Which is Better GMC Terrain or Chevy Equinox? A Complete Comparison
In the world of compact SUVs, the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox are top contenders. They both boast impressive features and value.
But which one is the best choice for you? Let’s dive into the details of these two SUVs to find out.
The GMC Terrain is known for its rugged look, while the Chevrolet Equinox offers versatility.
Both are part of the General Motors family and have won many hearts. We’ll look at their history, performance, and more to help you decide.
Overview of GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox Lineage
The GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox have a rich history. They’ve grown to meet the changing needs of the compact SUV market.
These siblings have become known for their unique identity and brand reputation in the SUV comparison world.
GMC Terrain Historical Development
The GMC Terrain debuted in 2009, bringing a fresh look to SUVs. It quickly became popular for its sleek design and advanced features.
The latest updates have made it even better, with improved vehicle features and a strong brand reputation.
Chevrolet Equinox Evolution
The Chevrolet Equinox has been around for 17 years, starting as a mid-size SUV. It has evolved into a compact crossover, keeping up with market changes.
Known for its comfort, spacious interior, and vehicle features, it appeals to many buyers.
Market Position and Target Audience
Both the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox serve the same market segment. They cater to families, commuters, and those who love adventure.
Their reputation for reliability, versatility, and value makes them top choices for a practical and stylish SUV comparison.
| Feature | GMC Terrain | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Debut Year | 2009 | 2005 |
| Segment | Compact SUV | Compact SUV |
| Target Audience | Families, commuters, adventure-seekers | Families, commuters, adventure-seekers |
| Key Vehicle Features | Stylish design, advanced technology, versatile interior | Comfortable ride, spacious cabin, practical features |
| Brand Reputation | Reliable, quality-focused, premium aesthetic | Dependable, value-oriented, practical appeal |
Performance and Engine Specifications
Both the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox have impressive engines. They offer great power and capability.
Let’s explore their performance ratings, metrics, and towing capacity. The GMC Terrain comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
It makes 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. This engine is perfect for everyday driving, providing smooth acceleration.
For more power, the Terrain has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. It produces 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine is great for those who need extra power.
The Chevy Equinox also starts with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. It has the same specs as the Terrain’s base engine.
But, the Equinox also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. It matches the Terrain’s higher-powered engine.
Both SUVs can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine. This makes them good for towing small trailers or recreational vehicles.
In summary, the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox have similar performance.
They both have strong turbocharged engines and can tow a lot. Your choice will depend on your driving needs and preferences.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency Ratings
Both the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox are known for their fuel efficiency. This is important for many buyers. It affects your wallet and the environmental impact of your daily drive.
City and Highway MPG Comparison
The GMC Terrain gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
The Chevy Equinox does slightly better, with 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
This MPG comparison shows both SUVs are fuel-efficient, with the Equinox leading in city and highway driving.
Real-world Fuel Consumption Data
In everyday driving, the fuel efficiency of both vehicles can differ from EPA estimates. GMC Terrain owners average 23 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
Chevy Equinox owners report around 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. These numbers give a clearer picture of what drivers can expect.
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Both the Terrain and Equinox have eco-friendly features like stop-start systems and turbochargers. These help cut down fuel use and emissions.
- The Equinox’s better MPG ratings mean it emits less greenhouse gases. This makes it a bit more environmentally friendly.
- But the difference in environmental impact between the two SUVs is small. Both are considered to have a moderate environmental impact compared to bigger, less fuel-efficient models.
Which is Better GMC Terrain or Chevy Equinox: Direct Comparison
Choosing between the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox is important. These SUVs are popular for good reasons.
They share many features but also have key differences. The GMC Terrain has a more powerful engine.
You can choose from a 1.5-liter turbo or a 2.0-liter turbo. The Chevy Equinox has a 1.5-liter turbo as its base engine. An optional 2.0-liter turbo is available.
The Chevy Equinox is better for fuel efficiency. It gets up to 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The GMC Terrain gets 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
| Specification | GMC Terrain | Chevy Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L Turbo, 2.0L Turbo | 1.5L Turbo, 2.0L Turbo |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 mpg | 26/31 mpg |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Space | 29.6 – 63.3 cu.ft. | 29.9 – 63.9 cu.ft. |
The Chevy Equinox has a bit more space inside. It offers 29.9 to 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
The GMC Terrain has 29.6 to 63.3 cubic feet. Both can seat up to five people comfortably.
