The Chevy Equinox EV serves as Chevrolet’s small entry-level EV crossover, offering customers a combination of both practicality and affordable all-electric propulsion. In addition, the Equinox EV is also equipped with a suite of drive modes designed to better suit driver preferences and the road conditions at hand. Now, GM Authority is taking a closer look at each of the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV drive modes.
Normal Mode
This mode is ideal for everyday driving, balancing efficiency, comfort, and performance, making it best suited for day-to-day travel in the city and on the highway. Normal Mode is the default setting for the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV.
Sport Mode
Sport Mode sharpens the Equinox EV’s driving dynamics for improved performance on dry pavement, modifying the steering, pedal response, Electric Vehicle Sound Enhancement (EVSE), and, if equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control behavior. The result is a more engaging experience behind the wheel.
Snow/Ice Mode
Designed for use on slippery, snow-covered roads, Snow/Ice Mode optimizes traction and stability by softening throttle response and recalibrating the steering. This mode helps improve vehicle control in low-grip conditions, although it may reduce acceleration performance on dry surfaces. Note that this mode is not intended for vehicle recovery in deep snow, sand, or mud.
My Mode
My Mode allows for custom configuration of several vehicle systems through the infotainment screen, including the throttle, brakes, steering, and motor sound. These settings will remain saved across ignition cycles.
| Acceleration Feel | Brake Feel | Steering | Motor Sound | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relaxed | X | - | - | - |
| Normal | X | X | X | X |
| Sport | X | X | X | X |
| Off | - | - | - | X |
One-Pedal Driving
In addition to the drive modes outlined above, the Equinox EV also offers One-Pedal Driving, which allows the driver to accelerate and decelerate exclusively with the throttle pedal. When enabled, fully lifting off the pedal brings the vehicle to a stop using regenerative braking, reducing the need to use the brake pedal in everyday driving. There are three settings total:
- Off: Disables One-Pedal Driving, mimicking a conventional gas-powered vehicle.
- Normal: Applies a moderate level of regenerative braking.
- High: Engages aggressive regenerative braking for faster deceleration.
This feature can be toggled via the infotainment screen or dedicated control tray, and it remains active until manually disabled. GM recommends turning off One-Pedal Driving on slippery roads. Additionally, the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) may automatically engage if the vehicle is stopped and stationary for five minutes.
Comments
Instead of a motor sound option and all of the complexity that requires, why not just offer a gas motor option?
There’s already a gas motor option, the non-EV Equinox.
I drove a 2025 Chevy Equinox EV in Florida. I never heard the “motor” sound in Normal Mode. As for “One Pedal Driving” I had to leave it off. The regenerative braking was too strong and my passengers did not like it. Maybe when I drive alone I can try it.
If you’re passengers didn’t like OPD you weren’t using correctly by most likely lifting off the accelerator too quickly. I use it everyday and passengers have no idea.
It just takes a little getting used to, but when you do … you’ll love it!
EV’s have a place and that place is growing very fast..
I have some very cool ICE vehicles but my daily driver is an EV.
Try it and you will not be disappointed.
Open to change.. A grown up word!
I just leased a 2025 Equinox EV, and really like it.
It took about 2 times with the one pedal option engaged to get use to. There is an option as to how aggressive you want the regenerative braking to be. After adjusting this setting, you get a better feel of how the system works and how to control the braking.