The automotive landscape continues to evolve with electric vehicles becoming increasingly prevalent on roads everywhere. The Chevrolet Equinox EV represents a significant step forward in making electric mobility accessible to more drivers. With three distinct trim levels available—LT 1, LT 2, and RS—Chevrolet offers different personalities to match diverse preferences and requirements. 

Base Architecture: What All Trims Share

Before diving into the differences, it’s worth noting the common foundation shared across all Equinox EV variants. Each model utilizes the GM Ultium platform specifically designed for electric vehicles. All trims feature an 85 kWh battery pack that connects to either a single-motor front-wheel-drive setup or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration. The standard DC fast-charging capability tops out at 150 kW across all models, allowing for quick charging sessions when needed.

The Equinox EV lineup delivers impressive range figures, with front-wheel-drive models capable of travelling up to 513 kilometres on a single charge under ideal conditions. All-wheel-drive variants offer slightly reduced but substantial range figures—494 kilometres for the LT models and 463 kilometres for the RS with all-wheel drive.

LT 1: The Entry Point 

The LT 1 trim establishes the foundation of the Equinox EV experience, delivering a compelling blend of technology, comfort, and efficiency. Despite being the entry-level variant, it arrives with features that might surprise drivers familiar with traditional entry models.

Performance and Powertrain

The LT 1 comes standard with a single-motor front-wheel-drive setup generating 220 horsepower and 243 Nm of torque. This configuration prioritizes efficiency, achieving an impressive energy consumption rating of 18.0 kWh/100 km in city driving and 21.2 kWh/100 km on highways, for a combined 19.4 kWh/100 km. The single-motor LT 1 delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 10.1 kg/hp, offering responsive acceleration for daily driving scenarios.

For those requiring additional capability, the LT 1 has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that boosts output to 300 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque. This configuration naturally increases energy consumption slightly to 18.8 kWh/100 km city and 22.1 kWh/100 km highway (20.3 kWh/100 km combined), improving the power-to-weight ratio to a more spirited 7.6 kg/hp.

Exterior Design Elements

The LT 1 features distinctive styling elements that identify it as an electric vehicle while maintaining the recognizable Equinox silhouette. The unique LT grille and front fascia design set it apart from conventional cars, while standard 19-inch wheels with 245/55R19 tires provide a balanced appearance and ride quality. The LT 1 offers a two-tone roof option to customize the vehicle’s appearance.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside, the LT 1 provides a surprisingly tech-forward environment. The dashboard features an 11-inch digital driver information centre and an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen. Google built-in compatibility comes standard, providing access to navigation, voice assistance, and various applications (with a subscription required for full functionality).

The LT 1 includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard equipment—features often reserved for higher trims in conventional vehicles. Cloth seating surfaces offer durability and comfort, while the interior layout prioritizes spaciousness for passengers and cargo.

Safety and Convenience Features

The LT 1, including the comprehensive Chevrolet Safety Assist suite, doesn’t skimp on safety technology. Standard features include an HD rear vision camera, adaptive cruise control, and blind zone steering assist. Additional conveniences include remote start capability, rainsense wipers, and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.

LT 2: Elevate the Experience

The LT 2 trim builds upon the strong foundation established by the LT 1, adding refinements and features that enhance comfort, convenience, and overall driving experience.

Performance Enhancements

The LT 2 shares the same powertrain options as the LT 1—either the 220-horsepower single-motor front-wheel-drive setup or the 300-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration. However, the LT 2 benefits from the Drive Mode Selector, which allows drivers to customize the vehicle’s performance characteristics to match preferences and conditions.

Exterior Refinements

While maintaining the same basic silhouette as the LT 1, the LT 2 adds subtle refinements that elevate its appearance. The LT 2 continues with the 19-inch wheel design but offers additional customization options. Like the LT 1, a two-tone roof remains available for those looking to personalize their vehicle’s appearance.

Interior Upgrades

The LT 2 significantly upgrades the interior experience with an 8-way power driver seat adjuster for improved comfort during long journeys. The infotainment system maintains the same dimensions as the LT1 but adds wireless charging capability as standard equipment.

The LT 2 also offers several available upgrades not found on the LT 1, including an 8-way power front passenger seat adjuster, heated rear outboard seats, and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light. An available rear camera mirror and rear pedestrian alert system enhance safety and awareness.

RS: The Performance-Oriented Flagship

The RS trim represents the pinnacle of the Equinox EV lineup, emphasizing sportier aesthetics, enhanced features, and a more dynamic presence on the road.

Performance and Handling

Like the LT models, the RS offers the 220-horsepower single-motor front-wheel-drive powertrain and the 300-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. However, the RS distinguishes itself with standard 21-inch wheels wrapped in wider 275/40R21 tires, enhancing cornering capability and visual impact. These larger wheels and lower-profile tires contribute to more responsive handling characteristics while sacrificing some ride comfort and range efficiency.

