Chevrolet Equinox EV vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV was Chevrolet's smallest all-electric SUV, only slightly shorter than the Blazer EV. It featured a rounded and graceful design, with gently flared fenders and a futuristic horizontal light stripe. The interior shared similarities with the Blazer EV, boasting beveled dual screens for instrumentation and infotainment. While outward visibility was generally good, the louvered dashboard top could cause unsettling reflections. Material quality was typical for a compact SUV, with hard plastic surfaces and lightly padded touchpoints. Overall, the Equinox EV was an attractive choice in its class, though it didn't stand out significantly.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was available in two trims: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy. Both trims integrated seamlessly into the gas-only Palisade lineup, offering style and presence. The base Luxury trim came with 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille with LED projector headlights. The Palisade's interior was impressive, featuring H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and three-stage heating elements. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and additional features. The Palisade's interior design was thoughtfully crafted, with organic shapes and well-engineered storage solutions, providing a richer feeling of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with a single 220-horsepower electric motor and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive version offering 300 horsepower. It featured an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing an estimated range of up to 513 kilometres for the front-drive model. The AWD variant had a slightly reduced range. The Equinox EV's acceleration was quicker than its specs suggested, with the AWD version reaching 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The ride quality was smooth, and the cabin was quieter than a gas-powered SUV, though there was some noticeable boominess on the highway.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a total of 329 horsepower. The advanced hybrid system eliminated the old platform's starter motor and auxiliary belts, optimizing power distribution and fuel consumption. The Palisade Hybrid offered impressive performance, with a lack of noise and vibration inside the cabin. The steering feel was sharp, though the pedals felt a bit squishy. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid provided a delightful driving experience for a family SUV.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered comfortable front seats with adequate padding and support. Most features were operated through touchscreen menus, but physical knobs and buttons were available for climate controls. The rear seats were flatter and firmer, with limited thigh support but ample headroom. Cargo space was generous, with a 748-litre capacity, though there was no front trunk.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid had a total cargo capacity of 2,455 litres, trailing some competitors but offering more than others. The second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but the third row provided ample space. The Palisade Hybrid featured dual-zone climate control, USB-C power outlets, and a second-row bench seat with seating for eight. The cabin was filled with cubbies for smaller items, providing a comfortable and spacious environment.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses. It was powered by Google Built-in, offering map, traffic, and productivity features. However, the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration was a significant drawback. The six-speaker audio system was unimpressive, with no premium audio upgrade available.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It supported wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a Driver Talk intercom system. Most trims featured a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and a built-in dashcam was available on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV received a full five-star rating from the NHTSA in crash tests. It came with advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. The optional Active Safety Package 3 included a semi-automated parking system and Super Cruise automated hands-free highway driving system.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on the XRT Pro and up, and the rear doors had a safe-exit alert indicator. The 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.