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Chevy seems to have a winner on its hands. The Chevy Equinox EV seems to be this summer’s “it car.” The crossover SUV is the best-selling EV in the U.S. after Tesla. According to GM, the July Equinox EV sales topped 8,500 units, the best single month ever for any non-Tesla EV in the U.S.
Instead of running an uninteresting survey or skimming through official car reviews, we went to social media and reviewed hundreds of posts to see what real folks think of the Equinox and its two closest competitors, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model Y. What are their insights and why or why aren’t they choosing to buy?
The social media discussion about the Chevy Equinox EV has been really interesting. Here’s a recent post on the Facebook Chevy Equinox EV Group by Karen Wasielewski Morand with a ton of responses from the EV community.
“I want to buy an EV to replace my 2012 Ford Focus. Looking at all the options is overwhelming! My top 3 picks are Mach-E, Equinox, or Model Y. For anyone who was choosing between these cars, what made you choose the Equinox?”
Debra Calvo McNicholas is an Equinox owner and put in a strong vote for it, which is typical of what we saw:
“I had a Ford Focus (ZTS) two cars ago and I loved that thing. I have an Equinox EV (RS) now and I LOVE THIS THING. I got a LOT of car for the money with all the incentives. Beautiful ride – gave up the frunk, but have an extra roomy cabin. Chevy seems to have underpromised on the range or at least incorporated enough regeneration recharge to increase it. Sharp dashboard with lots of info and customization, smooth luxurious ride, obviously good pick up and response. Excellent safety/camera features. Frankly, really sharp looking. Note – doesn’t have Carplay or Android Auto and I thought I’d miss it but I don’t. Not even a little. I’ve had it four months and am thrilled to drive it every day.”
Mara Neske compared the Equinox and the Tesla Model Y:
“I own a Tesla Y as well as the Equinox. Both are great. Tesla has a few bells & whistles that are fun but not needed. Equinox is a little heavier car if you like that ride better. Both are great cars.”
Cypress Vincent Van Horn made another comparison of the three cars:
“The Equinox EV has a little more ground clearance. More space and range than the Mach-E. More comfortable ride than the model Y. Better user interface with a driver’s display and optional HUD. Also, hated dealing with Tesla service (had a Model 3). Terrible customer experience. Plus just couldn’t support them anymore because of other reasons.
The number 1 reason? price!”
What Social Media Is Saying about the Chevy Equinox EV
The Chevy Equinox EV wins shoppers on value, stacking incentives that make it feel like the best car for the money. Buyers point to the full federal tax credit, Costco savings, dealer markdowns, and one pay leases that trim thousands. A one pay lease, also called a single pay or prepaid lease, is a standard lease that you pay in one lump sum at signing instead of monthly. The ride is smooth, quiet, and substantial, with seats and a driving position built for daily comfort. The cabin feels familiar, with real buttons, a clear driver display, and an optional head up display. Google built in and an intuitive dashboard cover the essentials, and many owners say they do not miss CarPlay or Android Auto. Real world range often exceeds expectations, helped by regeneration, ground clearance, and generous space. AWD availability, safety and camera features, and lower insurance costs complete a practical package.
The Equinox EV is not the right fit for every driver, since some shoppers insist on CarPlay or Android Auto. Supercharging access remains inconsistent, with some stations still Tesla only, adding planning friction on trips. Several owners prefer Tesla software, especially the app, feature depth, and navigation, and feel GM needs more refinement. Audio and option packaging can frustrate, because a premium Bose system requires stepping to a different GM model. High trim pricing narrows the gap to a Model Y, which tempts buyers who value faster charging and rich visualizations. Some testers did not click with the Equinox infotainment feel, while others prefer Tesla’s ecosystem and service model. Shoppers prioritizing seamless nationwide fast charging and maximum tech integration may be happier with alternatives. We noticed that buyers who are familiar with Tesla found it difficult to “step down” to the Equinox, but drivers unfamiliar with Tesla were more complimentary of the Chevy Equinox EV.
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How Social Media Compares the Equinox EV with the Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach E still appeals to shoppers who connect with its personality, even when cross shoppers lean elsewhere. Some prefer the styling, the badge, and the way it drives, since quick EV torque and a planted feel create confidence in traffic. The size works for daily life, with a footprint that feels manageable in the city and stable on highways. A few buyers simply like how the cabin looks, how the controls sit at hand, and how the car fits their routine. Familiarity with a local Ford store can add comfort during test drives and service visits. The choice comes down to taste, since personal fit matters, and when pricing or dealer offers align, the Mach E still lands the sale.
The Mustang Mach E misses for many shoppers due to practical tradeoffs that are hard to ignore. Ride quality feels stiff to drivers who want a calmer commute over imperfect pavement. Range falls short of needs for some, especially on standard range all-wheel drive, which adds charging stops on long trips. Total cost trends higher in many cases, and certain builds do not qualify for the federal tax credit, which removes a key lever. Interior design and tech do not resonate for a number of test drivers who prefer other layouts. Cross shoppers often pivot to alternatives when comfort, range, and net price do not align.
Here’s What Social Media Is Saying About the Tesla Model Y Comparison
The Tesla Model Y makes its case with charging first. Access to the largest high-speed network, faster sessions, and reliable route planning reduce trip frustration. Strong efficiency stretches every kilowatt hour, which keeps road trips simple and daily commuting affordable. Performance delivers instant response, confident passing, and a planted feel through ramps, which keeps the drive engaging. The cabin runs on software that evolves frequently, with visualizations that build trust, plus conveniences like streaming, games, and robust navigation. Owners who keep an Equinox or another EV alongside a Model Y often rate the Tesla higher for tech and charging parity at the same price. Shoppers who want an EV that feels quick, efficient, and deeply integrated with a proven fast charging ecosystem tend to land here.
Not everyone enjoys the Model Y experience. Many are turned off by the look, the minimalist interior, and the reliance on a single center screen for core controls. Several report higher insurance quotes, with a few noting lower premiums, which confirms that pricing varies by location and driver profile. Service access and quality perceptions still create hesitation for some, given mixed stories about scheduling and repair communication. The experience can feel less welcoming to drivers who want physical buttons, distinct gauges, or a warmer design language. Shoppers who prioritize traditional ergonomics, lower perceived risk, and a quieter ownership narrative often pick alternatives. The brand itself introduces apprehension for a subset of buyers due to leadership controversies and politics, which pushes those shoppers to alternatives.
Bottom Line
Decisions came down to practical details as much as passion. Dealer and service access carried weight, with local Chevy stores and Honda service earning praise, while Tesla service drew mixed feedback. Households that own both say each shines, the Equinox feels heavier and more comfortable, the Model Y feels quicker with better charging and tech. Timing pressure pushed choices, from the September 30 tax credit deadline to reissued Costco eligibility windows. Insurance proved a swing factor, since many saw meaningful savings with the Equinox and a few did not, which is why shoppers compared quotes before signing. Insurance prices seemed to depend most on where drivers live.
Please Drop Your Thoughts in the Comments Below
Which factor sealed your choice among Chevy Equinox EV, Ford Mach E, and Tesla Model Y, price, range, or comfort?
Which incentives did you stack for the Equinox EV, and what out the door number did you achieve?
Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, “The Arrival of The Electric Car.” His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
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Source: torquenews.com
