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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, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2021 Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. 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 $17,409 to $26,773 while a used 2021 Kia Sorento is priced between $21,598 to $34,134.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox loses 45.2 percent of its value and the 2021 Kia Sorento loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox retains 2.4 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 is 8.6 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Equinox being ranked 15 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Kia Sorento being ranked 23 out of 67.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 8.0 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Kia Sorento a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Equinox.

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 4.49 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Chevrolet Equinox
2021 Kia Sorento

2021 Chevrolet Equinox
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2021 Chevrolet Equinox for Sale

2021 Kia Sorento
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2021 Kia Sorento for Sale

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:

$21,778

Price Range:

$17,409 - $26,773

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,444

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$20,734 - $27,641

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

4,282

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

39,181

# Good or Great Deals:

1,323

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$28,414

Price Range:

$21,598 - $34,134

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$32,068

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$24,840 - $46,487

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,008

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

44,787

# Good or Great Deals:

394

Chevrolet Equinox Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

8.0 / 10

Retained Value:

7.7 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

8.2 / 10

Retained Value:

7.5 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Chevrolet Equinox

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.9

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

7.9

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

6.9 - 10.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

9.2%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Kia Sorento

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

7.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

5.6 - 10.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

13%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.5

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.4

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.7 - 13.9

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

5.7

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 32.1

Chevrolet Equinox Rankings

Best Small SUVs for the Money

2 / 13

Best Family Small SUVs

3 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

4 / 30

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

4 / 20

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

4 / 14

Best Small SUVs

5 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

6 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

8 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

8 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

9 / 19

Safest Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

11 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

11 / 19

Best Family Crossover SUVs

13 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

13 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

13 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

14 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

15 / 67

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

16 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

16 / 19

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

21 / 59

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

26 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

32 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

34 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

41 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

45 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

45 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

47 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

53 / 67

Kia Sorento Rankings

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

1 / 32

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

1 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

3 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $25k

3 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

3 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

3 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

3 / 6

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

3 / 6

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

4 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $25k

4 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

4 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

4 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

4 / 10

Best Midsize SUVs Under $35k

4 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $25k

4 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $35k

4 / 7

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

4 / 7

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

5 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

7 / 21

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

12 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 39

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

16 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs

17 / 32

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

18 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

18 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

18 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 67

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

19 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

19 / 30

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

21 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

21 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

21 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

21 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

22 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

22 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

23 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

23 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

23 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

23 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

23 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

23 / 32

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

24 / 67

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

24 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

25 / 67

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

26 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

26 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

27 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

28 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

29 / 39

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

33 / 59

Safest Crossover SUVs

42 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

58 / 67

Summary 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.

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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.

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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

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.49 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 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

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