2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV version showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-coloured C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was predominantly body-coloured, and the rear design was more assertive, featuring hexagonal shapes and an LED light bar. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were offered on the 2LT trim, while other trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV's colour options, such as "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," added a youthful and vibrant touch, with two-tone paint jobs available for certain trims. Inside, the base 1LT trim was limited to black, but higher trims offered additional interior colour choices, including sporty options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in three trims in Canada, maintained its fifth-generation design without revisions. The SUV featured a chunky, boxy appearance with a long wheelbase and flat hood. Its H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, and the brand offered vibrant colours like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. The rear design, however, suffered from mismatched proportions, with pixelated H-shaped LED taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheel sizes, ranging from 18 inches on the XRT to 21 inches on the Ultimate Calligraphy. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, which featured captain's chairs. The interior offered various upholstery options, and while the fit and finish were generally good, some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, which some found eerie but not uncommon in modern EVs. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, managed through a regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 680 kilograms when properly equipped. Its range was impressive, with Natural Resources Canada estimating 513 kilometres for FWD models and 494 km for AWD. The vehicle supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 125 kilometres of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging at 11.5 kW, adding up to 55 km of range per hour.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, with AWD standard across the lineup. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handled shifting duties. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor for 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, also with AWD. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, though turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some getting used to. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities. However, the Santa Fe was not designed for rugged rock crawling, better suited for graded dirt roads with small obstacles.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's base 1LT trim lacked heated front seats, steering wheel, and outside mirrors, with availability in Canada uncertain. The 2LT trim included these features, along with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and optional panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was limited to 3LT and above. The Equinox EV offered comfortable front seats, with 994 mm of headroom in front and 978 mm in the second row. It provided 1,058 mm of front legroom, surpassing competitors like the bZ4X, Ioniq 5, and ID.4. Cargo space was 748 litres with all seats in place and 1,620 litres with the second row folded, slightly below competitors.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim featured heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and a 115-volt outlet. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system. The Santa Fe excelled in space, with the most third-row legroom in its class and adjustable second-row seats. Folding the third row provided 1,148 litres of space, while folding the second row expanded it to 2,267 litres. With all rows occupied, 413 litres of space remained. The rear opening was widened to 127.5 cm, accommodating larger items. Most trims could tow 1,587 kilograms, with the XRT capable of towing 2,040 kilograms.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's cockpit was dominated by technology, with a driver-oriented curved display. The base 1LT trim featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its segment, and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, but lacking standalone Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe in Canada featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a digital gauge cluster, except for the base Preferred trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims included built-in navigation. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad, accommodating two phones in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The digital rearview mirror and head-up display were available on higher trims. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, offering features like climate control presets and alerts for customized rules. Over-the-air updates ensured the latest software.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. GM’s Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed alerts and volume limits, providing a report card of driving events. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim, along with enhanced automatic parking assist on higher trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Highway Drive Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane following assist, though it occasionally exhibited inconsistent behaviour in traffic. The top trim featured a blind spot avoidance system and Blind View Monitor. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in most categories, with "Acceptable" scores for headlights and LATCH.