Best Entry Level EV, Chevy Equinox EV vs Nissan Leaf

The EV wars are hotter than ever. With companies like Chevrolet producing entry-level, all-electric SUVs like the Equinox EV that offer great range and cargo space for a modest price, there has never been a better time to get an electric car. But now, for the first time in a long time, there is an all-new Nissan Leaf. The Leaf is the first mass-produced EV in America. So how does the Equinox stack up?

A New Comparison by Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com recently put both the new Leaf and Equinox EV through their paces to decide which is the best entry-level electric vehicle for buyers.

Performance of the Equinox EV

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV comes with a single motor when equipped with FWD, putting out a total of 220 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. This helps the vehicle get from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds according to Car and Driver. When optioned with AWD, the Equinox EV gets a dual-motor setup that produces 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque, and it will hustle to 60 in just 5.8 seconds.

Driving Range Comparison

The EPA estimates that FWD Equinox EV models can drive 319 miles between charges and 285 with AWD. However, in Edmunds’ testing, the team drove the FWD model 356 miles before it needed a charge. That’s quite brilliant for a vehicle that starts from $34,995, especially compared to the Leaf’s estimates of 303 miles of range for the base S+ and 259 miles in the top Platinum+ trim levels.

Charging Performance

When hooked up to a Level 3 DC fast charger, the Equinox charges at 150 kW and can add 77 miles in only 10 minutes. When charging at your home’s Level 2 charger, the Equinox will add 34 miles of range per hour of charging.

Super Cruise Is the Future

With features like Super Cruise, the most advanced driverless technology on the market today, drivers can relax and enjoy the ride while conversing with passengers or using the phone safely without needing to keep their hands on the wheel. And with roughly 750,000 miles of mapped roads throughout North America, Super Cruise is the way of the future for highway trips.

Cargo Space Comparison

The Equinox EV also has a ton of space, as an SUV should. Behind the rear seats, you will find 26.4 cubic feet that expand to 57.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Leaf, on the other hand, only has 20 cu.ft. of space behind its rear seats and 55 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded.

What Edmunds Had to Say About Driving the Leaf

The fundamental difference between the two vehicles shows when you drive them back-to-back and use them as they’re intended, though. Edmunds had this to say about driving the 2026 Leaf: “The ride quality feels bouncy over expansion joints on the highway and choppy on rough, potholed roads. Finally, while the Leaf makes use of one-pedal driving, using the regenerative brakes to slow the car and store that excess energy into the battery, it also physically moves the brake pedal while doing it. Other EVs don’t do this, and Nissan shouldn’t either.”

What Edmunds Said About the Equinox EV

Compare that with how much they enjoyed the Chevy for its dynamics and space, saying, “The Equinox is definitely smoother and more enjoyable to drive than the Leaf … even comparing it to other small SUVs, the Chevrolet does a great job in terms of passenger space. The rear doors open wide to make loading in a car seat easy, and rear air vents and USB ports are standard.”

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