2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine 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 more body-colored, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful and exuberant touch. Two-tone paint jobs were also available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. Inside, the base model was limited to black, but higher trims offered additional color choices, including sporty options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its distinctive retro-inspired appearance, reminiscent of the 1986-1991 Lancia Delta. The mid-cycle refresh brought minor revisions to the lower front fascia, but the iconic "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and high rear spoiler remained. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding featuring a "digital camouflage" pattern. Exclusive colors like Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl were introduced, along with new wheel designs. The interior retained its minimalistic and modern feel, with minor changes to the center console for improved functionality. The XRT trim leaned towards a rugged aesthetic with its dark interior and all-weather floor mats.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, a common feature in modern EVs. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, with options to manage regenerative braking through standalone settings or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-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 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT introduced a Terrain Mode button with options for Snow, Mud, and Sand, adjusting throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, allowing controlled slippage for optimal performance. The Ioniq 5 offered AWD in the XRT trim, while other trims had RWD by default, with AWD available as an upgrade. The 2025 model saw increased battery capacity, resulting in longer ranges: 318 miles for RWD models and varying ranges for AWD configurations. Power output ranged from 168 horsepower for RWD models with the standard-range battery to 320 horsepower for AWD models with dual motors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered heated front seats, steering wheel, and outside mirrors starting at the 2LT trim. The 3LT trim added front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats, features typically associated with luxury brands. 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, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. The interior featured a movable center console with fore-and-aft cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with a heated steering wheel available at the SEL trim level. The Ioniq 5 offered 39.1-39.8 inches of front headroom and 37.5-38.7 inches in the rear, with 41.7 inches of front legroom and 39.4 inches in the back. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with them folded, plus an additional .85 cubic feet in the frunk. The transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) allowed access to the Tesla Supercharger network.

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 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its pair of 12.3-inch screens, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a Bose Premium Audio system in the XRT trim. The SE and SEL trims had a six-speaker sound system, with standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and five USB-C ports. A head-up display was available on the Limited trim, and a wireless charging pad was included starting at the SEL trim level.

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. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. New standard safety features included an enhanced driver attention system, reverse and forward parking-distance warning, and more. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with HDA 2 offering lane-changing capability and machine learning.