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| 26 / 31 | Fuel Economy (city/hwy mpg) | 23 / 30 |
| 63.9 | Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 60.1 |
| 103.5 | Passenger Volume (cu.ft.) | 98.6 |
The compact crossover SUV market is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry as drivers look for reliable models that offer a spacious cabin for passengers and cargo without sacrificing performance and fuel economy. It shouldn’t be hard to have the best of both a luxury sedan and an SUV, right? Manufacturers like Chevrolet and Kia agree, which is what motivates these automakers to give drivers everything they want and more in a compact crossover SUV. This is exactly what we find when we compare the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2021 Kia Sportage.
Which model comes out ahead? To begin, a few of the biggest deciding factors when purchasing an SUV is the overall size, seating options, and available cargo space. While both models offer seating for five, they differ in size, with the Equinox stretching across a 107.3-in wheelbase and measuring 183.1-in long compared to the Sportage that stretches across a 105.1-in wheelbase and measures 176.4-in long. So, what do these numbers mean? A longer vehicle often translates to more interior space, which is exactly the case for the Equinox that offers drivers and passengers ample room as well as 63.9 cu.ft. of cargo space. This is a drastic difference when compared to the Sportage’s cargo area of 60.1 cu.ft.
Will the 2021 Equinox keep the lead as we look at trim options, connectivity features, and driver-assistance technology? There’s only one way to find out. Let's break these vehicles down further and see which crossover comes out on top.
The Trims of the EquinoxThe 2021 Chevrolet Equinox keeps the lead when it comes to affordable pricing and trims with a starting MSRP of $23,800 compared to the 2021 Kia Sportage that starts at $24,090. Chevrolet gives drivers a choice between four trim options that are designed to meet a variety of budgets and lifestyle needs. The Equinox L starts at $23,800 and includes the Chevrolet Safety Assist suite, keyless entry and start, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System on a 7-in color touchscreen.
The Equinox L follows the LS and starts at $26,300 with upgrades like LED daytime running lamps, Teen Driver technology, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Drivers looking for more features can opt for the LT, which starts at $27,500 and includes high-intensity discharge headlamps and heated driver and front passenger seats. The LT is topped by the Premier, which starts at $31,400 and boasts a leather interior with heated front seats with driver memory and a hands-free power liftgate.
Like Chevrolet, Kia gives drivers a choice between four trim models beginning with the LX that starts at $24,090 and offers an 8-in touchscreen, rearview camera, and Automatic Emergency Braking and Warning Technology. Drivers see additional features added to the Sportage S, which starts at $26,590 and includes synthetic leather trim, roof rails, skid plates, and front fog lamps. From there, the Sportage EX is priced at $27,390 and includes a power liftgate, push-button start, a power driver seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The EX is followed by the all-inclusive SX Turbo at $33,750, which gives drivers leather seating, a sunroof, LED headlights, and a wireless phone charger.
The Technology of the EquinoxThe 2021 Equinox is equipped with the latest technology to ensure drivers stay connected to their busy lives when they’re behind the wheel. The technology is centralized on the 7-in or 8-in high-definition color touchscreen display and is known as the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System. The system features apps like Spotify, The Weather Channel, Pandora, Marketplace, USA Today, Fox Sports, and the myChevrolet App. Drivers can also add the Chevrolet navigation system and take advantage of the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
To maintain their focus on the road at all times, drivers can sync their smartphones with the Equinox using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. New for 2021 is the Alexa Built-In, which allows drivers to use voice commands to stream their favorite music, add items to their Amazon list, and connect their smart-home devices. Another notable feature on the Equinox is Marketplace. The Chevrolet Marketplace saves drivers time and money by letting them shop from their favorite merchants from the convenience of the Chevrolet Infotainment System. Drivers can order take-out from restaurants like Dominos and iHop, order supplies from Office Depot, find and pay for fuel at ExxonMobil, or make restaurant reservations with Yelp, to name a few of the tool’s options.
Does Kia offer similar technology on the 2021 Sportage? While the Equinox offers a larger suite of features, including unique tools like Marketplace, there are quite a few similarities between the SUVs. For example, the Sportage shares the same Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration as the Equinox. Kia drivers can also add a wireless charging tray to the Sportage and can utilize the UVO link and Kia Access app, which is similar to the myChevrolet app, to access points of interest and functions like Amazon Alexa and Find My Car.
The Safety of the EquinoxThe 2021 Chevrolet Equinox also takes the lead over the 2021 Kia Sportage when it comes to driver-assistance and safety features. The Equinox is equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite that includes a variety of standard and available options to give drivers confidence and enhanced protection when they get behind the wheel. So, what does the suite include?
Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency braking are standard on the Equinox and work together to detect potential frond-end collisions and tailgating situations. The system alerts the driver to take action and, if the driver responds, can enhance the driver’s braking. If the driver fails to respond, the tool automatically provides hard emergency braking to minimize the impact or prevent the collision.
Front Pedestrian Braking is another standard feature that alerts drivers of pedestrians in the path of the Equinox. Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning is a useful feature that comes standard on the SUV and alerts drivers when the vehicle unintentionally drifts from its lane. When drivers are following too close to another vehicle and creating a hazard, the Following Distance Indicator alerts the driver to the situation, so they know to give the vehicle in front more space. The last standard feature on the Equinox is the IntelliBeam automatic high beam assist headlamps that give drivers enhanced visibility.
Chevrolet’s safety features don’t stop there. The Equinox is equipped with a rear vision camera that enables drivers to clearly see the rear of the vehicle when in reverse. Drivers also have the option to add features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, High-Definition Surround Vision, and a Safety Alert Seat. With all of these safety and assistance features at your disposal, you won't have to worry when you're behind the wheel of the Equinox.
How does Kia’s safety suite on the Sportage compare to the Equinox’s advanced features? The Kia Drive-Wise suite is similar to Chevrolet’s Safety Assist Suite. It features a Blind-Spot Collision Warning that detects objects in the Sportage’s blind spots, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection that works like the Equinox’s Front Pedestrian Braking and Forward Collision Alert, and High Beam Assist that mirrors the Equinox’s IntelliBeam automatic headlamps.
Aside from the Drive Wise Suite, the Sportage’s safety options are limited. The Sportage is built with heavy-duty Iso-Structure construction that improves the rigidity of the vehicle when involved in a collision. Kia also adds Stability and Traction Control as well as Downhill Brake Control. This feature is ideal for off-road conditions and applies the brakes individually to ensure the Sportage maintains traction and speed when moving through slippery terrain like snow or ice-covered roads.
There’s no doubt that there’s a clear winner in the race between the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2021 Kia Sportage. As your premier Chevrolet dealer in Buford, we stand behind the 2021 Chevy Equinox, and we think that it is your best option for a new SUV. In fact, you should stop by our dealership for a test drive so you can see why the Equinox is one of Chevrolet’s best-sellers!
When you’re ready, visit our dealership at 4490 South Lee Street in Buford, Georgia. Once you’re here, you’ll see that we offer a comprehensive suite of services that extend long after you’ve purchased your new or pre-owned vehicle. We take great pride in our service department and our certified technicians who can tackle any repair or maintenance need. We’ve even made servicing your vehicle easier by adding an online appointment scheduler as well as the option to order parts online if you’re doing the work yourself. Whatever the case, it’s time to visit Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford to test drive a new 2021 Chevy Equinox or take care of your vehicle maintenance needs.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.