What To Know
- The Terrain also boasts a wider range of available features, including heated and ventilated seats, a premium Bose sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.
- Both the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are equipped with advanced technology features to enhance your driving experience and keep you safe on the road.
- The Equinox starts at a slightly lower price point than the Terrain, making it a more budget-friendly choice.
Choosing the right compact SUV can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with two popular contenders like the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, practicality, and technology, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain, helping you determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.
Design and Styling: A Tale of Two Personalities
The Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain embody distinct design philosophies, catering to different tastes. The Equinox boasts a more mainstream and approachable aesthetic, characterized by its smooth curves and familiar Chevrolet styling cues. Its front grille features a bold, chrome-trimmed design, while the headlights are sleek and angular. The Terrain, on the other hand, adopts a more rugged and sophisticated persona. Its sharp lines, bold grille, and aggressive headlights give it a commanding presence on the road.
Interior Comfort and Features: A Focus on Functionality
Both the Equinox and Terrain prioritize comfort and functionality within their cabins. The Equinox offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with ample legroom and headroom for passengers in both rows. Its dashboard layout is intuitive and user-friendly, while the materials used feel durable and high-quality. The Terrain, however, takes a slightly more upscale approach. Its interior is more refined, featuring premium materials and a more sophisticated design. The Terrain also boasts a wider range of available features, including heated and ventilated seats, a premium Bose sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.
Performance and Handling: Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain offer a range of engine options to suit different driving preferences. The Equinox comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering respectable power and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available, providing a significant boost in performance. The Terrain also offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard, delivering comparable power and fuel economy to the Equinox. However, it also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a more potent output, especially when equipped with the optional all-wheel drive system.
Technology and Safety: Keeping You Connected and Secure
Both the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are equipped with advanced technology features to enhance your driving experience and keep you safe on the road. The Equinox comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. It also offers available features like a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, and a premium Bose sound system. The Terrain, on the other hand, boasts a slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen display, along with the same connectivity options as the Equinox. It also offers a more comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
Fuel Efficiency: A Balancing Act
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many SUV buyers, and both the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain deliver respectable numbers. The Equinox achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined with its standard 1.5-liter engine. The Terrain, with its standard 1.5-liter engine, achieves similar fuel economy figures, rated at 26 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. However, both vehicles experience a slight decrease in efficiency when equipped with the optional 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive system.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain offer competitive pricing, making them attractive options in the compact SUV segment. The Equinox starts at a slightly lower price point than the Terrain, making it a more budget-friendly choice. However, the Terrain’s more upscale features and advanced technology can justify its slightly higher price tag, depending on your needs and preferences.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Fit
Ultimately, the choice between the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain boils down to your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a practical, spacious, and value-oriented compact SUV, the Chevy Equinox is an excellent option. Its comfortable interior, user-friendly technology, and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice. However, if you prioritize a more luxurious and sophisticated driving experience, with a focus on advanced technology and safety features, the GMC Terrain might be the better fit. Its refined interior, powerful engine options, and comprehensive suite of safety features make it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium compact SUV.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Your Options
While the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are strong contenders in the compact SUV segment, it’s important to consider other options that might align with your specific needs. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, which offer excellent value and reliability. For a more luxurious and feature-packed experience, explore the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback, or Volkswagen Tiguan.
Top Questions Asked
What is the difference in ground clearance between the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain?
The Chevy Equinox offers 7.4 inches of ground clearance, while the GMC Terrain boasts 7.6 inches of ground clearance, providing slightly better capability for navigating uneven terrain.
Does the GMC Terrain offer a hybrid powertrain option?
Currently, neither the Chevy Equinox nor the GMC Terrain offers a hybrid powertrain option. However, both brands are actively developing electrified powertrains for their future models.
Which SUV offers a more spacious cargo area?
The Chevy Equinox provides a slightly larger cargo area behind the rear seats, offering 63.9 cubic feet of space with the seats folded down. The GMC Terrain offers 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded down.
Which SUV is better for off-road driving?
While both the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain offer available all-wheel drive systems, the GMC Terrain’s slightly higher ground clearance and more rugged exterior design make it a slightly better choice for light off-road adventures.
Which SUV offers a more comprehensive suite of advanced safety features?
The GMC Terrain offers a more comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, making it a slightly safer choice overall.
