GMC Terrain vs Chevy Equinox: Which SUV is Right for You?
Finding the perfect SUV can be overwhelming with all the choices out there. The GMC Terrain and the Chevy Equinox are top picks for families. They blend practicality, performance, and style well. But choosing between them can be tough.
This guide gives you a deep dive into the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox. It covers what’s important, whether it’s looks, comfort, power, or tech. We aim to give you clear answers to make a smart choice.
The GMC Terrain stands out with its bold look and strong performance. It has a fancy interior and top-notch safety. Meanwhile, the Chevy Equinox offers a smooth ride, good gas mileage, and easy-to-use tech. Figuring out which matches your life is key to buying smart.
We’ll compare their looks, space, engines, and more in this guide. We use reliable info from GMC and Chevrolet’s websites and Consumer Reports. This way, you can see which SUV shines in the areas you care about.
In the end, picking the GMC Terrain or the Chevy Equinox is all about what you value most. This guide will cover every important detail to help you choose between these two great SUVs. With the right facts, you can pick the one that fits your lifestyle and meets your needs perfectly.
Introduction to the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox
The GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox are key players in the compact SUV game. They’re known for their reliability and how they drive. People find them valuable because they meet many different needs.
General Motors makes both the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox. They are built on the same base but have their own special features and looks. They’re perfect for families or anyone who wants a reliable and flexible car.
When comparing the Terrain vs Equinox, we see they both have strong engines, great safety features, and easy-to-use tech. You might like the GMC Terrain for its toughness. Or you might prefer the Chevy Equinox for its elegant style. Both cars offer a great mix of how they perform and look.
These compact SUVs match different driving styles and ways of life. We’re going to take a closer look. We’ll help you see which car might be the right choice for you, considering the latest car trends.
Exterior Design and Styling
Choosing the right SUV means looking closely at its outside design and style. The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox both offer looks that attract different people. We’ll explore their design ideas here, helping you decide based on what you like.
GMC Terrain Design Features
The GMC Terrain has a bold look that makes it stand out. Its front grille, with shiny chrome accents, brings a luxury vibe. The sharp LED headlights and strong body lines show off its strength. It comes in cool colors and has stylish wheels that catch your eye.
Chevy Equinox Design Features
The Chevy Equinox stands out with a mix of elegance and sportiness. Its front has a unique dual-port grille and thin headlamps. The body’s smooth lines make it look sleek. Plus, it offers different wheels and colors, so you can pick what you like.
Comparative Aesthetics
The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox both have their special looks. If you like a tough and bold style, the Terrain might be for you. On the other hand, the Equinox is perfect if you prefer a sleek, sporty look. This comparison shows how their designs could affect your choice, depending on your taste.
Interior Comfort and Space
When looking into cabin comfort and interior size, the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox stand out. These features are important for buyers valuing passenger space and interior quality. Let’s explore the interior of each model to see how they meet family and commute needs.
GMC Terrain Interior Layout
The GMC Terrain impresses with high cabin comfort and plenty of space for passengers. Its interior design makes long trips comfortable for everyone. The front seats offer support for long drives. The rear seats have lots of legroom and headroom, great for couples and small families.
The Terrain’s interior uses premium materials and durable plastics. Its controls are easy to use, thanks to well-placed buttons and a touchscreen. The flexible seating can be adjusted for more cargo space.
Chevy Equinox Interior Layout
The Chevy Equinox focuses on comfort and space, just like the Terrain. Its design ensures everyone travels comfortably. The front and rear seats support and comfort various body types.
The Equinox uses quality materials for a luxurious and practical interior. Controls are well-placed, allowing easy access without distraction. Also, adjusting seating for more cargo is easy.
Performance and Engine Options
Choosing the right SUV involves comparing engine performance and handling. The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox both offer powerful engines. Let’s take a closer look at what each model offers.
