Chevrolet Equinox vs. Chevrolet Traverse
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Traverse 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 Chevrolet Equinox and the Chevrolet Traverse.
When comparing the Chevrolet Equinox's and the Chevrolet Traverse's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Equinox has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Equinox's and the Chevrolet Traverse's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Equinox is a better car than the Chevrolet Traverse.
Pricing: A used 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ranges from $26,999 to $37,336 while a used 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is priced between $40,548 to $60,544. For a new model, the Chevrolet Equinox's price is between $29,089 and $38,687, with the Chevrolet Traverse priced between $42,818 and $61,092.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Equinox loses 49.6 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Traverse loses 51.9 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Equinox retains 2.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Traverse.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 7.8 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Traverse's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Equinox being ranked 20 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Chevrolet Traverse being ranked 18 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 7.7 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Traverse the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Equinox a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Traverse.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Equinox’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Traverse base engine makes 328 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Equinox has higher safety ratings than the Chevrolet Traverse, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.81 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$29,089 - $38,687
Starting MSRP:
$28,700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,635 - $34,995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$42,818 - $61,092
Starting MSRP:
$40,800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$39,270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,190 - $44,750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,731
Price Range:
$26,999 - $37,336
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$31,731 - $35,755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$50,800
Price Range:
$40,548 - $60,544
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$51,972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$50,800 - $55,009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$14,321
Depreciation %:
49.9%
Resale Value $:
$14,379
Residual Value %:
50.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
45.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
32.9% - 51.6%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$21,238
Depreciation %:
52.1%
Resale Value $:
$19,562
Residual Value %:
47.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
51.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36.1% - 54.1%
Chevrolet Equinox Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Chevrolet Traverse Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
7.8 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Equinox
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
17.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Traverse
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Chevrolet Equinox Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 54Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 54Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Chevrolet Traverse Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 33Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 26Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 54Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 54Ranking
57 out of / 66Summary 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
The Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.
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
- Roomy for the segment
- High NHTSA safety rating
- Powerful V6 engine
- Older model years may lack safety systems taken for granted in this segment
- Adaptive Cruise Control remains an option
- No green powertrain available
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Equinox Trim Levels
ACTIV, LT, RS
Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels
High Country, LT, RS, Z71
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 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:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.81 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
203 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.073 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Cargo Space:
29.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62.2 inches
Cargo Space:
22.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3428 lbs
Width:
74.9 inches
Height:
65.6 inches
Length:
183.2 inches
Wheelbase:
107.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4504 lbs
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
70.9 inches
Length:
204.5 inches
Wheelbase:
121 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
Green
Cacti Green
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat
White
Summit White
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat
White
Polar White Tricoat / Summit White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Artemis Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black / Jet Black/Gideon
Gray
Not available
