2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT First Drive Review: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Full Driving Impressions.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT Fast Facts

Starting Price: $43,295 (approximately $35,795 after federal tax credit)

Estimated Range: 300 miles (ca. 483 km) (front-wheel drive)

Power: 210 horsepower

Charging Time: About 70 miles (ca. 113 km) of range in 10 minutes (DC fast charging)

Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles (ca. 160,934 km) (battery)

Key Features: 17.7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT marks Chevrolet’s bold move into the heart of the electric crossover market. With a price point designed to attract mainstream buyers and a feature set aimed at competing with models like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Equinox EV comes packed with promise. After the first full drive of the Equinox EV LT, the experience reveals both bright spots and shadows in Chevrolet’s newest electric model.

 

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT Pricing

 

Chevrolet targets affordability with the Equinox EV. The LT trim starts at around $43,295 before any available tax credits or incentives. After applying the potential $7,500 federal EV tax credit, the effective starting price drops to approximately $35,795, depending on eligibility. Chevrolet plans to offer lower-priced base models later, but the LT trim currently stands as the most accessible version available at launch with a strong combination of range and features. Compared to many other electric crossovers on the market, the Equinox EV LT offers a competitive price point without giving up key technology or comfort.

Driving Impressions

The Equinox EV LT drives with the calm, confident feel expected from a modern electric crossover. Power delivery is smooth and instant, thanks to the single-motor front-wheel-drive setup producing around 210 horsepower. Acceleration feels brisk in city driving, with the Equinox responding quickly to throttle inputs. Passing on the highway requires a little more patience, but the electric motor still delivers a strong surge once underway.

Ride quality stands out as a strength. The suspension soaks up potholes and rough patches without feeling overly soft or disconnected. Steering feels light and accurate, making the Equinox EV easy to manoeuvre on tight city streets and parking lots. At higher speeds, the steering firms up sufficiently to inspire confidence, but it doesn’t feel particularly sporty. The Equinox EV leans slightly in corners but remains predictable and composed.

Noise levels stay impressively low. Wind and tire noise are well controlled, even at highway speeds, giving the Equinox EV a refined, peaceful cabin atmosphere. Regenerative braking works well, offering several settings, including one-pedal driving mode, which feels natural once you get used to it.

Interiors and technology

Stepping inside the 2025 Equinox EV LT reveals a cabin that mixes bright ideas with a few dimmer choices. The dashboard centres around an 11-inch digital gauge cluster and a large 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, both of which look sharp and respond quickly to inputs. Chevrolet’s new infotainment system, powered by Google built-in services, feels intuitive and easy to navigate.

Material quality reflects the Equinox’s price point. Surfaces that you touch often, like the steering wheel and armrests, feel soft and premium enough, but other areas, like the lower dashboard and door panels, use harder plastics. It does not feel cheap, but it reminds you this is not a luxury vehicle.

Seating comfort impresses, with supportive front seats that offer a wide range of adjustments. Rear seat space is generous for the class, with enough headroom and legroom for adult passengers. Cargo space is practical too, with a flat load floor and a useful underfloor storage area, although the Equinox EV does not offer a front trunk like some competitors.

Features on the LT trim include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, heated front seats, and several active safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, higher trims reserve more advanced driver-assistance features like GM’s Super Cruise, which can significantly increase the final cost if selected.

Range and Charging

One of the biggest bright spots for the 2025 Equinox EV LT is its estimated range. Chevrolet claims around 300 miles (ca. 483 km) on a full charge with the front-wheel-drive setup, which matches or exceeds many rivals in this price range. Real-world driving suggests the figure is achievable with careful highway driving and moderate use of climate controls.

Charging speeds are competitive. Using a DC fast charger, the Equinox EV can add about 70 miles (ca. 113 km) of range in roughly 10 minutes, making quick stops practical. A full charge on a Level 2 home charger typically takes about 7 to 8 hours, depending on the charger’s output and the remaining battery level.

Ownership Costs

Ownership costs for the 2025 Equinox EV LT should be lower than those of gasoline-powered crossovers, even after the purchase price. Electric vehicles generally require less maintenance, as they have fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes. Chevrolet offers an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term buyers. Insurance rates for electric vehicles can vary but are usually similar to comparably priced gasoline SUVs. Energy costs for home charging remain much lower than gasoline costs, especially for drivers who can take advantage of overnight charging rates.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The 2025 Equinox EV LT succeeds in delivering a comfortable, quiet, and approachable electric crossover at a reasonable price. Its driving manners are polished, its technology works well, and its range is genuinely useful for real-world daily driving. The styling feels modern without being overly polarizing, and the interior offers excellent space and functionality.

However, some weaknesses are difficult to ignore. The interior materials, while acceptable, do not match the upscale feel of more expensive EVs. Performance is adequate but not exciting, and buyers wanting strong acceleration will need to look elsewhere. Chevrolet also reserves some of the best features, like the Super Cruise hands-free driving system and dual-motor all-wheel drive, for higher trims, leading to a higher price for a fully loaded experience.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT appeals to buyers who are looking for an electric vehicle that is practical, stylish, and reasonably priced. It blends the strengths of the traditional Equinox name — comfort, space, and value — with modern electric performance and technology. While it doesn’t eliminate compromises, it offers far more positives than negatives at its price point.

For families, commuters, or anyone entering the EV market without wanting to overspend, the Equinox EV LT deserves strong consideration. It proves Chevrolet is serious about bringing electric vehicles to everyday buyers, and it does so with more balance than flash, which may be precisely what many drivers want.

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Paul Boland

Paul is a 10-year automotive industry veteran passionate about cars, driving, and the future of mobility.
Bringing hands-on experience to every story, Paul covers the latest news and trends for real enthusiasts. Here is my bio for each blog also.

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