It’s not uncommon nowadays for even the most affordable vehicles in a brand’s line-up to come with features and technology that were once reserved for premium models. The subcompact 2025 Chevy Trax is a prime example.
And thanks to investment in new battery plants and advancements in battery technology, manufacturers like Chevrolet also demonstrate that affordable electric vehicle options will continue to evolve. Indeed, Chevy’s 2025 entry-level Equinox EV is priced lower than the 2024 model!
Chevy Trax, Gateway to the Chevy Brand, Defines Today’s Affordable Vehicle Expectations
Few other automakers offer new vehicles for around the same price (starting at $21,495) with all that Trax delivers. Outside, Trax’s styling is sharp. Its spacious interior is nicely finished and comes with a 11-inch infotainment touchscreen on midlevel and higher trims.
All Trax models come with an impressive suite of safety features that includes collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and automatic high beams. Apple and Android integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot are also standard.
Trax’s turbo three-cylinder is enough to keep pace on the road. And the small size and light weight make for responsive handling and easy parking on tight city streets. The EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg combined is about average for the class.
We drove the top level 2RS Trax with starting price of $24,300. The optional Driver Confidence package was a worthy upgrade for $795, adding blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. And our tester added a wireless charging/sunroof combo package for another $895 putting is price with delivery at $27,085.
Equinox EV Paves the Way for Affordable EVs
First of all, kudos to the Equniox design team! The sleek, modern design blends bold lines with aerodynamic efficiency, capturing the essence of Chevrolet’s electrification goals while maintaining a rugged SUV aesthetic that turned some heads!
And until just recently, our tester (the 2024 Equinox 2LT) introduced the least expensive EV by Chevy with a starting price tag of $41,900. And don’t forget that buyers may also qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 when purchasing an EV.
But lower EV starting prices are already here for the 2025 Equinox EV. And a Chevy Bolt EV subcompact crossover is also due in 2025. When it’s all said and done, the Equinox EV will eventually slot in size and price between the Bolt EV and the larger Blazer EV.
Besides lower entry price, more good news for the 2025 Equinox EV is a bump in power. Front-wheel drive (single-motor) models increase from 213 to 220 horsepower, while still delivering the same EPA-estimated driving range of 319 miles. All-wheel-drive (dual-motor) versions go from 288 hp to 300 hp with the same 285-mile range.
Chevy’s Affordability Strategy
Efficient production and sourcing are one way that Chevrolet delivers affordability without compromising on quality or essential features. The Trax is manufactured in South Korea, where production costs are lower. And it shares a common platform with other General Motors vehicles, reducing development and manufacturing expenses through economies of scale. The Chevrolet Equinox, including the EV version, is manufactured in Mexico. And it is built on the same platform as the GMC Terrain.
Simplifying trim levels is another strategy Chevrolet uses to deliver base models at a competitive price point. We previously reported how Chevy did just this on its mid-sized Colorado pickup. And now, the five trims offered on 2024 Equinox EV models are reduced to two for 2025—LT and RS. The idea is to allow customers to select and add additional packages. They can then customize their vehicle according to their own desires and budget.
Both options for the 2025 Equinox EV still come standard with the Chevy Safety Assist package of advanced driver aids including forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and blind-spot intervention. But features such as power seat controls and heated front seats are now part of the optional packages for 2025.
So, our 2024 2LT Equinox EV becomes the 2025 LT base model with starting price of $34,995. The base Equinox EV starts you off with a urethane steering wheel, manual seat controls and cloth seating. But you still get 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, 17.7-inch center touchscreen, Google app integration, and a six-speaker audio system. Adding the most popular packages–Comfort and Safety II– puts the 2025 LT at $36,995. RS adds more aggressive styling along more comfort and tech features already included for around $43k.
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STEVE SMIRNIS
BEVERLY SMIRNIS