GMC Terrain Engine Choices
The GMC Terrain has two engines to choose from. The first is a 1.5-liter turbo with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission. For those who want more power, there’s a 2.0-liter turbo engine. It has 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, giving better acceleration and towing power.
Chevy Equinox Engine Choices
Like the Terrain, the Chevy Equinox offers two engine options. Its standard 1.5-liter turbo engine has 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine provides 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission for smooth gear shifts.
Driving Experience Comparison
The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox provide a great driving experience. Their 1.5-liter engines offer enough power for daily driving. The 2.0-liter engines are for those who want more speed and power for overtaking or merging.
| Vehicle | Base Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Transmission | Optional Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Terrain | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 170 | 203 | 9-Speed Automatic | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 252 | 260 |
| Chevy Equinox | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 170 | 203 | 9-Speed Automatic | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 252 | 260 |
Ultimately, choosing between the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox depends on what you want from your SUV. Both offer powerful engines and a great driving experience.
Technological Features
The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox use the latest SUV tech. They have infotainment systems for a digital lifestyle. This tech connects you while you drive.
The GMC Terrain has a touchscreen that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It makes using your phone in the car easy. The Chevy Equinox has a system just as good, with smartphone integration too.
Both SUVs offer Wi-Fi and USB ports for staying online and charging devices. There’s also wireless charging. So, you and your gadgets won’t lose touch.
The GMC Terrain has a smart voice system for hands-free use. This keeps your eyes on the road. The Chevy Equinox has an easy-to-use voice command too, but it focuses on simple controls.
Driver assistance tech in both SUVs includes features for safer trips. Like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. There’s also automated parking. These SUVs give you the confidence to drive safely.
In conclusion, the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox focus on what drivers want today. Their tech features, especially for entertainment and connection, make driving better. Modern drivers will find a lot to like here.
Comparing Safety Ratings and Features
Safety is key when picking a car for your family. The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox have top-notch safety aids. They’ve also passed important crash tests with flying colors.
Safety Features in GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is packed with safety features to keep your mind at ease while driving. It has automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) give it high scores.
Safety Features in Chevy Equinox
Similarly, the Chevy Equinox comes loaded with features to safeguard drivers and passengers. It includes automated emergency braking, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Like the Terrain, it has received positive crash test results from IIHS and NHTSA.
| Feature | GMC Terrain | Chevy Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Emergency Braking | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Optional |
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | Standard | Optional |
| Crash Test Ratings | IIHS: Good, NHTSA: 5 Stars | IIHS: Good, NHTSA: 5 Stars |
In the end, both the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox are solid choices for keeping your family safe. By comparing the safety of these SUVs, you can make a smart choice for your loved ones.
GMC Terrain vs Chevy Equinox: Price Comparison
When looking at SUV pricing, the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox stand out. It’s key to know their initial costs and the long-term cost of ownership. This tells us about their overall value for money.
The GMC Terrain starts at about $28,000. The Chevy Equinox, on the other hand, begins at roughly $26,600. This makes the Equinox a more affordable choice from the start.
But, it’s not just about the first price tag. We should also look at insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and gas expenses.
| Aspect | GMC Terrain | Chevy Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,000 | $26,600 |
| Insurance (annual) | $1,450 | $1,350 |
| Maintenance (annual) | $600 | $550 |
| Depreciation (5 years) | $10,000 | $9,500 |
| Fuel Costs (annual) | $1,200 | $1,150 |
Looking at all expenses, the Chevy Equinox usually costs less over time. Yet, people should think about what they need and prefer. This helps decide which SUV gives the best value for money for them.
Fuel Economy and Environmental Impact
Saving money and protecting the environment matter when choosing a car. Let’s look at how different cars do on fuel efficiency and what their manufacturers do for the planet.
Mileage of GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain does great with saving fuel. Its base model gets 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Spending less on gas and cutting down on pollution are its big pluses. Fuel efficiency in cities and on long drives makes the Terrain a wise pick for saving money and being kind to the earth.
