I drove the Hyundai Kona Electric and Chevrolet Equinox EV for a week — here’s the affordable EV I’d recommend

I drove more than 40 different EVs this year to uncover the best electric cars you can buy. Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Chevrolet Equinox EV are in the conversation, as they emphasize value more so than anything else.

That’s why I drove them both for a week to find out their pros and cons, so that I can tell you how a Hyundai Kona Electric vs Chevrolet Equinox EV comparison turns out. These are two of the cheapest EVs I’ve tested all year, with starting prices of $32,975 and $35,995 respectively.

Considering how $57,245 is the average cost of an EV according to Kelly Blue Book, there aren’t a whole lot of options for affordable EVs. I’ll be comparing the two exact trims I tested, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric N Line and the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT. Here’s the one I’d recommend after testing both out.

Hyundai Kona Electric vs Chevrolet Equinox EV: Specifications

Hyundai Kona Electric vs Chevrolet Equinox EV: Design

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Despite being around the same cost, I prefer the larger, sleeker look of the Equinox EV LT. Small details like the diamond shaped and carbon fiber patterns around the front bumper give it an edgier look that gets my attention way more.

In contrast, the Kona Electric N Line looks way sportier — so I can see it attracting a younger demographic. Now as much as I love a sporty design, the Kona's smaller overall size does make it look short and stout.

Winner: Chevrolet Equinox EV LT

Hyundai Kona Electric vs Chevrolet Equinox EV: Efficiency

This one’s a win for the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric N Line because I got an average of 4.3 mi/kWh efficiency in my week’s worth of driving — versus the Equinox EV LT’s 3.5 mi/kWh. I’m not surprised here because the Kona’s a much smaller, more compact SUV.

But what’s impressive, too, is how it’s also efficient with highway driving. In one of my long distance tests, the Kona averaged 4.4 mi/kWh. Meanwhile, the Equinox also handles highway driving well with, but nowhere as good based on my testing results above.

What it tells me is that the Kona is more power efficient, which could be also influenced by how aerodynamic it is, the weight of the vehicle, and other power optimizations.

Winner: Hyundai Kona Electric N Line

Hyundai Kona Electric vs Chevrolet Equinox EV: Drive performance

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Even though the Equinox EV LT has the stronger 220 hp performance out of its FWD single electric motor, I much prefer how the Kona Electric N Line drives. In ECO drive mode, the Hyundai’s cheapest EV feels underpowered, but it’s a totally different beast in sport mode. In addition to boosting the feel of its acceleration, I also like the tighter response of its steering.

Nothing really stood out with the driving performance of the Equinox EV LT. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an easy ride — but it can’t match the Kona’s peppier performance.

Winner: Hyundai Kona Electric N Line

Hyundai Kona Electric vs Chevrolet Equinox EV: Comfort

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Due to its larger size, the Equinox EV LT easily gets my vote for being more comfortable for drivers and passengers. There’s decent legroom in the back, whereas it’s pretty tight with the Kona Electric N Line. And as much as I like the bucket style front seats with the Kona, I sometimes feel too constricted strapped into my seat.

In the back with their respective trunks, the Equinox EV LT again has more room to store larger sized packages. I could fit my electric scooter easily in both EVs, but only the Equinox EV LT could accommodate my Jackrabbit OG2 Pro ebike.

Winner: Chevrolet Equinox EV

Hyundai Kona Electric vs Chevrolet Equinox EV: Value

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Now this one’s a tougher call because I’m comparing the base trim of the Equinox EV versus the highest trim of the Kona Electric. There are more premium features with the Kona Electric N Line, like its Bose premium audio system, cooler-looking interior ambient lights, and a really confident adaptive cruise control.

Apart from its modern and sleek design, plus a large 17.7-inch main display, you don’t get a whole lot of additional features with Chevy’s EV. There’s not even a wireless charger for my phone and the front seats are all manual. Frankly, it’s the most barebones EV I’ve driven all year — but its $35,995 tested cost is astounding on so many levels for an EV.

But even with all that, I think the $39,880 cost of the Kona Electric N Line justifies itself to a higher degree because of all those extra goodies that come with it.

Winner: Hyundai Kona Electric N Line

Hyundai Kona Electric vs Chevrolet Equinox EV: Verdict

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Although I’m still torn about the smaller size of the Kona Electric N Line, the fact that it comes with way more premium features and reached the best efficiency I’ve recorded in any electric vehicle I’ve tested all year gets my vote here. Just as long as you can overlook its compact size and tiger interior, it’s a sub compact SUV that’s thrilling to drive without costing a fortune.

You still can’t count out the Chevrolet Equinox EV LT either, especially when it’s the cheapest EV I’ve come across. Yes, it’s as spartan as they come in terms of the features, but at least it’s good size that’s also very comfortable.

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