The Chevrolet Equinox is one of the most popular EVs on the market, but if you’re looking for a different crossover, these models might be more your speed.
Like most other automakers, General Motors is getting serious about EVs and electrification. In truth, it was among the first to experiment with the concept of battery power, going all the way back to the 90s with the EV-1 — even though it was a pretty major flop — and later the Volt, a car that should definitely come back. These days GM’s current crop of EVs are built on the bespoke Ultium architecture, but not all of them are created equal.
While some, like the Hummer EV, have more niche appeal, the new Chevy Equinox EV is definitely a mass appeal electric car. It’s a compact crossover SUV, but unlike the sportier Blazer that appears to be targeting younger buyers, the Equinox is intended as the family-oriented choice. It’s a little bit larger, and like all other Ultium EVs, it has a super-long wheelbase to increase interior room, while also being wrapped up in a far more conservative design that won’t leave people scratching their heads.
For the most part, the new Chevrolet Equinox EV is a compelling choice for buyers looking for a family focused electric crossover. However, the market is full of electric crossovers, and there are some alternatives you might want to consider.Kia EV6
The Hyundai Motor Group has absolutely been killing it when it comes to electric cars, combining crazy range capabilities with captivating designs and a plethora of features. The Kia EV6 is among a handful of the group’s electric cars to ride on the E-GMP platform, and while it is very closely related to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60, this Kia does things a little differently.
Where the Ioniq opts for retro and the GV60 opts for luxury, the EV6 looks firmly toward the future with its styling. It looks unlike basically anything else on the road, and that definitely works in its favor. It’s recent facelift for 2025 made it even more futuristic and even more of a head-turner, too.
However, there’s much more to the EV6 than just looks. Despite what pictures may suggest, it is deceptively large, with plenty of space and practicality on the inside. The E-GMP architecture means the batteries run at 800V, offering a class-leading claimed 10-80% charge time (on compatible 350 kW chargers) of just 18 minutes. Thanks to the aerodynamic shape and high capacity battery, the EV6 can travel up to 310 miles on a charge. For those who want to trade range for speed, there’s also the supercar-rivaling 576 hp EV6 GT. Although it hasn’t been on the market for very long, the Kia EV6 has established itself as one of the leaders in the segment, for good reason.Hyundai Ioniq 5
Let’s say you like the idea of a Kia EV6 and you want all the benefits it offers, but you want something that looks straight out of «Cyberpunk 2077.» That’s where the Ioniq 5 comes into play. It is a sister car to the EV6, using the same E-GMP platform and 800V battery, but it leans heavily into retro-futuristic styling.
The Ioniq 5 is easily one of the best examples of retro styling we’ve seen on a modern car — it certainly shows stinkers like the PT Cruiser how it’s done. Between the pixel light groups, the boxy shape, and the wheels on the top of the line models, the Ioniq 5 is a masterclass in design.
Don’t go thinking that because of the boxy shape, the range and performance have to suffer. The Ioniq 5 can travel up to 303 miles on a single charge, which is fantastic considering its shape. It’s much more geared toward comfort than the EV6, and the interior is much more akin to a lounge setup instead of a cockpit. It’s also, as I discovered when I drove one briefly, insanely comfortable.
Despite the one I drove being on 20-inch wheels, it rides over bumps in the road not unlike something with air suspension. If you want your retro electric crossover to masquerade as a massive retro hot hatchback, we liked the Ioniq 5 N in our review and the 641 hp and simulated ICE revs and dual-clutch shifts it brings.
