In the highly competitive compact crossover SUV segment, the Chevrolet Equinox lags in sales compared to other models, including the Honda CR-V. However, there’s a major change for the 2024 model year. And the 2024 Chevy Equinox has one huge item the 2023 Honda CR-V doesn’t offer: an electric model with the first-ever Equinox EV.

2024 Chevy Equinox EV has an electric powertrain — but the 2023 Honda CR-V doesn’t offer an electric model 

Chevrolet is making a push to go all-electric. The automaker already offers electric models, including the Bolt EV subcompact hatchback and the Bolt EUV subcompact crossover SUV. There’s also the upcoming Chevy Silverado EV full-size pickup truck and the Blazer EV midsize SUV. Chevrolet also has an electric version of the iconic Corvette sports car in the works. And the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV is a big part of this electrification strategy.

Conversely, Honda has been slow to go electric. The 2023 Honda CR-V offers a hybrid model, but the Japanese automaker hasn’t announced any plans for an EV version of the popular compact SUV. And currently, Honda doesn’t offer an electric car for the North American market. The Prologue EV midsize SUV will likely arrive in early 2024. However, for the CR-V, the only options are fully gas-powered or hybrid.

Electric powertrain gives the 2024 Equinox EV multiple benefits over the 2023 CR-V

The electric powertrain provides the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV compact SUV with numerous benefits over the 2023 Honda CR-V. This includes better performance. It delivers 210 horsepower for the single-motor front-wheel drive model and 290 horsepower for the dual-motor all-wheel drive version. 

In comparison, the CR-V has an output of only 190 horsepower for the turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and 204 horsepower for the hybrid. Also, while the 0-60 mph time is not yet available for the Equinox EV, given the fast acceleration of other electric models, we expect it to be much quicker than the CR-V.

Another benefit is a quieter ride. The internal combustion engine in gas-powered vehicles like the CR-V is noisy, while the electric powertrain in the Equinox EV operates at a low hum. Also, with fewer moving parts, the electric powertrain is easier to maintain — with a lower likelihood of frequent and costly repairs. 

Additionally, with zero emissions, the Equinox EV is less damaging to the environment than the CR-V. Driving it doesn’t add to air pollution. There’s also the benefit of addressing climate change. Plus, while the EPA hasn’t yet released the MPGe fuel economy ratings for the Equinox EV, it will undoubtedly be considerably more efficient than the CR-V.

Chevy Equinox EV is also more technologically advanced than the Honda CR-V

Furthermore, the 2023 Equinox EV is more technologically advanced. The electric compact SUV has many technology features that are not available for the 2023 CR-V. This includes Super Cruise, which provides hands-free driving assistance. There’s also the head-up display with a full-display camera mirror, which projects information onto the windshield. 

Additionally, the Equinox EV offers a helpful blind-spot steering assist feature. Plus, its infotainment system is more capable than the one for the CR-V. This includes a larger display screen, with a choice of either 11.0 or 17.7 inches, compared to 7.0 or 9.0 inches for the CR-V. 

With its electric powertrain, the 2023 Chevy Equinox EV compact crossover SUV has a huge item that the 2023 Honda CR-V doesn’t offer. While Honda is slow to go electric, Chevrolet goes at full force into the EV era.