda version instead since it has CarPlay.
I just don't understand the big interest in a frunk. To me it's a waste of time. Open the door, try to find the hood release in the drivers footwell, give it a pull , walk around to the front end realize that you should have given the lever a double pull, open the hood, find the prop rod if it doesn't stay up on its own. Compared to using the tailgate, push the button and the lift gate opens, push the button again it closes.
I like it but I don’t understand why GM is so ambiguous with the names. Volt and Bolt, now Equinox EV and Equinox. This car should have been the Chevrolet Malibu Max. Remember that the Malibu Max was a hatchback, just like this one? In that way they would have kept the Malibu name in the roster with an actual positive twist against Accord, Camry and Sonata. GM’s marketing department sucks.
Politics of Green? First, they slipped a black Mickey into our cocktail, so the other-they countered with an orange Donald. After that, we were Red and Blue Goofies. All Hallows' Eve Brawl, y'all. Orange V Black. Wear a Guy Fawkes mask to be anonymous.
Nice car. I think your viewers know you are all in for EVs, Tom. Despite your best effort to make electric vehicles interesting, they are not and never will be. They are appliances with computer screens and nothing more. A large segment of an EV review is spent showing off the apps on the screens, and IMHO no one cares about them and are ultimately incidental in choosing what car to buy. In 50 years Barrett-Jackson will not be auctioning 2024 Chevy EV Equinox SUVs I'm guessing, because this and other pure EVs will be long forgotten. Your reviews I appreciate the most are those for low to mid-priced mass market ICE and hybrid vehicles. I usually skip your pieces on EVs and any car approaching $100K in price.
Ultimately, I’m about vehicles that move the needle. This one, in class, does. BJ is a good measure of pop culture, a poor one for family vehicles. Ultimately, people will care a lot about the car that shuttles their families, even if it isn’t a classic. Few people have the luxury, or desire, to buy a car using your criteria. The vast majority want safe comfortable transportation, whether we enthusiasts understand that or not.
YOU SHOULD EMPHASIZE THAT EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS ELIGIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT CHEESE, MOST BUYERS ARE NOT!! fOR A SINGLE PERSON, IT HAS TO HAVE AN INCOME LESS THAN... $75K! no POOR PROFESSOR AT MY u MAKES AS LITTLE AS THAT! not one!
The car is a FUGLY PIG, way overpriced, and poor performance unless you get the inefficient dual motor. The interior is DEPRESSING, no matter if it has red fake leather or black. HARD PASS.
I've had one for almost three months. FWD. Power level feels just fine. No need for more. The last long trip we took, the car charged to 345mi of range at 100%. Normally for day to day use we charge 40-60%. Car has been fantastic. Highly recommend.
As a mainstream EV, I think this does a very good job. For the most part, it's a "regular car", which I think makes an easier transition to EVs for most people. It's also reasonably well priced, well equipped and looks good. It's not perfect (no vehicle really is), but I think this hits the mark quite well.
no it does not, and there is no such beast as a..."Mainstream EV".
The gas Equinox is only 175hp and unlike years past there is no engine upgrade. So if you want more than that in an Equinox the EV is the only way to get it. So the EV version is more power and tech for a lower costs than the gas version. That seems like value to me.
No…it’s not OK to not have CarPlay. It’s a data grab by GM. Pure and simple. More choice is always better.
Always love a quick mention about how plush the Ariya is to drive. Glad to hear Chevy is aiming for a comfortable ride in the Equinox.
Ariya is luxury car grade comfort. I prefer the overall dynamic of the Chevy with less roll and dive. But that's me.
you are hilarious, none of these breadvans can even SPELL "plush". They are cheap, ugly econoboxes.
@@DrivenCarReviews my 2014 honda crv lx fwd has 474 miles of range evs have a longway to go lol. MSRP $23,120 in 2014 = $30,431.23 in 2024 wheres 30k 450+ mile range evs? lol. by the way evs require oil changes in each electric motor.