Choosing between the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox depends on what you need.
Both offer great performance, efficiency, and practicality. They are both strong choices in the midsize SUV market.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox are both known for their comfort and space.
They offer great features for passengers and cargo. Let’s look at how they compare in these areas.
Passenger Room Measurements
The GMC Terrain has plenty of room for everyone. It has lots of legroom and headroom for both the front and back seats.
On the other hand, the Chevy Equinox has an even bigger cabin. It’s perfect for families or anyone who often carries passengers.
Storage Solutions and Flexibility
Both SUVs have lots of storage features and flexible cargo space. The Terrain has folding rear seats and many storage spots.
The Equinox has a big cargo area and hidden storage under the floor. Both are great for people who are always on the go.
Material Quality Analysis
The Terrain and Equinox are both top-notch when it comes to interior amenities and material quality.
They use soft-touch surfaces and well-made trim. This makes the inside feel luxurious.
| Feature | GMC Terrain | Chevy Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Room | Generous legroom and headroom | Slightly more spacious cabin |
| Storage Solutions | Folding rear seats, various storage compartments | Large cargo area, underfloor storage |
| Material Quality | High-quality materials, premium feel | High-quality materials, premium feel |
Technology Features and Infotainment Systems
The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox lead in interior features and vehicle features.
They have top-notch infotainment systems for tech lovers. These SUVs come with advanced tech to make driving better.
Both SUVs have big, easy-to-use touchscreens. They control everything from navigation to music and phone connections.
You can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for your phone.
- The Terrain has a standard 7-inch screen and an 8-inch one available for more features.
- The Equinox starts with a 7-inch screen but you can get an 8-inch one for a better experience.
These SUVs also have many ways to stay connected. You can stream music and charge your phone wirelessly.
They have USB ports and Bluetooth for easy connections. The Terrain and Equinox have cool vehicle features too.
The Terrain has a head-up display for important info on the windshield. The Equinox offers a Bose audio system for better sound.
Choosing between the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox depends on what you like. Both have lots of tech to make driving fun and keep you connected.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Both the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox have a lot of safety features. They come with airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes.
But, let’s look closer at their advanced driver assistance systems and crash test ratings.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
These SUVs have many safety features. They include automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
These systems use sensors and cameras to watch the car’s surroundings. They can help prevent accidents or make them less severe.
NHTSA and IIHS Ratings
| Safety Ratings | GMC Terrain | Chevy Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 out of 5 stars | 5 out of 5 stars |
| IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | Yes | Yes |
The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox have top safety ratings. They got 5 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA and are IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners.
This shows they are serious about keeping people safe in crashes.
Price Point and Value Proposition
The GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox SUVs have different prices and values.
The GMC Terrain starts at a bit higher price than the Equinox. But, this higher cost often means more features and a better feel.
| Model | Starting MSRP | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| GMC Terrain | $25,900 |
|
| Chevrolet Equinox | $23,800 |
|
The Equinox might be a better deal for those watching their budget. It has a lower price point.
On the other hand, the Terrain offers more features and a premium feel for a bit more money.
Your choice between these SUV comparison options will depend on what you need and like.
Maintenance Costs and Reliability Ratings
Thinking about long-term ownership? The maintenance costs and reliability of the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox are key.
Both SUVs are dependable, but there are differences in maintenance needs and common issues.
Common Issues and Recalls
The GMC Terrain has faced recalls, like power steering and engine oil cooler problems.
These have been fixed, but owners should follow maintenance schedules to prevent issues.
The Chevy Equinox, on the other hand, has fewer recalls and is known for reliability.
Warranty Coverage Comparison
| Feature | GMC Terrain | Chevy Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 6 years / Unlimited miles | 6 years / Unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Warranty coverage is similar for both SUVs. They both have a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The corrosion warranty is also the same, with 6 years of coverage with no mileage limit.
Resale Value and Long-term Ownership Benefits
When looking for a new car, think about resale value and long-term benefits. The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox are both good choices.
But which one is better for your money in the long run? The GMC Terrain has a strong resale value.
This is because it’s known for quality and has a loyal customer base. Experts say the Terrain will keep more of its original price than the Equinox.
This makes it a smart choice if you plan to sell or trade it later. The Chevy Equinox, on the other hand, is more affordable.
Its lower price might appeal to those who want to save money. Even though the Equinox might not keep its value as well, its lower cost can make it a better deal for long-term ownership.
