GM offers us the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain for sale as compact crossover SUVs. These two models ride on the same platform, are similar in size, and offer the same powertrain for the drive.
While these foundational elements of the two GM crossover SUVs are identical, these are two very different models. The question you’ll have to answer is which one of these vehicles is the right model to drive. Will you head to the Chevy dealer and pick up the Equinox, or will you find yourself at the GMC dealership where the Terrain is the SUV you’ll find?
Four Trims with Different names for Each Model
The two GM crossover SUVs each have four trims, but these trims apply features and packages differently. The Equinox trim names are LS, LT, RS, and Premier, while the Terrain gives you the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. If you’ve heard of the Denali trim before, this is as close as you get in the GMC lineup to a luxury vehicle. When it comes to quality and features, the four trims of the Chevy do not reach the same range as the base model of the GMC SUV. These names and quality levels show differentiations between these two SUVs.
What Does the Base Model of Each SUV Give You?
Chevrolet Equinox LS
- Compact spare tire
- Floor mats
- Keyless entry
- Push-button starting
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Four USB ports
- Teen Driver system
- GM OnStar telematics
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity
- Forward-collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
GMC Terrain SLE
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- GMC Pro Safety Suite
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Premium cloth upholstery
- Traction Select System
- LED headlights and taillights
As you can see, the equipment in the Terrain is on a higher level than the Equinox.
One of These Things Doesn’t Belong on the Trails
Even though the Chevy Equinox offers an AWD option to give you power to all four wheels, you shouldn’t take this model out on the trails. The GMC Terrain for sale gives you the option of the AT4 trim. This trim brings you:
- Standard AWD
- Goodyear Sport Terrain Tires
- Traction Select System with off-road mode
- Hill Descent control
- AT4 embroidered headrests
- Special appearance package
- Front steel skid plates
These features give you more qualities when you’re out on the trails in the Terrain. This model gives you the fun you’re looking for when you leave the paved roads behind. Don’t try to go on hard trails in the Equinox. Even with AWD, you won’t get very far.
What About the Top Trims? How Do They Compare?
Chevrolet Equinox Premier
- Leather upholstery with French stitching
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Hands-free power liftgate
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Dual-zone climate controls
- Optional Automatic Parking Assist
GMC Terrain Denali
- Color head-up display
- GMC Pro Safety Plus system
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear park Assist
- Premium suspension
- Enhanced shock control
- Special appearance package
- Wireless device charging
- Ventilated front seats
- heated rear seats
- Premium interior and exterior materials
This is another place where we can quickly see the GMC Terrain for sale offers more features and capabilities for your drive.
What Powertrain Do These GM Crossover SUVs Use?
Both GM crossover SUV models offered will give you a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to power the drive. This engine is attached to a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver power to the wheels. This powertrain reaches 170 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque during your drive. for the GMC Terrain, the fuel mileage arrives at 25 city/30 hwy mpg for FWD models and 25 city/28 hwy mpg when using AWD. The Chevrolet Equinox gives you fuel economy numbers of 26 city/31 hwy mpg in FWD versions and 25 city/30 hwy mpg when you select AWD. If you were looking for an advantage in this area, the Equinox is slightly more efficient.
Different Style Matching Each Brand
The Chevy Equinox offers an exterior look with rounded body panels and impressive lighting features. These qualities reflect much of what we see in the compact crossover SUV class. Turning to the GMC Terrain, you see a boxier and square build that takes some styling cues from larger GMC models. The build of each of these vehicles easily resembles the brand giving you a look you recognize when it’s time for a drive.
What Pros and Cons does the Chevrolet Equinox Offer?
Pros
- Standard active safety systems
- Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Roomy rear seat
Cons
- Less cargo room than Honda, Toyota, and VW models
- No hybrid option
What Pros and Cons does the GMC Terrain Offer?
Pros
- Interesting style
- Rugged AT4 trim level
- Premium Denali model
- Roomy seating
- Nice standard tech
Cons
- Uninspiring engine
- Odd gear-shift buttons
- Tight cargo area
How Much Does Each GM Crossover SUV Cost?
Starting at the LS trim for the Chevrolet Equinox, you’ll spend $25,800. Move to the LT trim and you’ll spend $26,900 while the RS starts at $30,100. Moving to the Premier trim costs you $31,000. For this SUV, AWD costs an additional $1,600.
The GMC Terrain for sale starts at the SLE model at a price of $27,900, while the Denali tops things off for $36,600. The SLT and AT4 models fall in between each of these trims.
Which GM SUV Should You Drive?
The final question you have to ask yourself is which of these GM crossover SUVs is right for you? Will you drive the Chevrolet Equinox or the GMC Terrain for sale at your local dealer? The Equinox is more affordable but doesn’t reach the premium levels of quality and capabilities the Terrain brings you. With the GMC, you’ll find a version that can take you on the trails and another that reaches close to luxury levels of driving. If you’re looking for more quality, you’ll head to your nearby GMC dealer, but if you’re trying to save some money, the Chevy location has the SUV for you.
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