2021 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2021 Kia Sorento
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and 2021 Kia Sorento contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2021 Kia Sorento.
When comparing the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox's and the 2021 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and interior volume. The 2021 Kia Sorento has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and 2021 Kia Sorento have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox's and the 2021 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a better car than the 2021 Kia Sorento.
Pricing: A used 2021 Chevrolet Equinox ranges from $14,900 to $24,995 while a used 2021 Kia Sorento is priced between $18,110 to $31,584.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox loses 49.6 percent of its value and the 2021 Kia Sorento loses 52.3 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox retains 2.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Kia Sorento.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Equinox and Kia Sorento is 7.8 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. Chevrolet Equinox is ranked 19 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and Kia Sorento is ranked 22 out of 67, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 7.7 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Equinox a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox’s base engine makes 170 horsepower, and the 2021 Kia Sorento base engine makes 191 horsepower. The Equinox is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles.This gives the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Kia Sorento the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more cargo space. The 2021 Kia Sorento, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.51 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,390
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$19,685
Price Range:
$14,900 - $24,995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,412
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,721 - $26,231
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,477
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
71,688
# Good or Great Deals:
811
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$24,975
Price Range:
$18,110 - $31,584
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$28,757
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,434 - $40,434
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
594
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
71,135
# Good or Great Deals:
393
Chevrolet Equinox Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.5 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.6 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
17.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.7 - 12.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
8.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.4 - 16.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 26.4
Chevrolet Equinox Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 56Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 56Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
11 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
60 out of / 67Summary Review
The Chevrolet equinox is a compact five-person SUV with a comfortable interior and a smooth ride. The current Equinox was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $28,912 and 3-year-old models averaging $21,742.
Summary Review
Kia’s Sorento is a two- or three-row crossover SUV on sale since 2015 in its outgoing generation. It is built in West Point, Georgia. All-new for 2021, shoppers in the midsize SUV segment should give the Sorento a fresh look.
Pros and Cons
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- High predicted reliability
- Mediocre interior quality
- Only one powertrain
- Low on cargo space
Pros and Cons
- Available in past years with two or three rows of seats
- High safety scores
- 2020 and older models showing their age
- Smaller than many midsize vehicles in this segment
- Past models had low reliability scores
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Trim Levels
L, LS, LT, Premier
2021 Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, SX Prestige, SX Prestige X-Line
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.51 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
203 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 31 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
387 / 462 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 29 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
425 / 513 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Cargo Space:
29.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
121.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3274 lbs
Width:
72.6 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
183.1 inches
Wheelbase:
107.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3714 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
189 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Silver
Silver Ice Metallic
White
Summit White
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Silver
Everlasting Silver / Sparkling Silver
White
Glacial White Pearl
Beige
Crystal Beige
Black
Ebony Black
Gray
Gravity Gray
Red
Passion Red Tintcoat
Interior Colors
Gray
Medium Ash Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Black
