I Loved the Chevy Equinox EV Until I Found Out What Features Are Behind a Paywall

To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of Chevrolet, but the Equinox EV surprised me. It doesn’t try to impress with luxury or flash, instead, it quietly delivers exactly what most drivers actually need. At a time when electric vehicles are either too expensive or too compromised, this unassuming SUV lands in a sweet spot that feels almost too rare. With over 300 miles of range, a price that dips below $30,000 after tax credits, and the kind of ride comfort you would expect from something far pricier, the Equinox EV is helping Chevy surge past Ford and reshape what value means in the EV world. Also, GM has more individual models on the 2025 American-Made Index (AMI) than any other automaker. The Equinox EV ranks 51st. The Equinox EV hasn’t gone unnoticed by social media. Here’s one of several long threads on Reddit by jmbev:

“I just recently pulled the trigger on our new family car, the Chevy Equinox EV, about 3 weeks ago. I have been loving it so far one of the best parts of the car is its infotainment. It’s responsive and customizable. The use of the Google play store to install and use a small number of apps to further enjoy the in car experience is also a nice inclusion.”

XiberKernel responded with: 

“After driving a Bolt for a few years and loving it, the Equinox EV was a no brainier for me.”

A point of contention is GM’s recent decision to charge a premium price for wireless connectivity with one use posting:

“This puts important features like live traffic data for Google maps and access to in-car apps behind a paywall. The cheapest package is $35 a month and the most expensive package at $52…[By comparison,] Tesla charges $10 a month for what they call “Premium Connectivity” that would include all the features like in car apps and map traffic data.”

General Motors (GM) is gaining momentum in the U.S. electric vehicle market, reporting over 62,000 EVs sold through May 2025, solidifying its position as the second-largest EV seller in the country. Its Chevy division is leading the charge, with more than 37,000 units sold, outperforming Ford’s 34,000 EV sales. Chevy is also the fastest-growing EV brand in the U.S. this year, thanks largely to the success of the Equinox EV, which accounted for nearly one-third of GM’s EV sales in the first quarter. GM’s expanding 13-model electric lineup includes affordable crossovers like the Equinox EV, electric pickups such as the Silverado and Hummer EVs, and premium offerings under the Cadillac brand, including the Lyriq and Escalade IQ.

The Chevy Equinox EV delivers a no-nonsense, value-driven electric driving experience. It is not luxurious, with black plastic trim, cloth seats, and minimal base features, but it is built solidly and rides remarkably well. Ride quality, highway comfort, and quietness mirror the pricier Chevy Blazer EV, and that is no coincidence. The two vehicles share the same electric platform and design philosophy, giving the Equinox EV the same smooth suspension tuning and cabin refinement that make the Blazer stand out. Even the tech layout is nearly identical, including the oversized infotainment screen with full Google integration. However, it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Super Cruise is available but expensive at $3,500. While the base model is front-wheel drive and shows its limits under hard acceleration, it still handles daily driving confidently and comfortably. Interior space and practicality are strong for the segment.

The Equinox EV starts under $35,000, and with the $7,500 federal tax credit, the effective price drops below $30,000 for qualified buyers. It delivers over 300 miles of range, making it the most affordable EV in the United States to reach that benchmark aside from the Tesla Model 3. The value proposition is strong, with a large infotainment screen, excellent passenger space, and highway-ready comfort in a well-packaged SUV. Although the base trim lacks features like heated seats and dual-zone climate control, most can be added for a price. Optional upgrades can increase the total by $12,000, giving buyers flexibility to customize their experience.

Compared to other EVs, the Chevy Equinox EV holds its own as a practical and affordable option. While the Kia EV3 and Volvo EX30 are expected to be competitive, they are not yet available. The Tesla Model 3 remains the closest rival, offering similar range and price. The Equinox EV provides more rear seat headroom than a Kia Niro EV and nearly rivals the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in cargo space. However, it lacks features like a frunk and power-folding rear seats. Still, for buyers prioritizing cost, range, and mainstream appeal, the Equinox EV offers a compelling mix unmatched in today's EV market.

Please Drop Your Thoughts in the Comments Below

How do you feel about GM putting data needed for live maps and in-car apps behind a $35–$52 monthly subscription?

What features matter most to you in an EV under $35K, and does the Equinox EV deliver them?

Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.

Image sources: Chevrolet pressroom