10 Great Chevy Equinox Competitors: Which Alternatives Stack Up
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We don’t envy those trying to navigate the compact SUV market due to the sheer number of options available – with some of the best-selling models around. With that said, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly compact SUV, there’s a good chance you’ve looked into the general direction of the Chevrolet Equinox.
The Equinox is all about value proposition with plenty of qualities to love. For starters, it offers above-average ride comfort and handling, and the spacious interior certainly doesn’t hurt for families and groups. However, if, for some reason, this compact SUV doesn’t appeal to you, there’s no shortage of Chevy Equinox competitors to choose from. Let’s take a look.
1. Honda CR-V
The venerable Honda CR-V is our first pick for this list of the top Chevy Equinox competitors. If you’re in the market for a vehicle that combines performance with fuel efficiency, the 2021 Honda CR-V might just outshine the Chevy Equinox for you. For instance, it offers quicker acceleration and better fuel economy, making it a smart pick for both power and savings.
Need more space for your adventures or weekly shopping? The CR-V’s larger cargo area steps up as the practical choice. Plus, its cabin doesn’t just offer space; it brings luxury with high-quality touches and standard features like automatic climate control and adaptive cruise control – extras you won’t find standard in the Equinox.
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2. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 surpasses the Chevy Equinox with its fuel efficiency and powerful engine, which, despite being noisier, offers commendable performance. It features tighter handling, a smoother ride, and an off-road-specific trim not found in the Equinox. The RAV4 also has the upper hand with a more luxurious interior and increased cargo space. Plus, you have the legendary Toyota reliability to fall back on.
However, for those watching their budget closely, the Equinox presents an enticing alternative with its significantly lower base price. Moreover, its slight advantage in predicted reliability suggests it might offer more dependable performance over time.
3. Mazda CX-5
If you’re looking for more engaging Chevy Equinox competitors, the Mazda CX-5 might be the more exciting pick. The CX-5 steps up with crisper handling, a more potent base engine, and an additional engine option for those craving extra horsepower. While it may not match the Equinox in predicted reliability, its ratings remain fairly average.
But the CX-5’s appeal isn’t confined to its performance. It edges over the Equinox with a classier cabin interior, featuring a larger touch screen and a suite of standard safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert – features not found on base Equinoxes.
4. Ford Bronco Sport
Buyers who want to go off the beaten path will have a lot to love about the Ford Bronco Sport. While both SUVs offer standard features such as traction and stability control, the Bronco Sport sets itself apart with standard knee airbags and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), which are not standard on the Equinox.
The Bronco Sport further appeals with a touch more cargo space than the Equinox, providing 32.5 cu-ft behind the second row, compared to the Equinox’s 29.9 cu-ft. This could make all the difference when packing for your next adventure.
HOW LONG DO CHEVY EQUINOXES LAST?
If you want to purchase this crossover SUV, you’re probably wondering: how long do Chevy Equinoxes last? Understanding the expected lifespan helps owners plan for future expenses.
5. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage and Chevy Equinox are both popular, budget-friendly SUVs. Both models are equipped with spacious cabins, intuitive infotainment systems, and a wide range of standard safety features. These features make them an attractive option for families and tech enthusiasts alike. Their combination of comfort, modern technology, and value sets them apart from their competitors and makes them an excellent choice for many buyers.
Where the two diverge is in their offerings under the hood and in terms of cabin luxury. The Sportage sets itself apart with an available engine that delivers additional power.
6. Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a perennial well-rounded SUV and one of the best Chevy Equinox competitors. The Escape brings versatility with options for both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain, so it gets a thumbs-up for those looking for green driving solutions with up to 37 miles purely on electric power. The SUV can also tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Nissan Rogue
If you’re eyeing a compact SUV that marries affordability with dependability, the Nissan Rogue might be your perfect match against the Chevy Equinox. Imagine spending just $467 on average each year for repairs on your Rogue SUV.
Not just a wallet-friendly option, the Rogue also earns high marks for reliability. With up to 70 cu-ft of cargo space, the Rogue outdoes the Equinox in storage utility. Plus, the Rogue doesn’t skimp on power, offering horsepower on par with the Equinox, and throws in a hybrid option for those keen on squeezing out extra miles per gallon.
8. GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is often compared to the Chevy Equinox, mainly due to their shared platform, which means they offer similar specifications in terms of features, space for passengers and cargo, engine choices, and fuel efficiency.
However, the Terrain distinguishes itself with an interior that many might find more appealing than the Equinox’s. Particularly in its Denali trim, the Terrain boasts a more luxurious cabin, providing a more upscale feel that could sway buyers looking for an SUV that combines practicality and sophistication.
9. Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is more expensive than the Equinox, but it more than justifies its higher price. The Tucson, with its optional around-view camera, standard rear cross-traffic alert, and more comprehensive warranty coverage—including a longer basic and drivetrain warranty—distinguishes itself as a technologically savvy and reliable option. It also boasts a more spacious interior, with greater legroom in both the front and back seats and a significantly larger cargo capacity when the second row is folded (38.7 cu-ft, expanding to 80.3 cu-ft with seats folded down).
THE CHEVY EQUINOX YEARS TO AVOID
The Equinox first debuted in showrooms back in 2005 and has seen pretty consistent success over the years as a popular crossover SUV. This means the structure and body were built as one. Does this new styling mean there are specific Equinox model years to avoid?
10. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is one of the kings of the compact SUV market, so it’s no surprise that it’s a great alternative to the Equinox. Boasting an upscale interior and unrivaled space for both passengers and cargo, the Outback also offers superior handling, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive – a feature not standard in the Equinox. Impressively, the Outback still achieves better fuel efficiency than the front-wheel-drive Equinox.
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