@@anastassiosperakis2869
@billybobbob3003 no, they do not require oil changes, false
Great information and good reviews 👍👍. Keep up the great work Tom!👍🙂
Thanks for adding the comment in the end about EVs being a political issue. I live in a deep, Red state and I feel people giving me the eyeball whenever I drive my Mach-E. It drives me nuts! I know why they do it, but I'd love to speak with them, like you, about the upsides of owning an EV if it's not your first car or your road-trip car. We're lucky enough that we're able to afford both and my EV is awesome to do everything around town and cheaper to fill up than my wife's SUV. She, however, doesn't drive that much because she works from home, so to fill an Expedition Max only once a month is a blessing (close to $80 every time). But the fact of the matter is, my EV gets filled up at home or at work, which is free. Thanks, as always, for your awesome reviews!
maybe because the Mach E is NOT an american car. It's made in MEXICO and FOrd is so GOD DAMNED STUPID, IT STILL LOSES $4 BILLION A YEAR FROM ITS EVs.
@@anastassiosperakis2869 lol, right. I’m sure everyone out there knows that particular detail. 🤣
It's political because this weirdness is being 'forced' on people. But it's not your fault. We just have to stop listening to whoever these politicians are. They are nobodies.
Great Job GM
Yes Tom, The one thing it is missing is the made in Canada label that used to appear on every Equinox .
No CarPlay no buy! I’m not getting a Tesla or Rivian either.
Excellent review! I also appreciated how you muted the "G" word when demonstrating that system. As an owner of a 3LT, AWD, I've also used the Google system to activate several other car features (i.e. controlling A/C temperature, turning on seat fan & steering wheel heater, etc.), so, I've found multiple uses - especially when I didn't want to take my eyes off the road to search for the right buttons.
I had already taken the Chevy Equinox off my list because of Apple Car Play. I'm glad I watched your video, I didn't realize Waze was an option for the built in system (unlike Tesla). Honestly, that's the major reason I want Car Play, so I think I could live with that. I see Spotify on the screen in your video, I'm curious if Audible can be installed as well.
I like the design of the Equinox. The humming sound is very irritating. They had that on the Blazer EV too. It's fine if it's on the outside, but if you can hear it in the cabin, that's no good. Lack of Apple CarPlay is going to cost them sales, considering they offer it in the Cadillac EV (plus all their ICE vehicles). Which I don't get why they did that if they could just offer both. But otherwise, I really think this is the a great EV. The range is awesome. It now can charge on the Tesla network. Great review, Tom! I also like the added lore for the Evil Twin: he's the infamous Florida Man.
Not in all the Tesla network, in about a third of it, no v1 superchargers are being made compatible to any other brand, not a single one of those
FYI, Cadillac is ditching CarPlay as well.
@@DrivenCarReviews which is sad, because Cadillac showed it was possible and was removed not for the “safety reasons” GM used as the excuse.
I ended up getting a great deal on a used 2023 Ford Mach E Premium. I’ve been really enjoying it. But the Equinox was in my price range and in consideration.
Is Evil Twin facing a Felony in Florida? He's probably the Apple CarPlay hacker 🤣
FYI, GM's use of the term preconditioning is a misnomer. They use it to mean cabin preconditioning (aka AC), not battery preconditioning
I don’t think it’s appropriate for GM to remove CarPlay and replace it with a system that costs the owner additional money after 8 years. CarPlay is included with the cost of my smartphone for as long as I want to own the vehicle (hint: longer than 8 years)
You can precondition the battery for fast charging. Also, Chevy has always done battery preconditioning at the same time as cabin preconditioning. They don't dump a ton of power into the battery, but it will absolutely dump some energy into conditioning the battery.
Happy Tuesday
Thank you, Tom, for another excellent presentation. While the Chevrolet Equinox looks like an overall winner, that Cadillac Optiq - I think it has my name on it!
It’s not significantly more expensive and the cabin looks much more spendy.
I learned a long time ago...(remember the infamous GM "X" car?...) Never buy a newly designed car the first year out. Sorry GM, I don't trust you. You fooled me once.
wisely said. EVEN BETTER, after I bought a new GM vehicle when I was young and naive, I NEVER AGAIN BOUGHT ONE< NEW OR USED.
Very wise. Even Toyota has had trouble with the new Tundra. Seems wise even on manufacturers that have a good track record.
Have to agree with you but I feel that way about any brand. My favorite (relatively) affordable cars are the Blazer EV and the Trax, but I’ll wait a few years before getting a used one. I also like the Lyriq which has been out longer (and has CarPlay) but I’ll still wait for the early adopters to be the guinea pigs.