Mileage of Chevy Equinox
The Chevy Equinox also does well in saving fuel. It gets 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. This means it’s slightly better in city driving, helping daily drivers spend less and pollute less, meeting tough emission standards.
Eco-Friendliness
The GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox are pushing forward with cleaner tech. The Terrain uses Stop/Start tech to cut off the engine when idle. This saves fuel and cuts pollution. The Equinox uses a turbo engine for both power and better fuel use. Both efforts show serious work towards eco-friendly cars and less environmental harm.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction
Consumer reviews show what real GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox owners think. These insights are based on their everyday use, giving us a clear view of each SUV. They tell us how these vehicles perform in daily life.
GMC Terrain Owner Reviews
The GMC Terrain gets high marks for its classy interior and strong safety features. People love the quiet ride and comfy seats. It makes driving better. They also enjoy how easy it is to drive and the power of the turbo engines.
Many are happy with the smart infotainment system and the connectivity it offers. This adds to the Terrain’s high satisfaction levels among owners.
Chevy Equinox Owner Reviews
Like the Terrain, the Chevy Equinox is praised for having a lot of space inside and great safety scores. Owners talk about the useful back seats and the big space for stuff. This makes the Equinox handy for everyday tasks and enjoyable for users.
The Equinox is also liked for its smooth driving and being fuel-efficient. Its hybrid models are applauded for being eco-friendly. Plus, its advanced safety features are key for keeping owners happy.
GMC Terrain vs Chevy Equinox: Which SUV is Right for You?
Choosing between the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox means looking closely at design, performance, and what buyers want. Each SUV has its own benefits that fit different needs in your search.
The GMC Terrain has a bold look with different grille designs. The Chevy Equinox has a gentler look that many find appealing. While the Terrain boasts better materials inside, the Equinox focuses on an easy-to-use infotainment system.
Performance-wise, the Terrain gives you two engines to choose from, including a powerful 2.0L turbo option. The Equinox offers efficient engine choices. Both vehicles provide a solid driving experience, with the Terrain being the sportier option.
Both SUVs come with top-notch infotainment systems. Yet, the Equinox shines with its entertainment features and easy smartphone connection. They also score similarly in safety, offering lots of safety features for your peace of mind.
| Feature | GMC Terrain | Chevy Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Choices | 1.5L Turbo, 2.0L Turbo | 1.5L Turbo, 2.0L Turbo |
| Interior Quality | High-End Materials | User-Friendly Layout |
| Technological Features | Advanced Infotainment | Seamless Smartphone Integration |
| Safety Ratings | Comprehensive | Equally Comprehensive |
The Chevy Equinox usually has a lower starting price than the GMC Terrain, appealing to those watching their budget. But, both offer different trims and packages, allowing you to choose based on what you need and can afford.
Choosing the right SUV comes down to what you value more. The GMC Terrain is great for those who want luxury and performance. The Chevy Equinox suits buyers looking for value and simplicity.
Think about what’s most important for you. Do you want the latest tech, the best engine, or something more affordable? Considering these points will help you make a smart choice.
Conclusion
We’ve looked closely at the GMC Terrain and the Chevy Equinox. Both offer great features for SUV lovers. The GMC Terrain shines with its sleek design, roomy inside, and modern tech. Owners have given it great reviews. The Chevy Equinox stands out with its strong engines, good gas mileage, and plenty of safety features that users love.
When we dive into performance, from the engines to how they drive, it’s clear why informed buying is crucial. The technology and safety scores are top-notch, showing how SUVs are changing. Sources like Forbes Autos and Bloomberg Auto Market helped us give a fair view. This helps readers make smart car choices.
In the end, whether you pick the GMC Terrain or the Chevy Equinox depends on what you value most. Our goal was to give you all the details needed. Now, you can feel sure about which SUV is right for you.
