As an EV enthusiast who’s navigated the electric vehicle landscape for nearly a decade, I’ve recently added two new models to my garage: a 2024 VW ID.4 Pro S and a 2024 Chevy Equinox 2LT. Having owned various EVs, including a Volt, multiple Bolts, and even a beloved Kia EV6 (which unfortunately wasn’t ideal for my wife’s accessibility needs), I’m well-versed in the nuances of electric driving. My wife now enjoys the ID.4, while I’ve taken the reins of the Equinox, though she finds the Equinox equally comfortable in terms of height.
One of the primary reasons we chose the ID.4 for longer journeys is its superior charging speed. With a rated 175kW charging capacity compared to the Equinox’s 150kW, the ID.4 promises quicker stops on road trips, a crucial factor for EV travel.
My initial impressions of the Equinox 2LT, with its impressive 383-mile range, are quite positive. The ride quality is noticeably smoother than other EVs I’ve driven. However, the infotainment system has presented some glitches, occasionally freezing and requiring a full stop to reset, which is a minor inconvenience while driving. On the positive side, the cruise control performs admirably, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The lane assist, however, leaves room for improvement. It tends to be somewhat vague, allowing the vehicle to drift and even touch lane markers before correcting, which raises some safety concerns. Ultimately, the attractive 24-month lease deal on the 2LT was the deciding factor for this second car, prioritizing cost-effectiveness. My next Chevy, however, will definitely feature Super Cruise for enhanced driver assistance.
Where the Equinox truly shines is in its camera system. The backup and parking cameras, along with the overhead vehicle view, are significantly better than the ID.4. The overhead view, in particular, is incredibly useful for navigating curbs and obstacles, both front and rear. While the ID.4 does beep to alert for obstacles, the visual clarity of the Equinox’s system is a step above. The side mirrors on the Chevy are quite small and lack a tilt-down setting in reverse, a feature the ID.4 only partially offers (right side tilt-down, and only when the mirror selector is set to ‘R’). The EV6, in comparison, had excellent mirror functionality with both side mirrors tilting down in reverse, a fantastic feature for tight parking situations.
Regenerative braking is another area where the Equinox stands out for me. Its one-pedal driving experience is intuitive and efficient. Switching back to the ID.4, I find myself needing to use the brake pedal again, something I haven’t had to do regularly in years, thanks to the excellent regen systems in GM and Kia vehicles.
Reflecting on my automotive journey, starting with a 1968 Chevy Corvair convertible, it’s remarkable to see how far GM has progressed. It’s also reassuring to see strong leadership at the helm with Mary Barra guiding the company into the electric future.