I own a 3LT and like it a lot. Great review overall. As someone else mentioned, you can get heated rear seats. Also, I doubt anyone has ever charged this car 10% to 80% in 30 min. The low pack voltage and other limitations won't allow it. Great car overall, but not the best quick charging EV for frequent long road trips. I charge at home and my usage is mostly urban, so I don't mind a few extra minutes a few times a year
The black looks so nice though!
For a frugal shopper, a CPO lease return EV is a great value in todays market. For a road tripper, Tesla supercharger system is still the best in today’s market. The location of charger ports in non Tesla EVs may be a challenge in using the Tesla superchargers.
We have a 2022 Nissan Leaf as our city car and a 2023 Subaru Outback for road trips. Both cars have Apple car play.
Free Tom Voelk!
Another excellent Driven review.
Solid EV in every way. A performance version could be very interesting
The Equinox does have rear seat heating, just not in 2RS/LT trim
'Great for a family.'
If that family happens to own their own home, with a garage, where they can install a home charger and charge it overnight at reasonable electric rates. That is.
Then it's a fantastic choice.
Seems like a pretty good car. The EPA MPGe is 117/99/108. SUV's aren't very slippery. I bought a used Tesla Model 3 Long Range in July and I got 147 MPGe in August and 143 in September. So as long as I drive like an old man, it won't cost me!
Hey Tom, Speaking of GM EVs, do you still drive the Cadillac ELR? If so, how do you feel it's holding up? Thanks for your time and the videos. I hope you're having a good day. Tell Martin I said, "Hi."
I do have the ELR, you can see it poking out of the garage in the charging section. The HVAC needed fixing, $1,300. Needed a full coolant flush this summer. Other than that, it’s been a great car.
@@DrivenCarReviews Thank you so much! I'm in the used car market for my first EV, and I really like the look of the ELR.
Even with the regenerative pedal off, it isn't fully off. I keep my blazer EV regen brake on "off" and when I do it still shows energy feeding back in. Its not like on the EV6 when regen pedal "off" means it'll coast forever. Its more like
off = Less like a normal car engine braking (like level 1 on ev6/ioniq5)
low = car will stop (like level 2 on ev6)
high = car hits its brakes hard, and feels like I'm using the "paddle brake" its more aggressive than lvl 4 on the EV6.
usually on "off" when I left off the throttle, it shows as much as +20kw feeding back into the battery.
Would not touch this car with a 10 foot pole. I put it right alongside a Tesla or Rivian. Great video Tom.
To get the Drive Clean NY rebate of $2000 your Equinox will have to cost $41900 or less. I was going to get an Equinox but bought a used 23 VW Pro S AWD with 961 miles for $29,395 the equivalent Equinox with similar options comes in at about $50,000. The VW has a max fast charge rate of 175 kw the Equinox 150 kw. Put 6000 miles on it and no problems at all. There are now a lot of really good used high end EVs on lots with low mileage.
GM is improving, still not interested in buying an EV until they charge like ICE vehicles (minutes) instead of 30 to 60 minutes on road-trips.
Another problem are lithium batteries fires, my evil twin (actual) demonstrated with a model airplane version. Very intense!
My wife and I have a Polestar 2. Very similar software package to this (both Android based) and never had a problem with no carplay even though she's fully in that ecosystem. Polestar did add it at some point, but she hasn't bothered.
Thanks Tom and Martin. I agree with your review, which of course you’ll be relieved to know. 😊 I wonder how the government rebate works for retirees with not much income anyway. I’ve read that it doesn’t provide much benefit?
Different for everyone. Most people qualify, other than wealthy folks.
Also long pressing the Phone Call button on the steering wheel will call up Siri from your phone.
Equinox EV does have rear heated seats but you need to move up to the 3RS or 3LT for 2024 Model Year. For 2025 you need to get the Convenience Package II.
$2700 plus a subscription cost for self driving or they take it away from you holy crap chevy cranking up consumer hostility to a 10
If there are two Equinoxes, one should be Vernal, the other should be Autumnal.
