Chevrolet Equinox vs. GMC Terrain
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain 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 GMC Terrain.
When comparing the Chevrolet Equinox's and the GMC Terrain'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, and interior volume. The GMC Terrain has the advantage in the areas of resale value and overall quality score. The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Equinox's and the GMC Terrain's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Equinox is a better car than the GMC Terrain.
Pricing: A used 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ranges from $26,999 to $37,336 while a used 2026 GMC Terrain is priced between $30,386 to $43,023. For a new model, the Chevrolet Equinox's price is between $29,089 and $38,687, with the GMC Terrain priced between $31,618 and $44,902.
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 GMC Terrain loses 49.3 percent of its value. This means the GMC Terrain retains 0.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Equinox.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 7.8 out of 10 while the GMC Terrain's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Equinox being ranked 10 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the GMC Terrain being ranked 8 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox is ranked 19 and the GMC Terrain is ranked 17.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain is 7.7 out of 10.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain makes 175 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The GMC Terrain has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room. The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain are comparable in regards to front shoulder room, rear head room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
If you’re the parent of twins, you’ll understand the dilemma in choosing between the compact Chevrolet Equinox and its GMC Terrain sibling. While it may be hard to pick a favorite child among these small GM crossovers built on the same underpinnings, you can use their somewhat different characters to guide you. The Equinox comes out a bit ahead on the basis of bang-for-the-buck, whereas the Terrain offers a slightly higher-grade interior design and amenities. Outside, the differences are largely cosmetic, with the Terrain offering a more premium look through use of chrome trim and headlight design. In both cases, the base powertrain is a somewhat anemic 4-cylinder engine mated to a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Tow packages are available on both to increase towing capacity. Ultimately, the choice comes down to which design you find more attractive, as feature content across Equinox and Terrain trim levels are nearly identical.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
29089 - 38687
Starting MSRP:
28700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31618 - 44902
Starting MSRP:
30100
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
31731
Price Range:
26999 - 37336
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35543
Price Range:
30386 - 43023
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14321
Depreciation %:
0.49897709
Resale Value $:
14379
Residual Value %:
0.50102291
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.45209006
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.32910269 - 0.51594441
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14906
Depreciation %:
0.49523123
Resale Value $:
15194
Residual Value %:
0.50476877
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.45209006
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.32910269 - 0.51594441
Chevrolet Equinox Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
GMC Terrain Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 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:
0.173
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for GMC Terrain
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.7
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:
0.11
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
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 / 67GMC Terrain Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 56Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 56Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
51 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
The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that seats five people with a roomy cabin and impressive fuel economy. The current Terrain was redesigned for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,939 and 3-year-old models averaging $24,337.
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
- Spacious interior
- Fuel efficient engine
- Smooth ride
- Limited cargo space
- High starting price
- Base engine needs more power
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Equinox Trim Levels
ACTIV, LT, RS
GMC Terrain Trim Levels
AT4, Denali, Elevation
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 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:
175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 2000 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:
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:
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
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:
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:
Available
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:
N/A
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:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
29.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.8 cubic feet
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:
3446 lbs
Width:
74.5 inches
Height:
65.8 inches
Length:
181 inches
Wheelbase:
107.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.8 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:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
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
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Blue
Rapids Metallic
Gray
Riverstone Metallic / Sterling Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Volcanic Red Tintcoat
White
Summit White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Artemis Gray
Interior Colors
Black
After Dark
Gray
Gideon Gray/After Dark
