GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox: How These Compact SUVs Stack Up

Two compact SUVs share the same engine, the same platform, and most of the same tech package, yet they sell to very different drivers. The choice usually comes down to trim choices and exterior styling rather than what’s hiding under the hood.

• Both run a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.5L engine paired with a CVT in front-wheel drive or an 8-speed automatic in all-wheel drive.
• Trim lineups split the two, with GMC offering Elevation, AT4 off-road, and Denali luxury, while Chevy counters with LT, sporty RS, and outdoor-themed ACTIV.
• Pricing favors the Equinox at the entry point, while the Terrain stretches higher with its luxury Denali option.

Power Under the Hood

Pop both hoods and you’ll find the same engine. A 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder pumps out 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque on each SUV. Front-wheel-drive trims pair this engine with a continuously variable transmission, while all-wheel-drive trims swap that for an 8-speed automatic. Either one can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, which works fine for a small utility trailer or a pair of jet skis on a weekend trip.

Fuel Economy You Can Count On

EPA estimates put the Terrain at 26 city and 28 highway mpg in front-wheel drive form, with all-wheel drive numbers coming in at 24 city and 28 highway. The Equinox matches at 26/28 with FWD, and its 8-speed automatic actually edges out the Terrain by 1 mpg on the highway in AWD trim, returning 24/29. With a 14.8 to 15.6-gallon tank, you can plan on close to 400 highway miles between fill-ups. That’s enough range for a weekend run from Indianapolis up to the lake without thinking about gas stations.

Interior Tech and Comfort

Inside, the Terrain takes a step up in screen real estate. You get a 15-inch touchscreen front and center plus an 11-inch driver display. The Equinox runs an 11.3-inch infotainment screen alongside the same 11-inch driver readout. Each one runs Google built-in software, so you can use Google Assistant for texts, directions, and select vehicle functions through the touchscreen.

Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel come standard across the Terrain lineup. The Equinox starts with cloth seats and adds heat as you climb into upper trims. Wireless phone charging shows up as available equipment on both, and split-folding 60/40 rear seats free up cargo space when you need it.

GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox Trim Lineups

This is where the two SUVs split paths. GMC stocks three trims. Elevation handles everyday duties, AT4 brings real off-road hardware, and Denali sits at the luxury top. AT4 includes a front skid plate with steel underbody shield, off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and an exclusive Terrain drive mode for low-speed crawls. Denali piles on perforated leather-appointed seats, ventilated and heated 8-way power front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a softer suspension tune for a smoother ride on rough roads.

Chevy goes a different direction. LT serves as the volume model, RS layers on a sporty look with an RS-only grille and flat-bottom steering wheel, and ACTIV is the brand’s first outdoor-themed Equinox with all-terrain tires, a separately tuned suspension, and rugged exterior styling. RS and ACTIV both bring driver-selectable drive modes through a console rotator, a first for the Equinox.

Safety Tech Across Both Models

Each SUV comes with more than 15 standard safety and driver assistance features as part of the base package. You get automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind zone steering assist, rear cross traffic braking, and a rear seat reminder. The Terrain pulls slightly ahead with up to eight available camera views, including an available rear camera mirror that turns the inside mirror into a live video feed when you flip a switch.

Side-by-Side Specs Comparison

Picking the Right Compact SUV for Your Driveway

If you want a true off-road look from the AT4 or full luxury treatment in the Denali, the Terrain has those niches covered with trims you won’t find on the Chevy side of the showroom. If you’d rather pocket a few thousand dollars at the entry level and still get the same engine, the same fuel economy, and most of the same tech features, the Equinox makes a strong case. Either SUV rides on the same bones, so you can pick based on which exterior styling and trim philosophy speaks to you.

Tour the GMC Terrain Lineup at Ray Skillman Northeast GMC

If you’ve narrowed your search down to the GMC side of this matchup, we’d love to walk you through the Terrain lineup in person. Our showroom keeps a steady rotation of Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims so you can see how each one feels behind the wheel before you commit. We can line up a back-to-back test drive, talk through the differences between front-wheel and all-wheel drive setups, and help you sort out which features are worth the upgrade for how you actually drive. Stop in when you’re ready to put one through its paces, and our team will take it from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox have the same engine?

Yes, both the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox use the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel-drive models pair the engine with a CVT, while all-wheel-drive models use an 8-speed automatic transmission.

What is the fuel economy of the GMC Terrain?

The GMC Terrain is EPA-estimated at 26 city and 28 highway mpg with front-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models return an estimated 24 city and 28 highway mpg. With a 14.8 to 15.6-gallon fuel tank, you can expect close to 400 highway miles between fill-ups.

What trims are available on the GMC Terrain?

The GMC Terrain is available in three trims: Elevation for everyday driving, AT4 with off-road hardware including a front skid plate and all-terrain tires, and Denali with luxury features such as perforated leather-appointed seats, ventilated front seats, and a softer suspension tune.

What trims are available on the Chevy Equinox?

The Chevy Equinox offers three trims: LT as the volume model, RS with sporty styling and a flat-bottom steering wheel, and ACTIV with all-terrain tires and rugged exterior styling. RS and ACTIV both include driver-selectable drive modes through a console rotator.

How much can the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox tow?

Both the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. That capacity works well for a small utility trailer or a pair of jet skis on a weekend trip.

Which has a bigger touchscreen, the Terrain or Equinox?

The GMC Terrain comes with a larger 15-inch touchscreen, while the Chevy Equinox uses an 11.3-inch infotainment screen. Both models include an 11-inch driver information display and run Google built-in software for navigation, voice commands, and select vehicle functions.

What safety features come standard on the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox?

Both SUVs include more than 15 standard safety and driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, blind zone steering assist, rear cross traffic braking, and a rear seat reminder. The Terrain adds up to eight available camera views, including an available rear camera mirror.

Can I test drive the GMC Terrain at Ray Skillman Northeast GMC?

Yes, Ray Skillman Northeast GMC keeps a steady rotation of Terrain Elevation, AT4, and Denali trims on the lot. You can schedule a test drive, compare trims side by side, and talk through the differences between front-wheel and all-wheel drive setups with our team.