2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design echoed the quad lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy style, adding to its elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the exterior, while the dash, split by thin horizontal air vents, showcased metal and matte wood trim. The center console, with its three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, and the unique two-spoke steering wheel, added to the luxury feel. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its ICE counterpart, but closer inspection revealed more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The LED light bar across the front fascia and the hexagonal rear design added a modern touch. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels on the 1LT and 2LT trims, with 21-inch options on higher trims, contributed to its sleek appearance. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available on certain trims, adding a youthful and exuberant vibe. Inside, the base model featured a black interior, while higher trims offered additional color options, including Adrenaline Red and black with red accents, providing a blend of sophistication and sportiness.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly athletic or nimble, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, offering smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable freeway commute, despite its slower acceleration compared to some competitors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start and offered a comfortable ride on 19-inch wheels. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. With an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 for AWD, it outperformed some competitors in range. The Equinox EV's 85-kilowatt-hour battery allowed for DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and added up to 34 miles of range per hour on a Level 2 charger.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front and rear seats. The Ergo Motion driver's seat, with its inflatable pockets, helped reduce fatigue. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 offered a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker stereo system, a suede headliner, and a panoramic glass roof. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, it provided ample utility.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting at the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and outside mirrors. The 3LT trim added front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats, along with dual-zone climate control. The Equinox EV offered 39.15 inches of front headroom and 41.65 inches of front legroom, providing a comfortable cabin. The AutoSense power liftgate opened to 26.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating through icons was cumbersome. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit not wirelessly, along with wireless charging and multiple USB ports. The remote smart parking assist allowed the GV80 to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside, adding a cool factor to its tech offerings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV boasted a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, though it lacked standalone Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning. The app also located nearby charging stations, enhancing the Equinox EV's tech appeal.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist, using cameras, radar, and navigation, provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with Superior front crash prevention ratings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional safety features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. GM's Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed alerts and volume limits, providing a report card of the drive. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim, enhancing the Equinox EV's safety offerings.