Equinox EV vs Blazer EV: Which Is Best for You?

After a few years of seeing them displayed at auto shows, Chevrolet finally has two of its crossover EVs on the market. Both the Blazer EV and the Equinox EV are currently on sale. Though they share names with their gas-powered counterparts, these are not electric versions of the same models. They are on a completely different platform and share no sheet metal. So, if you are interested in a Chevrolet EV, you suddenly have two choices. Which one is best for you? Chevrolet of Spring Valley is here to give you all the details so you can make the best decision for you.

Separate Classes – Sort of

In theory, the distinction between these two would be unambiguous. The Equinox EV is a compact crossover, and the Blazer EV is a mid-size crossover. So that means the Blazer is a larger SUV, there will be some pricing dissimilarities, and it has features the Equinox probably doesn’t, right? Not so fast. The details add a little bit more to the conversation.

Let’s start with what they have in common. Both models ride on the same GM BEV3 Ultium platform, which includes Ultium batteries feeding Ultium electric motors. All Equinox models come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The Blazer is available with AWD or rear wheel drive (RWD). There will be a lower-priced FWD model, making the Blazer possibly the only model in the industry to offer all three drivetrains. Such are the possibilities with electric motors.

Power, Range, and Efficiency

All Equinox models have an 85 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. With a single motor driving the front wheels, it has an output of 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. That aligns with the category with an extra bit of liveliness from the instantly available torque. The range is EPA-estimated at 319 miles, and it is rated at 108 MPGe. Bumping up to AWD, as most Minnesotans can be expected to do, gets you a smaller motor in the front combined with another motor in the rear for a combined power of 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 acceleration time is a brisk 5.9 seconds. The estimated range for the AWD model is 285 miles with a rating of 96 combined MPGe. When charging on the road, the Equinox can accept a charge rate of 150kW, allowing it to gain a range of 77 miles every 10 minutes.

The AWD Equinox shares its battery and motors with the current entry-level Blazer EV and RS AWD. The bigger vehicle has a 0-60 time of 6 seconds, a range of 279 miles, and very similar charge times. The current RWD Blazer RS changes things by being faster in all ways. The single rear-located motor produces 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, which draws juice from a larger 102 kWh battery. The range is up to 314 miles, and it can also charge faster, accepting 190 kW. On its way is a Blazer EV with the iconic SS model name. It will have AWD from dual motors with a combined 557 horsepower and 648 lb-ft of torque.

Blazer EV is Bigger, But…

As mentioned, the Blazer is one size up, but that is complicated by its aggressive style. This is most obvious with the coke-bottle curves of the lower body and more dramatic surfacing, which also raises the beltline. However, styling and space efficiency are often at odds. For instance, the Blazer EV has a six-inch longer wheelbase but is only one inch longer overall. As a result, the Equinox EV is actually larger in some areas, including front legroom and rear headroom. It also can look more spacious with its taller windows. Even cargo space with the rear seats up edges out the Blazer EV with 26.4 cubic feet compared to 25.5. Fold the seats down, and the Blazer turns things around with 59.1 cubic feet compared to 57.2 for the Equinox EV. This is likely a function of the Blazer, giving rear passengers an inch more rear legroom and about 3 inches more shoulder room.

Dashboard Differences and Similarities

Inside, both models share the same basic dash layout, but the Blazer jazzes things up with Camaro-like round center climate vents and other sport-oriented details. Both feature large 17.7-inch infotainment screens backed by the Google Built-in system. Both also have the “transmission” control as a steering wheel stalk, leaving the center console open for easily accessible storage and cupholders.

Pricing

The Equinox EV AWD model has a starting MSRP of $46,595, while the Blazer EV with the same drivetrain comes in at $48,995. Both models qualify for the $7,500 FTC, which means if you are eligible, the models hover just below and above $40K. Starting MSRPs for top-ranging AWD Equinox and Blazers EVs are $50,095 and $54,295, respectively. The Blazer EV SS is likely to top $60K when it arrives.

The choice between these two likely depends on the differences in appearance. The Blazer has a much sportier look and feel. The Equinox is no wallflower and has some great details, but proportionally, it clearly looks more practical than the Blazer EV, and dollar for dollar, it is. Beyond the base model, the Blazer EV also does more than just look the part. If you crave performance, the Blazer EV has models waiting for you.

Clearly, if you are in the market for an EV crossover, Chevrolet now has two great choices for you, and it is worth coming to Chevrolet of Spring Valley to look at and drive both of them.