Nissan Leaf vs. Chevy Equinox EV: Which Affordable EV is America's Top Dog?

TL;DR: Edmunds just pitted the new Nissan Leaf against the Chevy Equinox EV to crown America's best affordable EV. Both bring over 300 miles of range and a sub-$40K price tag. While the Equinox EV takes the overall win for versatility and space, the Leaf scores big with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It's a tough call, but both prove affordable EVs are no joke!

Meta: Edmunds put the new Nissan Leaf and Chevy Equinox EV head-to-head to find America's best affordable EV. Both offer over 300 miles of range for under $40,000, but the Equinox EV edges out the Leaf.

Alright, EV fam, listen up! For years, if you wanted an electric ride, you either paid luxury prices or settled for something that looked like a golf cart. But times, they are a-changin'! Edmunds just threw down a challenge, putting the new Nissan Leaf and the acclaimed Chevrolet Equinox EV head-to-head to see who's America's best affordable EV. And let me tell ya, it's a real heavyweight bout, with both cars proving you don't need a gold-plated wallet to go green!

We're talking about two front-wheel-drive compact crossovers (with AWD option for the Equinox) both boasting over 300 miles of range and starting prices in the mid-$30,000s. The Equinox EV, our 2024 Breakthrough Award EV of the Year, packs an 85 kWh battery for up to 319 miles and charges from 10-80% in about 35-40 minutes. The new Leaf (and yes, it's all new, not your grandma's old Leaf) comes with a 75 kWh battery, offering 303 miles of range and similar charging speeds. Plus, the Leaf sports a Tesla-style NACS port AND a J1772, a curious combo that works just fine! It's like having two sets of mic stands, just in case one decides to act up.

The Tech Tussle: CarPlay vs. Google Built-In

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Both vehicles rock an Android Automotive OS-based system with Google Built-In, giving you top-notch voice recognition and native Google Maps. Super slick, right? But the Leaf's got a secret weapon many drivers can't live without: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That's right, smartphone mirroring for your apps! The Equinox EV, like all new GMs, is waving goodbye to that feature. It's a big decision point for many.

However, the Equinox EV throws a counterpunch: an eight-year subscription to those Google services for free, while the Leaf only gives you a year. That's a long time to enjoy free navigation and voice commands, folks! But when it comes to value, Edmunds pointed to the Leaf's SV Plus trim (around $34,230) as a sweet spot, loaded with upgrades like better upholstery, a bigger screen, and even a heat pump for winter efficiency. It's like getting premium seats at my show for a regular ticket price!

Who Wins the Belt?

After all the sparring, Edmunds crowned the Chevy Equinox EV as the overall winner. Why? More versatility, more spaciousness, a smoother ride, and that generous tech subscription package. If you can keep the options in check, it offers a lot of bang for your buck. But here's the kicker: the reporter, Emme Hall, and even I, after extensive drives, lean towards the Leaf a bit more – if you don't need the extra cargo space. It's a fantastic, refined daily driver.

This comparison proves one thing: the affordable EV market in America is finally getting real. You've got solid choices with great range and modern tech. It's not about one outright knockout; it's about finding the EV that fits your needs and budget. It's like finding your favorite comedian – we all got our preferences, baby!

What’s Next

The real winner here is the consumer, with both Nissan and Chevrolet delivering compelling, value-packed EVs. As these models gain traction, expect even more innovation and competition in the sub-$40K EV segment. This shift towards affordability is crucial for broader EV adoption, pushing manufacturers to offer more features and better value. Go test drive both, see which one tickles your fancy, and ride off into that electric sunset. The future's bright, the future's electric, and it's finally within reach!

So, if you're in the market, do your homework, kick some tires, and find your electric chariot. And remember, a good deal is like a good laugh – it just feels right. Peace out!