The Chevy lineup has something for just about everyone (unless, that is, you’re looking for a practical sedan, but I’m not going to get into that today). The Equinox is a great example of a compact SUV designed to meet a wide range of needs. What’s quite notable is that there’s both an Equinox with a conventional gas engine and an Equinox EV that boasts all-electric performance thanks to a battery and motor system.
Someone interested in a Chevy Equinox EV for sale might assume that, given these names, this model is essentially just an Equinox with the gas engine replaced by an electric propulsion system. In reality, things are quite a bit more complicated than that. Let’s go over some of the most important and noteworthy differences between these two vehicles so you can see just how dissimilar they are.
#1 – Powertrain
Arguably, the most important and obvious difference between these two vehicles is the sort of powertrain they have—such a big difference that I’m covering it over two points because it’s that important. (I’ll be using specs for the 2025 models of these two vehicles just to keep things simple.)
As you might know, the Chevy Equinox has a conventional internal combustion engine, while the Equinox EV utilizes a battery system and electric motor(s) to propel the vehicle. That’s a fundamental difference in engineering and overall design that has a huge impact across the board on how these two vehicles perform and function.
Chevy offers one engine option for the 2025 Equinox: a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 175 hp and up to 203 lb-ft of torque. Both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are available for the Equinox, and it comes with either a continuously variable transmission (with FWD) or an eight-speed automatic (with AWD).
The 2025 Equinox EV has one battery pack option and either a single motor (for FWD) or a pair of motors (for AWD). Single-motor models provide 220 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, while dual-motor Equinox EVs deliver 300 hp and 355 lb-ft of torque. You can see that’s a significant difference in performance, so the Equinox EV provides a more invigorating and exciting time on the road.
#2 – Range & Refueling
These models’ differences in basic engineering result in not only different performance, but also very dissimilar experiences as you drive. With the Chevy Equinox, we see a conventional vehicle that needs to stop for gas on occasion.
2025 Equinox models with FWD get an estimated 26 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, while those with AWD get 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Those differences aren’t huge, but they’re still worth noting; both models get about 400 miles of estimated range from a full tank of gas, which is quite good and makes sense since this is a compact SUV.
With the Equinox EV, you’re looking at all-electric performance and good range between charges, although it can’t compete with conventional models. A 2025 Equinox EV with a single motor gets an estimated 319 miles of range from a full charge, while dual-motor models get an estimated 307 miles of range.
That’s quite good compared to similar EV options, especially for the price of the Equinox EV, but it’s not nearly as far as the traditional Equinox can go. However, since the Equinox EV can be charged at home overnight (and since most of us don’t have a fuel pump next to our garage), there’s a major convenience element that needs to be remembered; plus, the Equinox EV supports Level 3 DC Fast Charging at public stations.
#3 – Dimensions
Although there are certainly some similarities in design when looking at these two models, one can quickly notice that they’re definitely not identical. They have some comparable styling, but the Equinox has a large front grille and a boxier front end than the Equinox EV, which looks more slim and refined by comparison.
This makes sense since the front of the Equinox has an engine in it, while the Equinox EV does not. In terms of overall size, the gas-powered Equinox is about 183 inches in length, nearly 75 inches wide, and stands just over 65 inches tall. The Equinox EV, on the other hand, is more than 190 inches in length, nearly 77 inches in width, and just under 65 inches in height.
You can see that the Equinox EV stretches more than half a foot longer than the Equinox. The Equinox has a touch more interior passenger space, however, and provides nearly 30 cu.ft. of rear cargo volume and more than 63 cu.ft. of total cargo space. By comparison, the Equinox EV has just over 26 cu.ft. of rear cargo volume and just over 57 cu.ft. of total cargo space. So even though it’s not as long, the Equinox has more room both for passengers and cargo than its all-electric counterpart.
#4 – Technology
Chevy has been putting in the work to make their vehicles well-appointed inside, especially when it comes to comfort, convenience, and tech features. That being said, there are still some notable differences between these two models.
Looking at the standard features of the 2025 Equinox, it comes with an 11.3-inch infotainment system, an 11-inch Driver Information Center display, and a six-speaker sound system. Cloth seating is standard, with a six-way driver’s seat and four-way front-passenger seat, both heated. Keyless Open and Start, Remote Start functionality, Adaptive Cruise Control, and single-zone manual climate control are all standard.
In the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV, we find a number of differences compared to what comes standard in the Equinox. It has a massive 17.7-inch color LCD infotainment display, joined by an 11-inch Driver Information Center and six-speaker sound system. Cloth seats with a six-way driver’s seat and four-way front-passenger seat are standard, although these ones don’t come with heating; Chevy also provides Remote Start functionality, Adaptive Cruise Control, and single-zone automatic climate control.
#5 – Driver Assistance
Both of these Equinox models come with an impressive selection of standard safety technologies designed to protect everyone on the road. Standard features on both include a Forward Collision Alert, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking (which functions at highway speeds), Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Reverse Automatic Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, and Blind Zone Steering Assist.
What’s notable, however, is that you can get features on an Equinox EV that aren’t offered on the gas model. Specifically, GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving tool is available for the 2025 Equinox EV, but it’s not offered on the conventional 2025 Equinox (at least, not yet).
Plenty of Similarities, More That Sets Them Apart
Looking at the safety features just now, you can see that there are plenty of things these two vehicles have in common, largely because they’re both in the Chevy lineup. Ultimately, however, there are more things that set them apart than make them similar, especially since they’re fundamentally different in terms of power and driving experience.
I should also mention they’re quite different in price, as the 2025 Equinox starts at $28,600, while the 2025 Equinox EV starts at $33,600. That’s a substantial difference (and is even greater at the highest trim level) and something that anyone interested in one of these vehicles should keep in mind when figuring out which compact Chevy SUV is right for them.