When equipped with the available 19.2 kW onboard charger, the RS AWD model sees a slight increase in energy consumption to 20.3 kWh/100 km city and 23.8 kWh/100 km highway (21.9 kWh/100 km combined). The more powerful charger enables significantly faster home charging when connected to the appropriate electrical infrastructure.

Distinctive Exterior Design

The RS immediately distinguishes itself with a unique, sportier front fascia and grille treatment. Black exterior elements—mirrors, mouldings, emblems, and badging—create a more aggressive appearance. Standard roof rails enhance functionality and visual presence, while the available two-tone black roof further emphasizes the RS’s performance-oriented character.

The most noticeable exterior difference comes from the standard 21-inch Carbon Flash metallic machined-face aluminum wheels, which provide a substantial visual upgrade over the LT models’ 19-inch wheels. These larger wheels and wider tires give the RS a more planted stance and sporty profile.

Premium Interior Appointments

The RS interior receives significant upgrades focusing on both appearance and comfort. Evotex seating surfaces replace the cloth found in LT models, featuring distinctive Torch Red and Santorini Blue stitching that reinforces the sporty character. The RS designation appears debossed on the front-seat head restraints, emphasizing the model’s premium position.

A flat-bottom steering wheel—heated for cold-weather comfort—provides a sportier feel and appearance while improving knee clearance. Additional interior refinements include standard wireless charging and all the available features from the LT 2, including the panoramic sunroof option.

Enhanced Convenience Features

The RS includes an AutoSense power liftgate as standard equipment, automatically opening when you approach with the key fob and allowing hands-free access to the cargo area. A heated wiper park system helps maintain windshield wiper functionality in freezing conditions, addressing a common pain point for electric vehicle owners in colder climates.

Technology Across the Lineup

All Equinox EV trims benefit from the latest Chevrolet technology offerings, though specific features vary by model. The standard 11.3-inch infotainment system provides an intuitive interface for controlling vehicle functions, media, and climate settings.

Google built-in compatibility (requiring subscription for full functionality) offers seamless integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store. This integration allows for natural voice commands, real-time navigation with traffic updates, and access to a growing ecosystem of compatible applications.

The Equinox EV provides comprehensive connectivity through standard Wi-Fi hotspot capability, allowing passengers to connect multiple devices simultaneously. Over-the-air update capability ensures the vehicle’s software remains current with the latest features and improvements.

Charging status and remote vehicle functions can be managed through the myChevrolet mobile app, providing convenience and peace of mind. Users can check battery level, estimated range, set charging schedules, and even precondition the vehicle’s cabin temperature while connected to grid power.

Practical Considerations for Each Trim

Several practical factors deserve consideration beyond feature lists and specifications when choosing between the Equinox EV trims.

Range and Efficiency Trade-offs

The LT 1 and LT 2 with front-wheel drive offer the maximum possible range at 513 kilometres, making them ideal for drivers concerned primarily with maximizing driving distance between charges. The all-wheel-drive versions sacrifice approximately 20 kilometres of range in exchange for improved traction and performance.

The RS trim’s larger 21-inch wheels and wider tires create additional rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag, reducing range figures to 463 kilometres with all-wheel drive. This range difference might prove significant for drivers in regions with limited charging infrastructure or those who frequently travel long distances.

Ride Comfort Variations

The LT models’ 19-inch wheels with taller sidewall tires generally provide a more compliant ride over rough surfaces than the RS’s 21-inch wheels with lower-profile tires. The RS prioritizes handling responsiveness and visual impact over ultimate ride comfort, a trade-off that matters most on rougher road surfaces.

Maintenance Considerations

The RS model’s larger, wider tires will typically cost more to replace when the time comes. Additionally, the lower profile makes these tires somewhat more susceptible to damage from potholes and road hazards.

Chevy Equinox EV: Make the Right Choice

Selecting the Equinox EV trim depends on individual priorities, driving habits, and preferences. The LT 1 offers an impressive range, technology, and value for drivers seeking an efficient electric vehicle without unnecessary frills. It’s surprisingly comprehensive feature set makes it far from a bare-bones experience.

The LT 2 represents a sweet spot for many buyers, adding meaningful comfort and convenience upgrades while maintaining the excellent efficiency and range of the LT 1. This middle trim strikes a compelling balance for daily commuting and family use.

The RS appeals to drivers prioritizing visual impact and a sportier character. Its distinctive styling elements, larger wheels, and premium interior appointments create a more emotional connection with some practical compromises in range and ride comfort.

Whichever trim you select, the Equinox EV demonstrates how quickly electric vehicles have evolved from specialized products to mainstream transportation options with the versatility and features to satisfy diverse needs and preferences.