Does the New Chevrolet Equinox Plus Have Your Attention?
We often see foreign vehicle releases in hopes that those models could make it to the North American market. Most of the time, the wait is 25 years for high-performance models or those that violate American vehicle regulations. There’s something different about the new Chevrolet Equinox Plus. This new plug-in hybrid compact SUV could easily become part of our market.
A recent reveal with real possibilities
Recently, GM debuted the all-new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Plus for the Chinese market. We have some details regarding the performance of this new plug-in hybrid crossover, making it even more interesting.
This new PHEV could be the catalyst for GM to add electrification to many models without going to a fully electric lineup. More choices could be exactly what drivers want. Instead of being required to make the jump from gas or diesel to EVs, consumers can now enjoy the benefits of a hybrid or PHEV to bridge the proverbial gap between the past and the future.
How much power does the PHEV Equinox Plus produce?
This new Chevrolet Equinox Plus PHEV has an interesting powertrain setup. It starts with a traditional 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 177 horsepower and 184 lb-t of torque. The plug-in hybrid portion uses “dual P1+P3 motors” in series and parallel, making this one of the most advanced PHEV systems in existence. These electric motors can drive the wheels, but we don’t have the power output for them yet.
Is the acceleration quick enough?
This new Equinox Plus can accelerate to 60 mph in less than 6.8 seconds. While that’s not sports-car-fast, it is more than fast enough for a compact SUV merging onto the highway or taking off from a stop light. The top speed, which probably doesn’t matter at all, is 112 mph. Using only the electric drive system, this SUV reached 37 mph in 3.7 seconds. This hints that the electric motors provide similar output to the gas engine.
How far can this new Chevy PHEV drive?
According to the China Light-duty vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), the new Equinox Plus can drive up to 621.4 miles with a full battery pack and tank of gas. The all-electric driving range on this same cycle is 96.3 miles. If this PHEV SUV becomes part of the North American market, these figures are likely to change based on the EPA standards.
This new PHEV SUV hits the Chinese market in the RS and Activ trim levels.
Where is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Plus built?
This new PHEV has a dedicated assembly line at the SAIC-GM Chinese facility. It’s the first GM vehicle with this new hybrid technology and one of the first made specifically for the Chinese market. If the Equinox Plus makes its way to North America, it will likely be produced in Mexico. This puts assembly much closer to the sales market for more efficient shipping.
Source: GM Authority
