2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagons and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available on certain trims. Interior color options expanded with higher trims, offering choices like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray, and sportier options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in six trim levels, ranging from the budget-friendly RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims stood out with their two-part face design. The Adventure trim featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and orange interior accents, but it was more of a style statement than a true off-road performer. The RAV4's interior included a frameless rearview mirror, adding a touch of premium feel. The RAV4 offered a range of seating options, from fabric seats in the LE and XLE trims to synthetic leather in the XLE Premium. Heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats were available, along with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel in various option packages.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, a common feature in modern EVs. It offered one-pedal driving, adjustable through a standalone regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV had an impressive range, with the EPA estimating 319 miles for FWD models and 285 for AWD. It featured an 85-kWh battery, capable of DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly exciting, it offered a reliable and unobjectionable performance. The Adventure trim, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, was more of a style statement than a true off-road performer. The TRD Off-Road trim, however, featured 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension for better off-road capability.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a range of features starting from the 2LT trim, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and outside mirrors. The 3LT trim added power-adjustable passenger seats, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. It offered 26.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 provided 37.7 inches of front headroom and 39.5 inches in the back seats, with 41 inches of front legroom and 37.8 inches in the second row. It offered convenient storage options, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. The RAV4 provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, providing navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, along with voice command. The Adventure trim featured an upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision alert. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured standard safety equipment like lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 was equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. It earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.