2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

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-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was predominantly body-colored, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagonal shapes and an LED light bar. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available on select trims. Interior color choices expanded with higher trims, offering options like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray, and sportier trims featured Adrenaline Red or black with red accents.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, presented a more mature and subdued appearance with its Ecotronic Gray paint. Despite its affordability, the Venue's design was stylish and appealing. Inside, the Venue's interior featured hard plastic but maintained a sense of style with striped seat piping and white dashboard trim. The Limited trim offered digital instrumentation and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, enhancing the overall quality and sophistication of the small SUV.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, allowing drivers to simply get in and go. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, with adjustable regenerative braking settings and various drive modes, including 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 had an impressive EPA-estimated range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. It supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging at 11.5 kW, adding up to 34 miles of range per hour.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds in base SE trim, the Venue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maximized available power for city and suburban driving. While the Venue excelled in urban environments with its nimble handling and excellent visibility, it struggled on rough pavement due to its MacPherson strut front and torsion-beam rear axle suspension. The Venue lacked AWD, but its 6.7 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle accumulated snow with winter tires. The Venue achieved an EPA gas mileage rating of 31 mpg in combined driving, though our testing averaged 30.3 mpg.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a range of features starting from the 2LT trim, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and outside mirrors. The 3LT trim added power-adjustable passenger seats, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space measured 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier. The driver's seat featured a manual height adjuster, and the steering wheel offered tilt-and-telescopic adjustment. The Venue's back seat accommodated three people, but two would be more comfortable. Rear-seat passengers had USB ports but limited storage space and no air conditioning vents. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 31.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning through the MyChevrolet app.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with modern graphics and logical menu structures. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. The Limited trim added a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless smartphone charger, and Bluelink+ connected services. However, the Limited trim required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was a drawback.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard 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. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Venue SEL added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Limited trim included cyclist detection. The Venue received Good ratings in three IIHS crash tests and an Acceptable rating for its LED headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Venue an overall rating of four stars.