2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2024 Genesis GV70

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV presented a familiar silhouette reminiscent of its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, yet upon closer inspection, it revealed a more refined and modern design. The EV version showcased sharper lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. Notably, the front fascia featured more body color, and the rear design was more assertive, incorporating hexagonal shapes and a light bar that mirrored the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels adorned the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the 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, while two-tone paint jobs provided additional customization. Inside, the base model was limited to black, but higher trims introduced options like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray, with sportier choices available for the 2RS and 3RS trims.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set with its sleek design. It retained signature Genesis styling elements like split headlights and a large shield-like grille for brand recognition. However, the GV70 was sleeker than its larger sibling, the GV80, and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. Notable features included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the gasoline-powered Sport Prestige trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheel designs. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, offering a more refined appearance compared to competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same styling as its gasoline counterpart, with the charge port cleverly integrated into the grille. Inside, the GV70's interior was distinctive, featuring quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and unique design elements like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary infotainment controller.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a hands-free start feature, which, while not universally favored, was becoming more common in EVs. The Equinox EV provided a "normal" driving experience with one-pedal driving available through a regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. The Equinox EV 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 of range per hour.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 retained its powertrain options, with the gasoline version offering a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors delivering a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 offered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiest rivals, feeling larger and heavier through corners. The suspension, while reasonably comfortable, tended to crash over bumps. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar driving dynamics to the gasoline model, with steering-wheel paddles for regenerative braking adjustment and an EPA-rated range of 236 miles.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting from the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and outside mirrors as standard features. The 2LT trim also added an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and made the panoramic moonroof available. The 3LT trim introduced power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats, features typically associated with luxury brands. Dual-zone climate control was limited to 3LT and above. 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 and 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered comparable interior space to its rivals, with slightly less headroom than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It provided a fraction more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes, and slightly less than the Audi. The GV70's cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats in place, better than the Mercedes but slightly less than the Audi. Folding the rear seats provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The GV70's stylish interior design, featuring an orb-like infotainment controller and rotary shifter, limited small-item storage but included a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its segment, and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, but standalone Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning through the MyChevrolet app.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system, while simpler than those in rival BMW and Mercedes models, was user-friendly. It featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher grades offered a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available. The touchscreen had an intuitive layout, and a rotary controller on the center console provided an alternative control method. The GV70 also included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional standard features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, rear cross-traffic braking, blind-zone steering assist, Safety Alert Seat, traffic-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. GM's Teen Driver Technology was also standard, allowing parents to set speed alerts and volume limits, and providing an in-vehicle "report card." Super Cruise, GM's hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model year were incomplete, but the gasoline GV70 received a five-star overall safety rating for the 2023 model. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered a safe exit assist function and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.