What To Know
- While not as powerful as the Equinox’s optional engine, the Highlander’s engine is known for its smooth and refined performance, providing a comfortable and quiet driving experience.
- It offers even more legroom in both the front and rear seats, making it a comfortable choice for long road trips.
- This makes the Equinox a more budget-friendly option for those seeking an affordable SUV with a good balance of features.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular contenders like the Chevy Equinox and the Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and style, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each SUV to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Powertrains
The Chevy Equinox comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for everyday driving, it may feel a bit sluggish when fully loaded or attempting to merge onto the highway. The optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, however, delivers a more spirited 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering a significant boost in performance.
The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 206 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as the Equinox’s optional engine, the Highlander’s engine is known for its smooth and refined performance, providing a comfortable and quiet driving experience. The Highlander also offers a hybrid powertrain option, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for increased fuel efficiency.
Interior Comfort and Space: A Roomy Retreat
Both the Equinox and the Highlander offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Equinox features a modern and sleek design with a user-friendly infotainment system. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats provide ample legroom for passengers. The cargo space is also generous, offering 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
The Highlander, known for its spacious cabin, takes the lead in interior roominess. It offers even more legroom in both the front and rear seats, making it a comfortable choice for long road trips. The Highlander also boasts a larger cargo area, providing up to 84.3 cubic feet of space with the seats folded.
Technology and Safety Features: Staying Ahead of the Curve
The Chevy Equinox is equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which can be upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Equinox also offers a suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera.
The Toyota Highlander features a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander’s safety features are highly regarded, earning top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.
Fuel Efficiency: The Race for the Best MPG
The Chevy Equinox with the standard 1.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The optional 2.0-liter engine offers slightly lower fuel economy, with estimates of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
The Toyota Highlander with the standard 2.4-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The hybrid model, however, boasts significantly better fuel economy, with estimates of 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Chevy Equinox starts at a lower price point compared to the Toyota Highlander. This makes the Equinox a more budget-friendly option for those seeking an affordable SUV with a good balance of features.
The Toyota Highlander, while more expensive, offers a higher level of refinement, more interior space, and a wider range of available features. Its reputation for reliability and resale value also adds to its overall value proposition.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for You
Ultimately, the best SUV between the Chevy Equinox and the Toyota Highlander depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Chevy Equinox if:
- You’re looking for a more affordable SUV with a modern design.
- You prioritize a comfortable and spacious interior.
- You need a vehicle with good fuel economy for everyday driving.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if:
- You need a larger and more spacious SUV for a growing family.
- You value a smooth and refined driving experience.
- You prioritize safety features and reliability.
- You’re willing to pay a premium for a well-established brand.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which SUV offers more cargo space?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers more cargo space, with a maximum capacity of 84.3 cubic feet compared to the Equinox’s 63.9 cubic feet.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers the best fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. The Chevy Equinox‘s standard engine achieves 28 mpg combined, while the optional engine achieves 25 mpg combined.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a reputation for reliability and durability, consistently ranking high in reliability surveys.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-road driving?
A: Neither the Chevy Equinox nor the Toyota Highlander are designed for off-road driving. Both are primarily focused on on-road comfort and performance.
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers more space and a more luxurious interior, making it a better choice for families. However, the Chevy Equinox is still a capable family SUV, offering a comfortable and spacious cabin at a more affordable price.
