2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs. 2024 Nissan Leaf: A quick electric SUV comparison. Are you thinking about buying a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV or a 2024 Nissan Leaf? Let’s do a quick comparison.
By Laura King
First up, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV is an all-new five-passenger electric SUV set to launch in early 2024. The first trim to be available will be the 2RS, loaded with popular features.
Pricing is set at $48,990 before destination charges. The most affordable version, the 1LT, will be available later in the year for an MSRP of $34,990. All will be eligible for the $7,500 Federal EV tax credit. There will eventually be a total of six trims to choose from.
All trims will offer up to 319 miles of range with a single motor and front-wheel drive. The 2LT and 3LT trims can also be had with dual motors and all-wheel drive, though that does drop the range down to an estimated 280 miles.
Any Equinox EV you choose has an edge over the Nissan Leaf, whose longest-range version can eke out about 212 miles. Speaking of all-wheel drive, that’s something many of you who live somewhere that’s often snowy or wet like to have. While you can get it on the Equinox EV, you can only get the Leaf with front-wheel drive.
The Equinox EV has some of the latest tech features, including a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in compatibility and Google Maps-based navigation.
You will not find Apple CarPlay or Android Auto here, something to consider. But you’ll also be able to get Chevy’s impressive Super Cruise hands-free driving system. To top it off, more recent Battery Technology means the Equinox EV will be able to charge more quickly than the Leaf.
On the other end of the spectrum is the 2024 Nissan Leaf. It’s a five-passenger hatchback and is a bit of an old-timer among fully electric vehicles. In fact, 2024 will be its last production year.
The lineup has just two models: the Leaf S with a range of 149 miles and the SV Plus with a 212-mile range. A refresh last year updated the exterior styling a bit, but it doesn’t look anywhere near as modern as the Equinox EV. However, one of the benefits of being an older model is the cost of development has already been absorbed, so Nissan doesn’t have to charge as much for it.
Leaf pricing starts at an affordable $28,155, with a $7,500 federal tax EV credit. If the shorter range of the Leaf is enough for you, you can get into a Leaf for about $3,000 less than an Equinox EV. The SV Plus starts at $ a surround View Camera, power-adjusted heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror standard on every Leaf. You’ll find an 8-inch touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, and automatic climate control.
The Equinox EV may have the bigger, more impressive setup, but remember it does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Yeah, that is going to be a deal-breaker for a lot of people, so be forewarned.
In terms of driving, the Leaf is a relaxed and easy ride. Its front seats are super comfy, and the suspension handles rough roads well. Its tidy exterior dimensions make it easier to navigate city traffic and cozy parking spots than it would be in a larger SUV like the Equinox EV. But to be fair, we haven’t driven The Equinox EV yet. At the same time, the Leaf is still roomy inside with plenty of backseat space for adults. Not to mention the fact that a hatchback is forever practical.
These two EVs are both equipped with great advanced safety features, and they have the same 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranties. They’re more different than they are similar, and that should make your decision easier depending on what’s more important to you.
The Nissan Leaf’s range is more limited and doesn’t charge as quickly, but it’s affordable, comfortable, and very capable of meeting your local driving needs. And it still offers the coveted Apple CarPlay and Android software most buyers still want. As your only car, it might not be the best pick. But as car number two, it’ll be great.
If you need the assurance of all-wheel drive, and longer road trips are in your plans, the Chevy Equinox EV is the better pick here. It’s available with the latest modern amenities and will give you more flexibility and peace of mind while still being a safe and practical daily driver.
And yes, I know this is the third time I’ve mentioned it, but if you’ve lived without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto once before and you can do it again, then the Equinox EV is one to look at.
