2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a more conservative exterior design compared to some of Hyundai's recent models, yet it remained an attractive SUV. It continued with the same look and feel as the 2022 model, available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. The Calligraphy AWD trim, tested in a Stormy Sea color with a black-on-black interior, had a base price of $42,600, with additional costs bringing the total MSRP to $45,845. The Santa Fe's exterior featured distinctive wide upper and lower grilles and thin LED headlights, while the interior, though high-quality, was dark and monotone. The Nappa leather seats were comfortable and attractive, with standard heated and cooled front seats in the Calligraphy trim.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, at first glance, resembled its ICE counterpart but revealed more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille upon closer inspection. The EV featured an LED light bar across the front fascia and a more decisive rear appearance. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, with 21-inch versions on higher trims. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available on certain trims. The interior color options expanded with higher trims, offering choices like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray. The Blue accents in the test car's interior paired nicely with its Galaxy Gray exterior.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version in the Limited and Calligraphy trims, delivering 281 hp and 311 pound-feet. The turbocharged engine worked with an eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a significant performance boost. The Santa Fe featured a drive-mode selector with Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart modes, and the turbocharged version offered brisk acceleration without undue engine noise. The turbo model could tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes, while the non-turbo version could tow 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start and one-pedal driving, with drive modes including Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor FWD variant produced 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version offered 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 for AWD, with an 85-kWh battery contributing to these figures. The Equinox EV supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, offered 41.7 inches of rear-seat legroom and 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The SEL and higher trims featured an eight-way power driver's seat and heated front seats, with additional comfort and convenience features in higher trims. The Calligraphy trim included a head-up display, premium door and seat accent trim, and ambient lighting. The panoramic sunroof was a highlight, though the wide center console slightly reduced driver leg and hip space.

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. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 41.65 inches of front legroom, with a cargo space of 26.4 cubic feet, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. The AutoSense power liftgate was standard from the 2LT trim, and roof rails were available on all but the base trim.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in in-vehicle technology, offering a 4.2-inch color LCD multi-information display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. The infotainment system included an 8-inch display in the base trim and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation in higher trims. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The voice-recognition system had mixed results, efficiently handling navigation commands but struggling with music requests and climate control adjustments.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured 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. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation and route planning through the MyChevrolet app. The app could locate charging stations and pre-condition the battery for max charging.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety-related ADAS, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Highway Driving Assist was standard on SEL and above, and the Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision alert. Additional safety features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, and blind-zone steering assist. Super Cruise was available starting with the 2LT trim, and Teen Driver Technology was standard, allowing parents to set speed alerts and produce an in-vehicle "report card."