The Chevrolet Equinox EV represents an important step in GM’s electric vehicle strategy, offering accessible electric mobility in the popular compact SUV segment. Among its lineup, the RS and 2RS trims stand out as sportier, more feature-rich options that appeal to drivers seeking both performance and premium appointments. These two trims share many similarities but differ in key areas that might influence a buyer’s decision.

Exterior Design Elements

Both the RS and 2RS trims feature the distinctive sporty styling that sets them apart from the more conservative LT models. The base RS includes 21-inch aluminum wheels with a gloss black finish, black exterior accents, and signature LED lighting elements that create a bold presence. The front fascia features a sealed grille design with the RS emblem prominently displayed.

The 2RS builds upon this foundation with additional premium exterior elements. It features unique wheel designs with machine-finished details that add visual sophistication. The 2RS also includes illuminated charge port lighting, providing both functionality and a touch of modern flair when connecting to charging stations. The black roof rails come standard on the 2RS, whereas they’re optional on the base RS trim.

Performance Specifications

Both RS and 2RS trims share the same fundamental electric powertrain options. In their standard configuration, both feature a single-motor front-wheel drive setup delivering approximately 210 kW (282 horsepower) and 333 Nm of torque. This provides responsive acceleration with the Equinox EV reaching 100 km/h in approximately 7.7 seconds.

For drivers seeking enhanced performance and all-weather capability, both trims offer an optional dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration. This system increases output to approximately 224 kW (300 horsepower) and 457 Nm of torque, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to around 6.5 seconds.

The battery pack and range specifications remain consistent between the two trims, with both offering an estimated range of up to 515 kilometres on a single charge in their front-wheel drive configurations. The all-wheel drive models see a slight reduction to approximately 490 kilometres of range.

Technology and Infotainment

The technology package represents one area where the 2RS distinguishes itself from the base RS. Both trims feature the impressive 17.7-inch diagonal center touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, but the 2RS adds a full-colour head-up display that projects critical information onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight.

The base RS includes wireless smartphone integration, built-in Google services, and a six-speaker audio system. Moving up to the 2RS brings a premium audio system with additional speakers and enhanced sound quality, particularly noticeable in the bass response and overall clarity at higher volumes.

Both trims offer DC fast charging capability, adding approximately 112 kilometres of range in 10 minutes at compatible stations. However, the 2RS includes additional charging-related software features, such as expanded programming options for home charging schedules and enhanced charging station information through the navigation system.

Interior Comfort and Convenience

Inside, both trims feature a distinctly sporty atmosphere with red accents, contrast stitching, and RS badging throughout. The base RS includes leatherette seating surfaces, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2RS elevates the interior experience with several premium additions. Ventilated front seats complement the standard heating functionality, particularly valuable during warmer months. The driver’s seat adds memory settings for multiple users, while the front passenger gains power adjustments for improved comfort. Perhaps most significantly for families, the 2RS adds heated rear outboard seats, enhancing passenger comfort during colder weather.

Ambient lighting, standard on both trims, is more extensive in the 2RS with additional zones and colour options that allow for greater personalization of the interior atmosphere. The 2RS also includes a programmable power liftgate with hands-free operation through a foot-activated sensor beneath the rear bumper.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Both RS trims come well-equipped with the Chevrolet comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. The base RS includes a 360-degree camera system that provides valuable visibility when maneuvering in tight spaces.

The 2RS adds enhanced driver assistance features, including more sophisticated parking assistance that can handle parallel and perpendicular parking scenarios with minimal driver intervention. The 2RS is also more likely to offer Super Cruise compatibility, the Chevrolet hands-free driver assistance technology that enables supervised hands-free driving on compatible highways.

Both trims include advanced theft-deterrent systems, but the 2RS adds enhanced security features, including glass breakage sensors and interior motion detection for greater peace of mind.

Five Facts About the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

1. The Equinox EV Ultium battery platform uses a pouch-style cell design that allows for flexible packaging and optimized energy density, contributing to its impressive range.
2. The one-pedal driving mode in both RS trims can bring the vehicle to a complete stop without using the brake pedal, while capturing up to 95% of the kinetic energy through regenerative braking.
3. Engineers spent over 10,000 hours optimizing the Equinox EV aerodynamics, resulting in a drag coefficient that helps maximize range efficiency despite its SUV profile.
4. The RS trim designation was first introduced on Chevrolet vehicles in 2010, with the “RS” standing for “Rally Sport,” reflecting its sportier styling and performance attributes.
5. The Equinox EV electrical architecture can process up to 10 gigabytes of data per hour, approximately 1,000 times more than the first-generation Chevrolet Volt hybrid.

Questions and Answers About the 2025 Equinox EV RS and 2RS

What is the primary difference between the RS and 2RS trims?

• The 2RS offers additional premium features, including ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a head-up display, memory driver’s seat, and enhanced driver assistance technologies beyond what’s in the base RS trim.

Do the RS and 2RS trims have different electric ranges?

• Both trims offer the same electric range of approximately 515 kilometres for front-wheel drive models and 490 kilometres for all-wheel drive models when similarly equipped.

Is the charging speed different between the RS and 2RS trims?

• No, both trims support the same DC fast charging capabilities, adding approximately 112 kilometres of range in 10 minutes at compatible charging stations.

Are there visual differences between the RS and 2RS exteriors?

• While both share sporty styling elements, the 2RS features slightly more premium details, including unique wheel designs, illuminated charge port lighting, and standard roof rails.

Does the 2RS offer more cargo space than the RS?

• No, both trims have identical cargo capacities of approximately 1,614 litres with the rear seats folded and 726 litres with all seats in use.

Are the performance specifications different between the two trims?

• Both trims offer identical performance specifications with the same power outputs in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

Does the 2RS come standard with Super Cruise capability?

• Super Cruise capability is typically an optional feature on both trims, though the 2RS may include the necessary hardware as standard, requiring only a subscription activation.

How do the interior materials differ between the trims?

• Both feature leatherette seating surfaces, but the 2RS includes higher-grade materials with additional soft-touch surfaces and more extensive use of premium materials throughout the cabin.

Is the technology interface different in the 2RS compared to the RS?

• Both use the same 17.7-inch touchscreen interface, but the 2 adds a head-up display and may include additional personalization options within the infotainment system.

Do both trims qualify for the same incentives?

• Generally yes, as both trims use the same underlying platform and battery technology. Eligibility for incentives typically depends on the vehicle’s base price and manufacturing location rather than trim level.