For the 2027 model year, the low-cost long-range EV SUV race appears to have a new front-runner. As Electrek reported, Kia seems to have moved ahead of Chevrolet for buyers looking for the least expensive electric vehicle rated to go more than 315 miles on a charge.
Here's what to know
The full lineups begin at different price points, with the 2027 Chevrolet Equinox EV starting at $34,995 and the 2027 Kia EV3 at $29,890, the outlet said. But the more useful comparison is between the versions that actually exceed the 315-mile mark.
According to Electrek, Chevrolet reaches that benchmark with the Equinox EV LT1 FWD, which has an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles. Kia does it with the EV3 Wind FWD, rated at up to 321 miles and priced at $34,990 before fees, or $5 less than the Chevy.
The pricing gap grows once destination fees are included, as the outlet observed. Chevrolet adds $1,800, bringing the Equinox EV total to $36,795, while Kia charges $1,495, which puts the EV3 Wind FWD at $36,485. That makes the Kia $310 cheaper while also offering 2 more miles of estimated range.
As a result, Chevrolet no longer appears to hold this particular title for 2027, even though its website still markets the Equinox EV as the most affordable option in that class. That doesn't mean every driver is shifting allegiances.
"If you're going AWD, the equinox appears to win on both price and range," a top-voted Electrek comment opined.
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More background
Electrek says the 2027 Equinox EV is mostly unchanged, with the biggest update being a built-in North American Charging Standard port. That allows access to Tesla Superchargers without a separate adapter and aligns with GM's broader shift away from the older CCS connector.
The EV3 also comes in smaller than the Equinox, measuring 169.3 inches in length versus 190.6 inches for Chevrolet's SUV. The Equinox also has a slight advantage in maximum cargo room, with 57.2 cubic feet compared with 56.5 for the EV3, per the outlet.
"300 dollars isn't much of a savings considering the size difference," an Electrek commenter argued.
Their interior tech setups also differ. Electrek reports that Chevrolet uses a 17.7-inch center touchscreen, while Kia includes two 12.3-inch displays along with a separate 5-inch climate screen.
What can be done?
Destination charges can shift the value equation, especially when two vehicles are separated by only a few dollars on paper. Charging compatibility is becoming more important, too.
Chevrolet may still describe the Equinox EV as "America's most affordable 315+ mile range EV," but based on 2027 pricing, Kia's EV3 appears to hold that distinction.
The discussion on Electrek pointed to a host of other factors, such as size, appearance, and trim, that can alter the calculus.
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