2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the Equinox EV revealed more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design was more assertive, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on 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 transformed its appearance to be funky and exuberant. Two-tone paint jobs were also available, adding a youthful touch to its sleek and mature design. Inside, the base model was limited to black, but higher trims offered additional interior colors, including sporty options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between the 2.5T and 3.5T models, with trim levels ranging from Standard to Prestige Signature. Our test vehicle, a 3.5T in Prestige Signature trim, featured an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint job, elevating its MSRP to $84,600. Prestige Signature models came in exclusive colors like Mauna Red, paired with dark chrome trim and stylish 22-inch wheels. The interior was luxurious, with Ultramarine Blue over Dune, diamond-stitched Nappa leather, and a suede headliner. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored its flagship status. Despite its luxury, the Prestige Signature's exterior was relatively plain, and the wheel design was obscured by black paint. The GV80 exuded luxury, but the regular Prestige trim was deemed more attractive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, which some found eerie but not uncommon. It offered one-pedal driving, adjustable through regenerative braking settings or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 for AWD, impressive compared to competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Ariya. The Equinox EV's 85-kWh battery contributed to its range, and it supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles in 10 minutes. A Level 2 charger added up to 34 miles per hour.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, outperforming some rivals' V6 engines. Our 3.5T test vehicle had a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. It offered satisfying performance but was less fuel-efficient, with an observed 17.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 provided 8.1 inches of ground clearance and could tow up to 6,000 pounds. The 3.5T included upgraded brakes and adaptive damping suspension. The GV80 delivered a rewarding driving experience, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 tires. The steering was unremarkable but comfortable for long drives.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's base model, the 1LT, was unavailable, meaning features like heated front seats, steering wheel, and outside mirrors were standard from the 2LT trim. The 2LT also added an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and optional panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim included a power passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was limited to 3LT and above. The Equinox EV offered 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, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced was the only model with a third-row seat, while the Prestige Signature held only four people due to second-row captain's chairs. Our test vehicle featured a panoramic glass roof, triple-zone climate control, and ventilated front seats with massage programs. The rear captain's chairs had a one-touch Relax Mode and power-operated side window shades. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and rear legroom was limited. The GV80 offered 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Prestige Signature's rear center console required caution when loading cargo.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's cockpit was dominated by technology, with a driver-oriented curved display. The base 1LT trim featured 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. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument display in the Prestige and Prestige Signature trims. All models featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, controlled via a round dial on the center console. The infotainment package included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Genesis Connected Services and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with wireless smartphone charging available. The GV80's infotainment display was graphically pleasing, with a simple user interface. A digital key system allowed smartphone access, and most trims featured a Lexicon premium sound system. The Prestige and Prestige Signature included a head-up display showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. GM's Teen Driver Technology was standard, allowing parents to set speed alerts and volume limits. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available from the 2LT trim.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). HDA combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-change assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds in the digital instrument panel, while the HUD showed blind-spot warnings. The Remote Smart Parking Assist system allowed the GV80 to park itself using a button on the remote key fob. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.