2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

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 assertive, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful flair. Two-tone paint jobs were available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. The interior color choices expanded with higher trims, offering combinations like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray, and sportier options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh, enhancing its original design with new lighting elements, including light-up VW logos and a front light bar connecting to the daytime running lights. These changes gave the Atlas a more Americanized appearance, moving away from its European roots. The rear featured taillights blending into a full-width light bar. All trim levels received new wheel designs, with the base SE model sporting 18-inch alloy wheels and higher trims getting larger options. The Atlas Peak Edition introduced an outdoorsy vibe with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique colors like Avocado Green. Inside, the Atlas featured a revised center cabin with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist interior design. The materials aimed for an upscale feel, with options like leatherette seats and diamond stitching on higher trims, though some areas felt less premium.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, a common feature in modern EVs. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, managed through a 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 could tow up to 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kWh battery. It supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging at 11.5 kW, adding up to 34 miles per hour.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas streamlined its powertrain options to a single 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine, part of VW's EA888 family, was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering standard FWD or optional AWD. The Atlas was quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, with FWD models reaching 60 mph in eight seconds and AWD models in 8.3 seconds. Despite the improved performance, the Atlas remained focused on comfort and practicality. The 4Motion AWD system was designed for pavement, lacking off-road capabilities. The Atlas maintained a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a range of features starting from the 2LT trim, including heated front seats, a steering wheel, and outside mirrors. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was available from the 3LT trim. 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. Cargo space measured 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas came with more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. The SE with Technology added a power liftgate, while leather upholstery and heated second-row seats were standard on the SEL. The Atlas offered seating for seven, with a second-row bench that could hold three child seats and slide forward with them in place. Captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating to six. The Atlas provided competitive headroom and legroom across all rows, with the third row offering the best legroom in its class. Cargo space ranged from 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up to 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows 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, supporting the MyChevrolet app for navigation and route planning.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Six USB-C ports were standard, with up to eight available. A head-up display was standard on SEL and higher trims. The Atlas featured a Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system on higher trims, with a user-friendly infotainment system and sharp graphics.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. It also featured rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise was available from the 2LT trim, along with enhanced automatic parking assist on higher trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It included VW's IQ.Drive package with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist for highway driving. The Atlas also featured automatic post-collision braking and an emergency assist system.