Transitioning through a series of electric vehicles, one owner shares their insightful journey, highlighting the nuances of each model from the much-admired Kia EV6 to the latest contenders in the EV market. Starting with a Chevrolet Volt in 2015, their electric vehicle exploration progressed through a Bolt and then a 2022 Kia EV6, a car they genuinely loved. However, the sleek design of the Kia EV6, while aesthetically pleasing and performance-oriented as noted by Car and Driver and other reviews, presented a practical challenge. Its lower profile made entry and exit difficult for the owner’s wife, causing discomfort to her hips and back. This led to a search for alternatives that maintained the benefits of electric driving but offered more accessibility.
From Kia EV6 to VW ID4 and Chevy Equinox EV: A Matter of Accessibility and Preference
The quest for a more suitable EV resulted in the acquisition of a 2024 Volkswagen ID4 Pro S and a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT. The ID4 became the wife’s primary vehicle, while the author opted for the Equinox. Interestingly, despite the Equinox being chosen partly for its easier access, it was still deemed sufficiently tall for the wife to drive comfortably, indicating a subtle difference in vehicle height and design philosophy compared to the sportier Kia EV6.
Alt text: Sleek grey Volkswagen ID.4 SUV parked on a driveway, highlighting its modern electric vehicle design.
For long-distance travel, the Volkswagen ID4 was selected due to its superior charging speed. Rated at 175kW, it promised to charge considerably faster than the Chevrolet Equinox 2LT, which is rated at 150kW. This difference in charging capability is a significant factor for EV owners who frequently undertake longer journeys, as efficient charging infrastructure and vehicle charging rates directly impact travel time and convenience.
Driving Dynamics and Technological Nuances: Equinox 2LT vs. ID4
The author’s initial impressions of the Chevrolet Equinox 2LT, boasting a range of 383 miles, leaned towards a smoother ride quality compared to previous EVs in their experience. However, the infotainment system presented some teething issues, with regular glitches that required stopping the car to reset, a notable inconvenience. On a positive note, the cruise control system was appreciated, especially in traffic conditions. In contrast, the lane assist feature was described as “mushy,” exhibiting a tendency to wander and even hit lane markers before correcting, raising concerns about its effectiveness and safety compared to systems like those potentially tested by Car and Driver in their reviews of similar vehicles. Despite this, the Chevrolet Equinox 2LT was chosen primarily for its attractive 24-month lease terms, emphasizing that cost was a major deciding factor for this second vehicle, over and above some of the advanced driver-assistance system performance. The intention for future Chevrolet EVs is to opt for models equipped with Super Cruise, GM’s enhanced driver-assistance technology.
Alt text: Chevrolet Equinox EV interior showcasing the modern dashboard with infotainment screen and driver-centric controls.
One area where the Chevrolet Equinox 2LT clearly excelled was in its camera systems. The backup and parking camera, along with the vehicle view, were rated as far superior, particularly praising the overhead view for its utility in observing curbs and obstacles. While the Volkswagen ID4 also offers obstacle alerts, the visual clarity and comprehensive view offered by the Equinox’s camera system provided a more confident parking experience. Conversely, the side mirrors on the Chevy were noted to be small and lacking a reverse tilt-down setting, a feature the ID4 only partially offered (right side tilt-down with specific mirror selector positioning) and which was greatly appreciated in their previous Kia EV6. The Kia EV6, in comparison, had excellent mirror functionality with both side mirrors tilting down in reverse, a feature particularly useful for drivers with challenging driveways.
Regeneration and Brand Loyalty: A Full Circle Moment
A significant highlight for the author was the regenerative braking and one-pedal driving experience in the Chevrolet Equinox. Having become accustomed to this feature in previous GM and Kia EVs, transitioning back to the Volkswagen ID4 required readjustment to using the brake pedal, a less preferred driving style after years of one-pedal driving. Concluding on a nostalgic note, the author, whose first car was a 1968 Chevrolet Corvair convertible, expressed satisfaction with the progress GM has made over the years and voiced approval for Mary Barra’s leadership at General Motors, bringing their EV journey full circle with a blend of personal history and forward-looking automotive technology.
