For years, electric vehicles were either small city hatchbacks or luxury-priced tech machines. But what about the millions of families looking for a budget-friendly, spacious, and safe EV SUV?
Enter the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV, GM’s most important electric vehicle to date. With a starting price of just around $34,995, the Equinox EV is not only affordable—it redefines what a family SUV can be in the electric age.
This article breaks down why the Equinox EV is the best family SUV under $35K, diving into range, safety, space, features, and how it compares to rivals in the same price bracket.
What Makes the Equinox EV a Game-Changer?
Affordability Without Compromise
GM promised a sub-$35,000 EV, and they delivered. The Equinox EV LT trim comes in around $34,995, and qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit, bringing the effective price to under $28,000 for eligible buyers.
That’s cheaper than many gas-powered SUVs in its class—without sacrificing range or features.
Competitive Range for Daily & Weekend Family Life
- FWD Variant: ~319 miles (EPA estimated)
- AWD Variant: ~285 miles
- Battery: Ultium 85 kWh pack
Most families don’t drive more than 30–50 miles per day. With over 300 miles of range on a single charge, the Equinox EV easily supports school drop-offs, grocery runs, weekend road trips, and more—without frequent charging stops.
Safety First: Built for Family Peace of Mind
GM equips the Equinox EV with a full suite of active and passive safety features, even in its base trims.
Standard Safety Features:
- Chevy Safety Assist (Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert)
- Rear Park Assist
- HD Rear Vision Camera
- Teen Driver Mode
- LATCH system for child safety seats
Optional upgrades include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Surround Vision (360° camera)
- Blind Spot Detection
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
For parents, this suite delivers the peace of mind needed to transport loved ones safely.
Interior Space: Comfort for Real Families
The Equinox EV is a compact SUV on the outside but feels like a midsize on the inside.
Dimensions & Cargo Highlights:
- Passenger Volume: 104.5 cu ft
- Rear Legroom: 39.2 inches (ample for adults or kids in car seats)
- Cargo Space: 57.2 cu ft with rear seats down
With flat-folding seats, underfloor storage, and a low load floor, it handles strollers, groceries, camping gear, or pets with ease.
Plus, no engine bay = front trunk (“frunk”) for extra storage (on AWD trims).
Easy Charging Options at Home and Public Stations
One of the biggest concerns for first-time EV buyers is charging—but the Equinox EV keeps it simple.
Charging Highlights:
- Level 1 (120V): Adds ~4 miles/hr (overnight top-ups)
- Level 2 (240V): Adds ~34 miles/hr with 11.5 kW onboard charger
- DC Fast Charging: Up to 150 kW, adds ~70 miles in 10 minutes
It also supports Plug & Charge, where the car communicates directly with the charger—no apps or RFID tags needed.
With a growing network of 160,000+ public chargers in the U.S., charging anxiety is increasingly a thing of the past.
Design That Doesn’t Look “Cheap EV”
Unlike some budget EVs that look stripped down, the Equinox EV features a modern, sleek SUV design.
Exterior Features:
- Full-width LED light bar
- 19″–21″ wheels depending on trim
- Flush door handles
- Aerodynamic roofline with SUV stance
Interior Features:
- 17.7″ digital touchscreen (standard on most trims)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Heated front seats & steering wheel
- Google Built-In (Maps, Assistant, Play Store)
Everything inside feels more premium than its price tag would suggest.
Comparing Equinox EV to Other Budget Family EVs
| Model | Starting Price | Range (Est.) | AWD Option | Tax Credit Eligible | Cargo Space (cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy Equinox EV | $34,995 | 285–319 mi | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 57.2 |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | $32,675 | 261 mi | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 45.8 |
| Nissan Leaf SV Plus | $33,490 | 212 mi | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 30.0 |
| VW ID.4 Standard | $38,995 | 206 mi | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 56.0 |
| Mazda MX-30 | $34,110 | 100 mi (!) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | 43.0 |
Conclusion: The Equinox EV beats every competitor in the under-$35K bracket on range, utility, and value, making it ideal for families.
5 Reasons It’s the Best Family SUV Under $35K
- True 300-mile EV under $35K – No other EV at this price gives you this much range.
- Practical for everyday use – Great cargo space, safety features, and comfort for kids.
- Budget-friendly ownership – $28K after incentives, plus lower running costs.
- High-tech without complexity – Google Built-In, OTA updates, and voice control.
- Stylish yet sensible – Doesn’t look “cheap,” even though it undercuts rivals.
FAQs: Equinox EV for Families
Q1: Is the Equinox EV good for families with kids?
Absolutely. With over 57 cu ft of cargo, rear-seat legroom, and LATCH anchors for car seats, it’s designed for families on the go.
Q2: How much will it cost after incentives?
The Equinox EV qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit. That brings the base LT trim down to $27,495 for eligible buyers. Some states offer additional rebates.
Q3: Can I charge it at home easily?
Yes! The Equinox EV comes with a Level 1 charger and is compatible with any Level 2 home charger. GM even offers free home installation for some buyers.
Q4: Is it better than the Bolt EUV?
While the Bolt EUV is also a strong value, the Equinox EV is larger, more modern, and built on GM’s next-gen Ultium platform—offering more range and better charging.
Q5: When can I buy one?
Deliveries began in mid-2024, and full national availability is expected in 2025. Reservations are open on Chevrolet’s website.
🏁 Final Thoughts: The EV Family SUV We’ve Been Waiting For
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV isn’t just another electric SUV—it’s a milestone in affordable family mobility. It proves that you no longer have to choose between cost, practicality, and sustainability.
If you’re looking for an EV that fits your family, your lifestyle, and your budget, the Equinox EV is the smartest buy under $35,000 in 2025.