I may give this a look when the 2025 comes to my local dealership. I want all the bells and whistles with my next car and the 2025 can be more fully loaded and gets a small boost in horsepower to 300. It will also be available with a heads up display and a wireless phone charger. I wonder if people really value the 21 inch wheels over range. I'd much rather see a range of 300 miles than 21 inch tires on my car. I think he's wrong about the 8 years, I think that is only for the maps, the rest of the system is only for 3 years. Not a problem if you are leasing but could be annoying to pay for another subscription to keep your car going. I like the idea of the car not needing to connect to the phone so there is an advantage to this Google system, but I'd rather have the choice of using Carplay as I've had it since 2014 and have always liked it. For those who want to be able to choose and want a little more space there is the Honda Prologue which is essentially the same guts as a Blazer, but a nicer skin, in my opinion.
3RS has heated rear seats FYI as well as power passenger and ventilation for the front seats.
Is the regen paddle variable or fixed pressure?
It felt fixed to me. I tried squeezing it harder to get more resistance but it felt linear (unlike Lyriq).
The death of adverbs… “quick” kills off “quickly”.
Wondering if GMC could put a burlier face on this and make something to go up against the Rivian R2, which looks to have almost identical specs as the Equinox/Optiq.
I wish Rivian well but they better come with something magical in 2026 because everyone else isn’t standing still.
For the avoidance of doubt, no Apple CarPlay won't even consider the vehicle. Manufacturers should support both Android and CarPlay in all their vehicles. It's none negotiable.
Been driving a Tesla Model Y for 6 months. Their infotainment is so good, you don't miss Android Auto or Apple Carplay.
@@mowcowbellI had a Model Y for 3 weeks as a rental car. The charging network was great, yes the car was fast. But the build quality was just miserable. I had wanted to love the model Y but after 3 weeks I was glad to drop it off at Avis.
@@mowcowbellNothing wrong with a manufacturer adding more options, just don’t limit my choices. There is a danger a manufacturer removes the likes of Android Auto or CarePlay because they are being paid by a vendor….. That’s in their interests not the consumers.
News that GM is ditching their Ultium platform is disconcerting.
Then there are the smaller irritations like no physical light switch or trouble easily texting hands free while driving. Or the inevitable 20% range drop in the winter.
No spare….of course actually changing one of those monsters would send most of us to the chiropractor.
Thanks for your usual informative review Tom.
They aren't "ditching their Ultium platform," they are no longer going to use the name Ultium. It's just going to be another GM EV platform instead of branded separate from GM.
@@mononeookaaaay you’re correct and not. Yes they’re dropping the name but it was originally tied to one type of cell within the platform. Now they’ve realized that one configuration doesn’t fit every vehicle so they are starting over. Again. Looks to me like they’re going Toyota’s route with an array of battery choices.
GM always talked about new battery chemistries, and how new ones would be able to slot in as replacement modules if one went bad in this generation of pack. It’s what the wireless network does so well. Dropping Ultium is largely branding.
@@mononeothey are probably ditching the Ultium concept of using same module in all packs, and adding other chemistries and cell suppliers. Essentially ditching Ultium as a single strategy because it has major flaws.
@@DrivenCarReviewsTom, I suspect new cell suppliers are going to be used (or maybe GM already announced this?), so Ultium brand(colab with LG) can’t be used due to contracts and potential egg on face.
So then, what EVs are best packaged and hold the most family stuff? I'm thinking family camping+ ski trips, for under $100k please!
EV9 is pretty good. Lyriq has a lot of room but just 2 rows.
@DrivenCarReviews thank you Tom. I've been watching for years from here in Québec, bought an Abarth 124 partly on your advice, and appreciate your work and response!
When will you test the ICE (conventional) Equinox?
As soon as one hits the press fleet in Seattle.
I was on a waitlist for one of these, then the announcement on removing CarPlay came. So I bought something else. Absolute deal-breaker.
Get the Honda Prologue. It’s basically a GM
Yep - No CarPlay then it’s off my list.
My Tesla model 3 doesn’t have Apple car play either so I added it as a 3rd party mod from a Tesla User Club member who has a business that does Tesla mods!!
Yes is absolutely true EV s are unfortunately a political issue nowadays and If you re on the Trumpy side of life then EVs should and have to be banded from our life that kind of progress is simply radical left and an obstacle to make America great again. For my humble opinion this Equinox looks realy nice and is great to see that GM can still build competitive cars! Great review Tom as always.
you are a total effing moron, thats why you vote Dem so they take MY Money and give it to you moron. IN FACT I AM A STRONG TESLA EV ADMIRER and MUSK IS A TRUMP SUPPORTER 100% oFFicIALLY ENDORSED. I WILL RATHER DIE THAN VOTE FOR THE CACKLING IMBECILE. GROW A BRAIN.
