Getting behind the wheel and settling into the 2024 equinox interior feels like stepping into a different decade compared to the older models we've grown used to. For a long time, Chevy's cabins were functional but, let's be honest, a little bit uninspired. They did the job, but they weren't exactly winning any beauty contests. That has changed pretty drastically with this latest iteration. Whether you're looking at the gas-powered version or the much-hyped EV model, the design language has shifted toward something that actually feels modern, tech-forward, and—dare I say—stylish.
The first thing you'll notice when you swing the door open is how much more "open" everything feels. There's a certain flow to the dashboard that wasn't there before. It doesn't feel like a wall of gray plastic anymore. Instead, you've got layers, textures, and a massive focus on screens that make the whole environment feel more like a cockpit and less like a rental car from 2015.
The Screens Are the Main Event
It's impossible to talk about the 2024 equinox interior without immediately pointing at the glass. In the higher trims, you're looking at a massive 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen that's slightly angled toward the driver. It's a bold move, and honestly, it's one of the best-looking displays in this class of SUV. It doesn't just sit there like a tablet glued to the dash; it's integrated into the housing that also holds the 11-inch driver information center.
What's cool about this setup is that it doesn't feel overwhelming. Sometimes, when car companies go "all-in" on screens, they make the menus impossible to navigate while you're actually driving. Here, the interface is pretty snappy. Chevy is using Google Built-in for a lot of the heavy lifting, so if you're used to Google Maps or using voice commands for Spotify, you're going to feel right at home.
One thing that might be a bit of a polarizing point is the lack of physical buttons for every single function. However, they did keep a physical volume knob. I can't tell you how many points a car gains in my book just for having a real knob you can grab without looking. It's the little things that keep you from getting frustrated during a morning commute.
Materials and the "Feel" of the Cabin
Chevy has stepped up their game with the materials they're using. If you go for the RS trim, you're getting these sporty red accents and flat-bottom steering wheels that make the SUV feel a lot punchier than you'd expect. They use a material called Evotex for the seating in many trims, which is basically a fancy synthetic leather.
Now, I know some people are purists about real leather, but Evotex is actually pretty great for real life. It's soft, it's durable, and most importantly, it's incredibly easy to wipe down. If you have kids or a dog that likes to jump in with muddy paws, you'll appreciate this way more than high-maintenance leather.
The touchpoints—the places where your elbows and hands actually rest—are mostly soft-touch now. You'll still find some hard plastics if you go digging around the lower door panels or the footwell, but that's to be expected in this segment. The important parts, like the dash top and the armrests, feel premium enough that you don't feel like you're sacrificing comfort for utility.
Space, Storage, and Practicality
An SUV is only as good as its ability to hold your stuff, and the 2024 equinox interior manages space quite well. One of my favorite features is the "floating" center console. Because there isn't a traditional mechanical linkage taking up space under the shifter, there's a massive open storage cubby right underneath the main console. It's the perfect spot for a small bag, a pair of shoes, or all those random things that usually end up rolling around on the floorboards.
In terms of seating, there is plenty of room for five adults. The rear legroom is surprisingly generous. You don't feel like your knees are pushed up against your chin, even if the person in front of you has their seat pushed back. Also, the floor in the back is nearly flat, which makes a world of difference for the person stuck in the middle seat. No more awkward straddling of a hump in the carpet.
When it comes to cargo, you've got a dual-height floor in the trunk. You can keep it at the higher level to have a completely flat load floor when you fold the rear seats down, or you can drop it a few inches to fit taller items. It's a versatile setup that works for grocery runs or weekend camping trips without much fuss.
Those Round Air Vents
It sounds like a small detail, but the circular air vents on the ends of the dashboard are a nice touch. They have a bit of a retro-modern vibe that reminds me a little bit of the Blazer or even the Camaro. They're easy to aim, and they break up the horizontal lines of the dash. It's these design choices that make the 2024 equinox interior feel more like a thought-out space rather than just a collection of parts from a bin.
Ambient Lighting and Mood
If you find yourself driving a lot at night, you'll appreciate the ambient lighting. It's not some distracting, neon-glow situation; it's subtle. It traces the lines of the dash and the doors, giving the cabin a bit of a lounge feel after the sun goes down. In the higher trims, you can even customize colors to match your mood, which is a fun trick to show off to friends, even if you eventually just pick one color and leave it there forever.
Is It Quiet Inside?
Road noise has always been a bit of a "your mileage may vary" situation with compact SUVs. Chevy has clearly spent some time on sound dampening for 2024. When you're cruising on the highway, the cabin stays relatively hushed. You don't have to shout to have a conversation with someone in the back seat.
Of course, the EV version is naturally quieter because there's no engine humming away under the hood, but even the gas models feel tighter and more composed. They've used more acoustic glass and better seals around the doors, and it shows. It gives the whole driving experience a more "solid" feel that was missing in previous generations.
Final Thoughts on the Cabin
So, what's the verdict? The 2024 equinox interior isn't just a minor refresh; it's a total rethink of what a Chevy SUV should feel like on the inside. It moves away from the "economy" feel of the past and leans hard into a future where screens and comfort coexist.
Is it perfect? Well, the piano black trim around the center console is a bit of a fingerprint magnet—you might want to keep a microfiber cloth in the glovebox. And some people might miss having a few more physical buttons for things like climate control. But overall, it's a space that's actually enjoyable to spend time in. Whether you're stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic or heading out on a long road trip, the cabin feels like it's on your side. It's practical enough for families but stylish enough that you won't feel like you've totally given up on "cool" cars. Chevy really did their homework this time around.