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2023 Chevy Equinox Vs GMC Terrain: A Comparison

When the open road beckons, the vehicle you choose to navigate its winding path can make all the difference. Two standout contenders, the 2023 Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain, consistently rise above the crowd in the SUV category. Each of these titans under the General Motors brand offers its unique blend of style, performance, and comfort, posing a difficult yet delightful decision for prospective buyers.

This article aims to delve into the details of these two remarkable vehicles, offering a comprehensive comparison to guide you towards your ideal travel companion.

Exterior Design

The Chevy Equinox boasts a bold and aggressive design that is sure to turn heads. This model year introduces a refreshed look that includes a redesigned grille, updated LED headlamps, and new alloy wheel designs. The sculpted contours along the body exude a sense of sporty dynamism, while the chrome accents add a touch of elegance.

In comparison, the GMC Terrain offers a more sophisticated and refined aesthetic. It features a signature GMC grille flanked by C-shaped LED headlamps and tail lamps, contributing to a distinctive look. The Terrain also offers a Denali trim that ups the ante with chrome details, a distinctive grille, and larger wheels for an even more premium look.

Interior Design

Inside, the Equinox continues to impress with a driver-focused cockpit that merges practicality and luxury. The dash is logically laid out with controls within easy reach. The infotainment system gets a sizable touchscreen, and the cabin is adorned with quality materials, which vary based on the trim level.

The Terrain, on the other hand, offers a plush interior with a touch of luxury. The cabin is roomy and attractive, with high-quality materials used throughout. Like the Equinox, the Terrain offers an intuitive infotainment system. The Denali trim takes it a step further with unique styling cues and premium materials, including genuine leather and wood grain accents.

Seating

The Equinox can comfortably seat five passengers. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, perfect for long drives, while the rear seats provide ample headroom and legroom even for taller passengers. The premium trims offer features like heated and ventilated seats for extra comfort.

The GMC Terrain also offers seating for five, with a similar focus on comfort and space. The Terrain’s seats offer good support and plenty of adjustability. Like the Equinox, heated and ventilated seats are available in the upper trims, along with a memory function for the driver’s seat.

Storage

The Equinox shines in the storage department, offering 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the seats folded flat, this expands to a generous 63.9 cubic feet. Furthermore, the Equinox provides numerous smaller storage spaces throughout the cabin for added convenience.

The Terrain is slightly more modest with its cargo space, offering 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and up to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Like the Equinox, it also has several handy storage compartments for smaller items.

Performance

The Equinox comes equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower. This powertrain offers a balanced performance, suitable for daily driving. For those seeking more power, there’s an optional 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 252 horsepower.

The Terrain shares the same engine options as the Equinox, offering similar performance characteristics. The base 1.5L turbocharged engine offers ample power for most driving situations, while the available 2.0L turbocharged engine provides more spirited acceleration. Both engines are mated to a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, which helps ensure a refined driving experience.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for the Equinox. The base 1.5L engine is estimated to deliver 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The more powerful 2.0L engine drops these figures slightly to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The GMC Terrain posts similar fuel economy numbers to the Equinox, thanks to the shared powertrains. The 1.5L engine is estimated at 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the 2.0L turbocharged engine is estimated at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Safety

The Chevy Equinox is built with a focus on safety. It comes equipped with a host of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision alert. Higher trims also offer features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking camera system.

The GMC Terrain matches the Equinox closely in terms of safety features. It also includes standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision alert. In the higher trims, additional features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view parking camera system are available.

Trim Levels

The Equinox comes in four main trims: L, LS, LT, and Premier. Each trim level offers a different mix of standard and optional features, allowing buyers to choose a model that fits their budget and needs. The base L trim is well-equipped, while the Premier trim offers luxury-like features and appointments.

The Terrain is available in SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali trims. The base SL trim is generously equipped, while the SLE and SLT trims add more comfort and convenience features. The Denali trim stands out with its luxury appointments and unique styling cues.

Pricing

The Chevy Equinox has a starting price of around $24,995 for the base L trim. The higher-level Premier trim starts at around $31,995. Optional features and packages can add to these prices.

The GMC Terrain starts at a slightly higher price point of around $26,195 for the base SL trim. The top-of-the-line Denali trim starts at around $38,995. As with the Equinox, optional features and packages can increase these prices.

Key Differences

Interior Appointments

Inside, both models are modern and well-equipped, but the GMC Terrain tends to offer a more luxurious experience, especially in its top-tier Denali trim. This trim level includes premium materials such as genuine leather and wood grain accents. While the Equinox also offers a high-quality interior, its focus leans more towards practicality and functionality.

Trim Levels

Both the Equinox and Terrain offer several trim levels, but the offerings vary between the two. The Equinox comes in four main trims: L, LS, LT, and Premier. The Terrain, however, offers the SL, SLE, SLT, and the luxury-oriented Denali trim. The Terrain’s Denali trim sets it apart with its unique styling cues and luxurious features, which the Equinox doesn’t quite match in its top-tier Premier trim.

Pricing

Generally, the GMC Terrain comes with a slightly higher price tag compared to the Chevy Equinox. This is reflective of the Terrain’s positioning as a more premium offering within the General Motors lineup. The base price of the Terrain starts at around $26,195, whereas the Equinox starts at around $24,995. The price difference becomes more pronounced in the upper trims, especially with the Terrain’s Denali trim.

Final Thoughts

From the bustling city streets to the serene countryside, both the 2023 Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain offer the promise of a delightful drive. While they share similarities, their differences are what make them unique. The sporty aesthetics and value proposition of the Equinox appeal to those seeking practicality coupled with flair. Meanwhile, the Terrain, with its refined elegance and upscale experience, resonates with those who appreciate luxury in every detail. Your choice between the two would ultimately boil down to personal preference.

Regardless of the decision, rest assured, both these SUVs stand poised to deliver a driving experience that’s second to none.

Features Breakdown