Volkswagen ID.4 vs Chevrolet Equinox EV – Mainstream EV SUVs

Two of the most popular electric SUVs are in the market. They are both designed for families who want to switch to electric without spending a fortune. However, they take very different approaches. The Equinox EV is built on GM’s newer Ultium platform and focuses on giving you a very long driving range and a huge touchscreen. The Volkswagen ID.4 offers a more traditional European driving feel and cleverly packs more cargo space inside a smaller body.

When you compare the two, the Equinox EV has some clear advantages on paper. The Equinox EV starts at a lower price, around $34,995, while the ID.4 starts at about $39,735. The Equinox EV also has a longer driving range. The front-wheel-drive version can go up to 319 miles on a full charge, while the ID.4 maxes out at 291 miles. The Equinox EV has a larger 85 kWh battery compared to the ID.4’s 62 kWh or 82 kWh options. The Equinox also has a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen, which is much bigger than the ID.4’s 12.9-inch screen. The Equinox also offers Super Cruise, which is a hands-free driving system for highways, and it has features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, and heated rear seats, which the ID.4 does not offer at the same price level.

However, the Volkswagen ID.4 has its own strengths. Even though the ID.4 is more than 10 inches shorter in length and 4 inches narrower than the Equinox EV, it actually has more cargo space. With the rear seats folded down, the ID.4 offers 64.2 cubic feet of space, compared to 57.2 cubic feet in the Equinox. That is nearly 7 cubic feet more room in a smaller package. The ID.4 also charges faster. Its 82 kWh battery can charge at up to 190 kW, adding about 193 miles of range in 30 minutes. The Equinox EV, with its 85 kWh pack, charges at a slower 150 kW, adding only about 127 miles in the same 30 minutes. The ID.4 also has standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which the Equinox EV does not have. The Equinox uses a Google-built-in system, which may require a subscription after some time.

The driving experience is also different. The ID.4 is more fun to drive. It has a rear-biased torque setup, which means it feels more like a sporty car, especially on twisty roads. It is quicker too, going from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds compared to the Equinox’s 5.7 seconds. The ID.4 also handles better, stops shorter from 60 mph (118 feet vs 136 feet), and corners harder. The Equinox EV, on the other hand, feels heavier and tends to understeer, meaning the front wheels lose grip in corners. It is less exciting to drive but offers a smoother, more plush ride for daily commuting.

If you are trying to decide between these two electric SUVs, here is how to choose. Pick the Chevrolet Equinox EV if you want a lower starting price, a longer driving range of up to 319 miles, a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen, and features like Super Cruise hands-free driving, ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Equinox EV is also a great choice if you prefer a smooth, comfortable ride over sporty handling. You can also get the Equinox EV with all-wheel drive if you need better traction in bad weather.

Pick the Volkswagen ID.4 if you want a more fun driving experience with quicker acceleration and better handling, if you need more cargo space (64.2 cubic feet) in a smaller overall package, and if you prefer standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ID.4 also charges faster, adding more range in less time, and it feels more like a traditional European car on the road. It is available with all-wheel drive as well, and it comes with a longer warranty in some cases.