Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers at:
Chevrolet has expanded its EV lineup with the addition of the 2024 Equinox EV. In this episode, we share our first impressions of the small electric SUV, covering its driving dynamics, power capabilities, key features, and how it stacks up against the Blazer EV and the gas-powered Equinox. We also address audience questions, including whether it's normal to need frequent brake service and why car manufacturers aren’t making electric vehicles with upgradable and replaceable batteries.
More info on the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV here:
Join CR at to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
———————————–
00:00 – Introduction
00:40 – Overview: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
02:25 – Driving Characteristics
03:44 – How it Compares to Blazer EV
06:26 – Is it Family Friendly Enough
08:54 – Charging Capabilities
10:48 – Infotainment System
15:37 – The Price
16:48 – Question #1: Are auto dimming rear-view mirrors in vehicles less safe than the old-school flip-up ones?
20:20 – Question #2: Is it normal to frequently need to service the brakes on your car?
25:24 – Question #3: Why car manufacturers aren’t making electric vehicles with upgradable and replaceable batteries?
———————————-
New 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Will Start at $34,995, Eventually
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Is a Bumpy Ride
EVs are Getting More Reliable, but They Still Lag Behind Hybrids and Gas-Only Cars
Guide to Car Reliability & Owner Satisfaction
That person with the brake issue should probably get a second opinion on her brake problems.
I am not that attached to CarPlay but I like having the option. I suppose GM thought that if Tesla and Rivian could get by without it so could they.
I 100% agree with the first questioner. I just purchased a 2025 vehicle and was thrilled to find it has the flip lever for dimming. Auto dimming mirrors are NOT doing their job, they do not dim enough. P.S. I’ve owned 53 cars from the mid 60’s to 2025. I have some experience.
Silly without Android. Default app is fine, I drove it but decided not to buy the car without that feature.
The Car Play availability issue is just another dumb idea from GM, unfortunately I gave up on the company a long time ago.
$50k For an Equinox EV? PASS
I bought a 25 Equinox EV amd I’m very happy about it.
No android auto would be a deal breaker for me also. Nice looking car otherwise.
NIO and CATL are or will be in the battery swapping with expansion overseas over the next few years.
Not having CarPlay is just an anti-consumer decision to try to extract more money from you after selling you the car.
You can do voice to text. Did you even bother setting up the infotainment?
You guys are definitely wrong about the infotainment system. Waze, Spotify, YouTube music, Amazon music and others are all available as apps. Saying things are a dealbreaker for a car that is thousands less than the competition is unfair. I am an Apple user, but I also have a myriad of other accounts that I use including google, Amazon and others. My iPhone streams well via Bluetooth. Your problem is that many of you share cars to test them and give feedback so sure, it’s a problem in your very limited scenario. Shame on you guys. I also own an Equinox EV and love it. Is it different than my ford edge with Apple CarPlay, sure, but certainly not a dealbreaker!
If the folks over at Chevy are smart, they’ll bring back Apple Car Play and Android Auto- In an age where car manufacturers are constantly working to move the ball forward, this is a step backwards…
Engine braking is indeed “a thing!” After many years of driving with automatic transaxle cars (and lots of pad replacements + rotor turning), I decided to adopt the practice of using gears 1 to 3 on city streets (I believe that was called “L3”) on my 2001 Jetta & only had 1 pad replacement in 115,000 miles. I only put the selector in “D” for freeway driving. My 2012 Volvo c30 had a shiftable automatic so I always shifted it manually & never replaced the pads in 96,000 miles.
Re: no Android Auto and Apple Car Play – Has CR asked GM or other manufactures or investigated how much it would cost in licensing fees to include these features going forward?
After getting rid of Carplay/Android Auto, I expect Chevrolet next to get rid of electronic start and instead put a hand crank on the front of their vehicles. You know, for all the people who are tired of having to push a button from inside to start their car.
I will probably get some negative comments but I will ask this question: With the upcoming Trump administration, how would any EV be relevant? Would it be foolish to buy anything with a battery? I feel that EVs are now out of fashion, a pariah in our country’s view of the environment, as perceived by Trump.