Chevrolet has been making a concentrated effort to transform its lineup into one with a stronger electric vehicle (EV) presence. In recent years, there has been a lot in the media covering General Motors, the parent company to Chevrolet, and its overall transition towards more EVs. You may have noticed the new GMC Hummer EV or Chevy Silverado EV hitting markets. In fact, GM has said they believe their EV profits will rival those of gas-engine vehicles by as early as 2025. Some critics have said they’ve been moving more slowly than others in the EV space. However, others feel that they’re simply using the profits from their reliable gas engine vehicles to fund their EV growth in an attempt to keep finances stable, rather than rushing into an unknown industry the way many other manufacturers are.
All speculation aside, we can say that Chevy is releasing two exciting new electrified versions of two popular vehicles for the 2024 year: the Blazer EV and the Equinox EV. The Blazer is a mid-size SUV, and the Equinox is a compact one. They share the same Ultium battery platform, which offers several charging levels, great acceleration, and impressive range for the EV sphere. With Chevrolet dropping both of these new offerings at the same time, many drivers are in a frenzy figuring out which one is right for them. The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV vs 2024 Chevy Equinox EV debate is on the minds of many Chevy shoppers right now, so here’s a look at what drivers can expect from these two new EV offerings.
What They Have in Common
Before we get into what makes these two vehicles different, we’ll cover what they share in common. Both of these EVs will get two levels of at-home charging, Level One being the 120-volt option and Level Two being 240-volts. These two levels give you flexibility based on what happens to be available where you park and how much time you have to charge up. You can have a Level Two charger installed at home for faster charging, but still be able to plug into an ordinary 120-volt outlet anywhere you go to top off the battery, albeit more slowly. You can also look for DC public fast charging stations. The myChevrolet Mobile App with Energy Assist will help you find public charging stations along your planned route for more efficient travel.
Each vehicle gets a huge 17.7-inch display screen. Here you’ll see things like your navigation, music, incoming calls, and more. This is also where you’ll utilize features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Each vehicle also gets an 11-inch driver information center, where you can view important information about your vehicle’s health and your journey.
Each vehicle will have three trim options, but they differ, with the Equinox options ending where the Blazer ones begin. The Equinox has the 1LT, 2LT, and 2RS trims. The 1LT is the base level trim with all of the essential standard features. The 2LT takes convenience and comfort up a notch. The 2RS is a sleek performance-ready machine. Take a look at the Blazer, and you’ll see its base-level trim is the 2LT, so it skips the 1LT entirely. Its second trim, the RS, gets upscale design features, while the upper trim, the SS, is an even more advanced performance vehicle, with incredibly fast acceleration.
Size, Space and Price Differences
Both the Blazer EV and the Equinox EV offer seating for five, but you’ll have more space in the mid-size Blazer than the compact Equinox. If you’re looking for a more spacious second row of seating, regularly transport tall passengers, or carry a lot of cargo regularly, you might want to get the Blazer.
Meanwhile, the smaller Equinox will have nimble handling and be easier to maneuver. If you love the feel and versatility of a compact vehicle, the Equinox could be for you. There is a significant difference in maximum cargo space. The Blazer gets 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the Equinox gets 57 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
Ultimately, the Equinox is for minimalists or those with rare or small passenger needs. The Blazer is for those who want a roomy, cavernous cabin and tons of cargo space. However, both vehicles do have thoughtful small storage compartments throughout the cabins for odds and ends.
The price information for the 2024 Equinox EV is not yet finalized. Chevy says it is “starting around $30,000.” We do know that the base level trim of the 2024 Blazer EV begins at $56,715.
Performance and Power Differences
It might shock some drivers, but the smaller Equinox actually has a slightly shorter GM-estimated range than the Blazer. Generally, range often correlates with the size of the vehicle.. The larger the vehicle, the more power is necessary to keep it moving. However, GM estimates that the 2024 Blazer EV gets a range of 320 miles, a figure that tops out at 300 miles for the Equinox.
It’s also worth noting that the 2024 Blazer EV is also big on power. It has an estimated 557 horsepower, which is nearly twice that of the Equinox EV’s estimated 290 horsepower. The Blazer EV was made to appeal to those who want instant acceleration and great towing abilities. In fact, GM estimates it can go from zero to 60 in about four seconds or less.
Speaking of towing, the 2024 Blazer EV can tow up to 3,500 pounds in rear-wheel drive configuration. Meanwhile, the 2024 Equinox EV can tow up to 1,500 pounds, far less than the Blazer. With a 2,000-pound difference, it’s clear that the Blazer is the choice for those with more serious towing needs.
Get The SUV You Already Love, Electrified
Thanks to the addition of these two SUVs to the lineup, drivers with significantly different space, power, and budget needs can access EV technology in a familiar Chevy vehicle. The Blazer and Equinox have already been popular for quite some time. They also boasted sleek styling that pairs perfectly with the modern technology of an EV powertrain.
Chevy is doing everything in their power to make switching to an EV easier, with the two-level charger and the myChevrolet app showing you where you can power up along your route. They also know their drivers have come to expect a certain level of oomph from their vehicles, which is why the Blazer EV with its 557 horsepower is so appealing to many drivers.
If one had to break down the traits and perks of each vehicle, it might be this. The Equinox is budget-friendly and space-efficient. It’s for those that want something that can zip around busy streets, and who don’t have major passenger needs. The Blazer is for those who like more of a powerful and head-turning specimen. It will cost a bit more than the Equinox, but it is also more vehicle. It accelerates quicker, has a larger all-electric range, and has more space. Every additional dollar on the MSRP is justified in the Blazer, if you have the need or desire for its higher capabilities.