Sorry no cars with subscription fees ever
I test drove the Equinox EV, it was nice but, GM needs to make a few changes before they're see mass adoption as we WANT a frunk, even tiny. We want a large sunroof, and the HUD is a complete waste of money and time, just go with the center screen, and lose the ugly, chrome air vent things, and make it a bit faster. I own 2 Tesla Model Y's, love them but the Equinox EV was a bit more roomy, nice, and felt more solid, so GM is super close to getting it right.
Sadly, too many EVs seem to be judged on their 0 - 60 time and whether they have Apple Auto.
No CarPlay or android auto? I want m Waze navigation
Waze app is available to install natively in the vehicle. It works great.
I think GM did a good job here. The Chevy EV looks better than the Cadillac, I think.
I'm starting to see these on the road. In terms of subscription services, I don't want to be forced to subscribe to anything in my car.
EVs are not just quiet and refined. There’s no turbo lag, no downshifting, no upshifting, you don’t lose 20% of your power when you turn the air conditioning on. They are superior in almost every way.
The one thing that Tesla does better with regard to CarPlay is that the actual apps like Music and Podcasts are native in the Tesla OS.
I love mine I am so happy I took my time and chose the Equinox ev awd 3rs. Kias/Hyundais were also nice but I felt the fast charging was the main reason to go with them and I wouldn't be using that much. Love it could never go back to a gas car. Even with the 21" rims I got 440km mostly highway and some battery left.
Thanks for sharing!
Will it sell? In Canada, it was the best selling EV in August, edging out the Tesla Model 3. In Q3 it outsold every GM vehicle in Canada except for GMC Sierra and ICE Silverado. On this side of the border, especially in Quebec, they are selling like hotcakes...
It should not have that option of going to %85 charge. That should be built in; sort of like a dummio feature. I just don't think people should be left to make those decisions. And a fee after three years for supercruise? Why?
I don't like the new trend of rims going forward on one side of the car and backwards on the other ...
Your review is incorrect. An Equinox on a 150kW station will only charge at approximately 100-110kW MAX due to the battery voltage.
But as others found out the average time to charge will be about the same because the average charge speed will be very similar over time.
Correction, the 3lt model comes with heated rear seats!
I can certainly live without Apple carplay, but am surprised you can.
I’m kind of a car first, tech second guy.
Not having Apple CarPlay as an option is a dealbreaker
No frunk in this but the corvette has one?? C’mon…
Great looking car. Wish it wasn’t a Chevy.
Its missing the wireless phone charger and a good powerfull gas engine.......
When the Chinese battery electric vehicle manufacturers follow GM down to their own Mexican auto assembly plants, then it'll be OVER for a whole lot of the companies currently selling insanely overpriced battery electric vehicles in North America.
You lost me at doesn't have car play which means no android auto. Sorry but I'm not giving up my data unless you're paying me for it.
Hang on, give me a few hours, and I'll stop rolling my eyes. Believe it or not, Tom, somewhere over half of the human beings on this planet (that can afford to purchase private motor vehicles) DO NOT USE APPLE PRODUCTS. Geez, Louise. I'll wander away grumbling about "drinking that koolaid..........."
No frunk no deal, plus what’s the cost to replace the battery?
Chances are the battery won’t need replacing.
okay not having carplay? how much they pay you? credibility gone!
Just missing the NACS charge port in the ideal location, a deal killer for me.
Tom M from State of Charge said that this is one of the slowest EVs he's ever driven. Not a ringing endorsement given how much he knows about EVs. I'd do a Mach E before thinking about this one.
If it's the FWD version, it's slow like a gas car. If it's the EV version it's about as fast as like a Camry V6 was. It's quick, it's not fast. The Equinox EV is also not the performance model, which is the Trailblazer EV SS.
The AWD version is 0-60 in under 6 seconds. When I was learning to drive, that was faster than most super cars. Given the fact that most of us commute in stop-and-go traffic, anything faster than this is kind of pointless. When was the last time you floored the accelerator pedal in your vehicle for more than a second or two?
