Chevrolet has manufactured electric vehicles for nearly a decade, starting with the subcompact Bolt in 2017. Last year, we reviewed the larger Blazer EV. On the same Ultium platform, the American automaker built a smaller, affordable electric crossover using the known nameplate Equinox. It is the cheapest General Motors electric vehicle at the moment. Let's get to it: our Chevrolet Equinox EV RS First Edition FWD had an MSRP of $55,799 and was built at the Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, plant. 

Chevrolet increasingly produces a diverse range of impressive electric vehicles (EVs) on the same platform. The Equinox EV is the fourth vehicle we've reviewed on the versatile Ultium platform, following the Lyriq, Blazer EV, and Honda Prologue (built at the same plant). In terms of size, this compact crossover is more similar to the latter than the first two and is taller, wider, and longer than its gasoline counterpart. However, the interior space remains unchanged. One of the standout features of the Chevrolet Equinox EV is its design; it doesn't overly emphasize its identity as an EV. The most noticeable difference is the closed-off front grille; otherwise, it resembles a sporty SUV. The Sterling Grey Metallic paint and 21-inch black painted wheels create a cool and sleek look. Other appealing elements include a front and rear light bar; electronic door handles that pop out when the doors are unlocked, and blacked-out Chevy emblems. A design feature from the Blazer EV that we're glad didn't make it to this vehicle is the charging port. In the Blazer EV, the charging door is controlled by a button, whereas the Equinox EV has a classic door you push on the side to open, similar to many gas-powered cars. It's easier to open regardless of the weather. Overall, the design of the Equinox EV earns high praise!

The interior of the Chevrolet Equinox EV resembles that of the Blazer EV we drove last year. The most noticeable difference is the placement of the air vents; they are located between the infotainment screen and the climate controls. Other features, such as the window switches, steering wheel, and the large 17.7-inch central touchscreen with Google built-in, remain similar. The leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching is large, comfortable, and fits nicely in your hands. The controls are logically placed, with volume and track controls on the back of the steering wheel and a small tab to increase regenerative braking for a few seconds. The 11-inch Driver Information Centre provides a wealth of information and can be configured to display a full-screen map or media. Unfortunately, the Equinox EV does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The controls for the lights and one-pedal driving mode are also integrated into the center screen, which is not ideal. On the flip side, most climate controls still have physical knobs and buttons.

The Equinox EV comfortably seats five, with ample room for four adults; the middle seat is more suitable for children. The front seats come heated as part of the Convenience Package II, adding ventilation for extra comfort. This $3,700 package includes several worthwhile upgrades, such as heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control (our test model had single-zone), a rearview camera mirror, and a rear camera washer, among other features; rear passengers benefit from two air vents and two USB-C ports. Young families will appreciate the easily accessible ISOFIX anchors and tether points for hassle-free car seat installation. Cargo capacity is 1,620 litres (57.2 cu. ft.), placing it mid-pack among competitors. Unfortunately, the Equinox EV doesn't offer a front trunk.

Performance-wise, the Chevrolet Equinox EV prioritizes practicality and affordability over sportiness. Our front-wheel-drive test model, equipped with an 85-kWh battery and a single electric motor, delivers a modest 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds, and we found no reason to dispute that; this version lacks the instant punch typically expected from electric vehicles. The all-wheel-drive dual-motor variant, however, boosts output to 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with only a slight range penalty, making it the more compelling choice. Despite its leisurely acceleration, the Equinox EV feels agile in everyday driving. The light, responsive steering makes it easy to maneuver, and the body roll is well-controlled for a vehicle in this price range. The suspension is firmer than anticipated, transmitting more road imperfections than we'd prefer. While stylish, the RS-trim standard 21-inch wheels have relatively thin tires that compromise ride comfort. We were also unimpressed with the Pirelli Scorpion winter tires, which struggled in snow and ice, with excessive wheel spin in slippery conditions.

As for charging, we tested the Equinox EV in wintry temperatures, averaging between -15°C and -25°C (14°F to -13°F). Over a week, efficiency averaged 3.2 km/kWh (170 mi-272 km), though a milder day saw that improve to 3.9 km/kWh (206 mi-331 km). Unsurprisingly, these figures fall short of the rated 513 km (320 miles), but the 35-40% drop is consistent with other EVs in extreme cold. Charging performance, however, was a bright spot. We used a 180 kW DC fast charger from 19% to 70% in 30 minutes, peaking at 121 kW. On a Level 2 charger, a full 0-100% charge takes roughly 16 hours—expected given the large battery.

We enjoyed driving the Chevrolet Equinox EV RS FWD during a cold week to experience the range in unfavourable weather. The compact electric crossover proves that GM has learned much from the Bolt, and the Equinox EV raises the bar quite a bit. Chevrolet has built a competent, practical, and affordable electric vehicle. It should be on your shopping list if you want to move to a full-electric car.

Disclaimer: Chevrolet has lent us this vehicle for a one-week press loan. We have no affiliation with Chevrolet Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.