Toyota bZ vs. Chevrolet Equinox EV: Which EV Is Better for Northern BC?

The electric vehicle market keeps getting more competitive, and two models worth comparing are the Toyota bZ and Chevrolet Equinox EV. Both offer long electric range, dual-motor AWD, fast-charging capability, spacious five-passenger cabins, and plenty of modern technology.

But which makes more sense for Prince George and Northern BC?

The Equinox EV wins a few categories, including outright range and screen size. However, the Toyota bZ delivers more horsepower, quicker acceleration, significantly more ground clearance, terrain-focused technology, and faster estimated DC charging—a combination that gives Toyota a compelling advantage for BC driving.

Power & Performance: Toyota Packs More Punch

Toyota turns the tables when it comes to performance.

The bZ XLE AWD produces 338 system horsepower from its dual-motor electric powertrain. Toyota also estimates a brisk 0–100 km/h time of approximately 5.1 seconds.

The Equinox EV AWD produces 300 horsepower from its dual-motor powertrain.

That gives Toyota an additional 38 horsepower—and the bZ's performance is backed up by technology designed for more challenging terrain.

AWD bZ models feature X-MODE with Grip Control, Multi-Terrain Select, Downhill Assist, and Crawl Control.

For Northern BC, we'd gladly take those features alongside the extra power.

Range: A Slight Advantage for the Equinox EV

The Equinox EV AWD offers up to 494 km of estimated electric range, while its FWD counterpart stretches that to 513 km.

The Toyota bZ XLE AWD offers up to 468 km of NRCan-estimated range from its 77-kWh battery. Toyota also offers the Limited AWD at 436 km and XLE FWD at 380 km.

That's a 26-km advantage for the Equinox EV when comparing AWD models. However, both provide plenty of range for everyday commuting and longer trips outside Prince George.

Ground Clearance: A Major Advantage for Toyota

Here's where the difference becomes especially relevant around Prince George.

The bZ AWD offers approximately 206 mm (8.1 inches) of ground clearance. That's useful when your driving involves deep snow, gravel roads, uneven surfaces, or trips beyond city pavement.

The Equinox EV sits considerably closer to the ground, at roughly 6.4 inches depending on configuration.

While both are crossovers, Toyota's additional clearance and terrain-focused AWD technology make the bZ feel better prepared for the conditions drivers can encounter throughout Salmon Valley, Quesnel, the Cariboo, and Bulkley-Nechako.

Charging: Similar Peak Speed, Faster Toyota Charge Time

Both vehicles support a maximum DC fast-charging rate of 150 kW, but there's a noteworthy difference in charging time.

Toyota says the bZ can charge from approximately 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes under ideal conditions.

The Equinox EV AWD has an estimated DC fast-charging time of approximately 39 minutes and can add roughly 123 km of range in 10 minutes.

Toyota also equips the bZ with a built-in NACS port, Plug & Charge capability, CCS and J1772 adapters, and battery preconditioning for improved cold-weather charging.

That last feature is particularly welcome when you're charging during a Northern BC winter.

Technology: Chevrolet Goes Bigger, Toyota Keeps It Intuitive

Chevrolet takes the screen-size crown. Every Equinox EV features a huge 17.7-inch centre touchscreen, giving its dashboard an unmistakably high-tech appearance.

The Toyota bZ counters with a still-generous 14-inch Toyota Multimedia touchscreen.

Toyota also includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, while the bZ adds conveniences such as dual wireless charging and Digital Key capability.

So, if your definition of better technology begins with the biggest possible display, Chevrolet wins. If you want an intuitive interface accompanied by an extensive suite of standard Toyota safety technology, the bZ makes a strong case.

Toyota bZ vs. Equinox EV: Specs at a Glance

Toyota's current Canadian specifications confirm the bZ's 77-kWh battery, 338 horsepower, and 468-km XLE AWD range, while current Canadian Equinox EV data lists an 85-kWh battery, 300 horsepower, and 494-km AWD range.

Which Electric SUV Is Better for Northern BC?

The Chevrolet Equinox EV is a strong competitor. Its 494-km AWD range beats the Toyota by 26 km, and its enormous 17.7-inch touchscreen is impressive.

But an SUV in Northern BC needs to do more than travel far between charges.

The Toyota bZ XLE AWD gives you 338 horsepower, 468 km of range, more than eight inches of ground clearance, X-MODE, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist, battery preconditioning, and NACS charging.

For drivers regularly dealing with snow, changing road surfaces, rural routes, and Northern BC winters, we think the Toyota bZ is the more complete package.

Test Drive the Toyota bZ at Prince George Toyota

Ready to make the switch to electric? Visit Prince George Toyota, your local Toyota dealership in Prince George, to experience the bZ firsthand.

Our car dealership offers a wide selection of new Toyota cars, trucks, SUVs, hybrids, and EVs, along with financing and professional Toyota service.

Whether you're searching for an electric vehicle, other new cars for sale in Prince George or visiting us from Salmon Valley, Quesnel, the Cariboo, or Bulkley-Nechako, stop by Prince George Toyota and discover why the Toyota bZ is an electric SUV built for life in Northern BC.

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