2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

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 revealed 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 adorned 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 available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. The interior color choices expanded with higher trims, offering combinations like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray, and sportier options like Adrenaline Red. The interior's blue accents paired well with the Galaxy Gray exterior, providing a sophisticated yet lively appearance.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered as a rental in Honolulu, presented a stark black-on-black color scheme that was less than ideal for the tropical climate. Despite the initial disappointment, the Wrangler's open-air driving experience, with windows down and panels removed, made the color less significant. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8 engine. The Sport S model featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, priced at $49,175 with options like a black hardtop and Convenience Group. The interior, though not luxurious, was functional, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and metallic accents. The Wrangler's design evoked American freedom, rooted in its military vehicle heritage, and offered impressive off-road capabilities. Despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern vehicles, the Wrangler remained popular for its rugged appeal and iconic design.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, a common feature in modern EVs, allowing drivers to simply get in and go. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, adjustable through regenerative braking 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 and offered impressive range estimates of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD. It featured an 85-kWh battery, capable of DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes. The Equinox EV's range and charging capabilities compared favorably to competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Ariya.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering better fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During a week-long evaluation in Hawaii, the Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and off-road capabilities made it well-suited for the island's terrain. However, its rough ride and disconnected steering were noticeable, especially on Honolulu's freeways. The Wrangler's three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern, but its off-road prowess remained unmatched.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting from the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and outside mirrors as standard features. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats, elevating its luxury appeal. Dual-zone climate control was limited to 3LT and above, which was unusual for a mass-market crossover. The Equinox EV offered ample front-seat comfort, with 39.15 inches of headroom and 41.65 inches of legroom. Its cargo space measured 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim, enhancing its practicality.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim featured comfortable cloth upholstery, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Convenience Group option. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. The Wrangler's cargo area, accessed through a tailgate and rear window, offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

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. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation, route planning, and access to public charging stations.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system equipped the Sport S with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Wrangler offered optional navigation and Jeep Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and GPS Trail Logs for off-road navigation. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between analog gauges, passive entry, and a remote engine starting system. Rear parking sensors were available through the Active Safety Group option pack.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional safety 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 monitor driving behavior. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard equipment for front and rear seats. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was limited to the Wrangler Sahara. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact tests.