Equinox EV vs Ariya
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Equinox EV and the Ariya show how Chevrolet and Nissan each approach the compact suv class. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 2 of 4 areas go to the Equinox EV, and the gap is widest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Fuel Economy & Range Equinox EV wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Equinox EV wins
- Price Equinox EV wins
Key Differences
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The Equinox EV has 103 mi more electric range
Big gap, real consequences. The Equinox EV’s 319 mi versus the Ariya’s 216 mi changes how the two compare in daily use. Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful.
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The Equinox EV has a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen
The Ariya is clearly behind on largest touchscreen (12.3 in against 17.7 in), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
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The Equinox EV has
On wheelbase, the Equinox EV comes in at 116.3 in and the Ariya at 109.3 in. A shorter wheelbase can make a car more agile in tight turns and parking lots.
Design & Size
Size is a trade-off, not a score: the Equinox EV is larger, the Ariya more compact.
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox EV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | 182.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 65.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | 109.3 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,323 lb |
Engine & Performance
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the engine & performance details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Fuel Economy & Range
Equinox EV leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Equinox EV leads the fuel economy & range section with room to spare. On its side, the Equinox EV has 103 mi more electric range. If you can charge at home, the Equinox EV’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the Equinox EV has the edge.
Electric range
Equinox EV: 319 mi Ariya: 216 mi More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither the Equinox EV nor the Ariya has a real advantage in the space & practicality category. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the Equinox EV and the Ariya are effectively level. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
Equinox EV leads
The Equinox EV edges the safety & tech section, though the Ariya stays close. The Equinox EV takes this one with a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. On safety & tech alone, the Equinox EV gets the nod.
Largest touchscreen
Equinox EV: 17.7 in Ariya: 12.3 in The Equinox EV’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Equinox EV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | Single-motor electric | Electric motor, 63 kWh battery |
| Total system output | N/A (not specified) | 214 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (e-4ORCE AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox EV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 319 mi (winner) | 216 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox EV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 26.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 37 in Least rear legroom |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox EV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 6.30 in Lowest ground clearance |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox EV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in (winner) Biggest touchscreen | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | No Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (Google built-in) | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox EV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | 182.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 65.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | 109.3 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,323 lb |
Price
| Spec | Equinox EV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,600 (winner) | $39,770 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The launch prices are close, with the Equinox EV just $6,170 below the Ariya. It’s unusual for the cheaper option to lead, but the Equinox EV does, and it keeps $6,170 in your pocket.
These are US launch prices, recorded launch; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Equinox EV if…
- you want more electric-only range (319 mi vs 216 mi)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (17.7 in vs 12.3 in)
- you want more value for your money ($6,170 less at launch)
Choose the Ariya if…
- you want the more compact car
- you already know your way around Nissan’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Equinox EV or the Ariya?
On the specs compared here, the Equinox EV makes more sense for most buyers; the Ariya doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which has better battery life, the Equinox EV or the Ariya?
The Equinox EV does better here. It lists 319 mi for electric range, while the Ariya lists 216 mi.
Is the Equinox EV bigger than the Ariya?
The larger model here is the Equinox EV (190.6 in); the Ariya is more compact at 182.9 × 74.8 × 65.4 in.
Is the Equinox EV cheaper than the Ariya?
Going by launch prices, the Equinox EV costs $6,170 less than the Ariya. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Equinox EV and the Ariya. I’d put 103 mi more electric range at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Equinox EV. Beyond that, a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen gives the Equinox EV another edge.
Choose by what you’d use most: fuel economy & range leads to the Equinox EV, the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the Ariya.
My pick: the Equinox EV.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.