I like Tom and like fast cars but 0-60 in under 6 second is just fine. It really is.
It's a good entry level EV. Still not a fan of GM.
@4:48 PLEASE do not drop the article and include "the" you sound like a mindless marketing drone. I love your videos but that gets under my skin so badly. "Equinox" is not a lifestyle experience, it's a car.
No promises…
The more BEV models go on sale, the better to get people out of ICE and experience the power, silence, land ow running costs.
Tracks you. You will never own it. Like a smartphone, tablet or operating system. Gm can shut you down at any moment.
You use Apple Maps?? OMG...
Been an Apple Maps user since the time Google Maps got me lost about an hour south of Yosemite and Apple Maps knew exactly where I was and how to route me to my destination. That was years ago, and it’s steadily improved ever since. As for this car it looks OK but I’d probably get the Honda version instead since it has CarPlay.
@@mrd5024 That’s how his Evil Twin ended up in Florida 🤣
You’ve not been paying attention. But really, both can mess you up.
@@DrivenCarReviews more adventures with Apple Maps I guess
I just don't understand the big interest in a frunk. To me it's a waste of time. Open the door, try to find the hood release in the drivers footwell, give it a pull , walk around to the front end realize that you should have given the lever a double pull, open the hood, find the prop rod if it doesn't stay up on its own. Compared to using the tailgate, push the button and the lift gate opens, push the button again it closes.
I like it but I don’t understand why GM is so ambiguous with the names. Volt and Bolt, now Equinox EV and Equinox. This car should have been the Chevrolet Malibu Max. Remember that the Malibu Max was a hatchback, just like this one? In that way they would have kept the Malibu name in the roster with an actual positive twist against Accord, Camry and Sonata. GM’s marketing department sucks.
WTF why no Apple car play lol. Stopped watching video
No apple car play no sale!
Politics of Green? First, they slipped a black Mickey into our cocktail, so the other-they countered with an orange Donald. After that, we were Red and Blue Goofies. All Hallows' Eve Brawl, y'all. Orange V Black. Wear a Guy Fawkes mask to be anonymous.
The wheels are terrible.
Nice car. I think your viewers know you are all in for EVs, Tom. Despite your best effort to make electric vehicles interesting, they are not and never will be. They are appliances with computer screens and nothing more. A large segment of an EV review is spent showing off the apps on the screens, and IMHO no one cares about them and are ultimately incidental in choosing what car to buy. In 50 years Barrett-Jackson will not be auctioning 2024 Chevy EV Equinox SUVs I'm guessing, because this and other pure EVs will be long forgotten. Your reviews I appreciate the most are those for low to mid-priced mass market ICE and hybrid vehicles. I usually skip your pieces on EVs and any car approaching $100K in price.
We found it, folks! The worst possible take, right here! ☝️
Ultimately, I’m about vehicles that move the needle. This one, in class, does. BJ is a good measure of pop culture, a poor one for family vehicles. Ultimately, people will care a lot about the car that shuttles their families, even if it isn’t a classic. Few people have the luxury, or desire, to buy a car using your criteria. The vast majority want safe comfortable transportation, whether we enthusiasts understand that or not.
Oh, and when and if I ever buy an EV from what exists today, I'd ONLY Consider a USED MODEL S. NO OTHER MODEL OR BRAND.
Which year and battery, and why not a newer Y?
Went by a Chevy dealer over the weekend.. The Equinox EV is not an attractive car..
YOU SHOULD EMPHASIZE THAT EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS ELIGIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT CHEESE, MOST BUYERS ARE NOT!! fOR A SINGLE PERSON, IT HAS TO HAVE AN INCOME LESS THAN... $75K! no POOR PROFESSOR AT MY u MAKES AS LITTLE AS THAT! not one!
Its $150,000 if filing single, married is $300,000, head of household is $225,000
If I did emphasize that, I would be wrong. Also, your caps lock is on.
ITS MISSING AN ENGINE THAT RUNS ON GAS,, ALL EVS SUCK
GM EV died🍂🍁
The car is a FUGLY PIG, way overpriced, and poor performance unless you get the inefficient dual motor. The interior is DEPRESSING, no matter if it has red fake leather or black. HARD PASS.