Chevrolet Equinox Vs. GMC Terrain: Compare Cars

The term “compact crossover” applies to an incredibly large array of vehicles, from virtually all manufacturers and across nearly all price points. Among the larger compact crossovers on the market today are the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain, both of which deliver plenty of room, outstanding safety scores and solid value for the money.

Of the two, the Chevrolet Equinox is styled more conservatively, and is therefore more likely to appeal to mainstream buyers. Its rounded front end gives it the look of a friendly cartoon character, and only the distinctive and steeply-raked C-pillar make the Equinox stand out in the crowd. The GMC Terrain, on the other hand, looks nothing like its cross-division rival. Playing on GMC’s image as a company that builds trucks, not cars, the Terrain is injected with more than a little testosterone in its styling. The proportions are chunkier, and there’s nothing cute about the Terrain’s front end. The fenders feature oversized (and oddly squared) flares, and everything about the Terrain says “SUV,” not “crossover.” If we were inclined to stereotype, we’d say that female shoppers will be drawn to the Equinox, with male buyers favoring the Terrain.

Since both vehicles come from General Motors, powertrains are common between them. The most fuel-efficient engine choice is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which produces 182 horsepower and delivers up to 32 mpg on the highway in either vehicle. This is probably a reasonable choice for most buyers, either in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but those who need the ability to tow a light trailer will probably want to choose the 3.6-liter V-6. This engine delivers 301 horsepower and the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds, but fuel economy drops to 24 mpg highway in front-drive models and 23 mpg in AWD versions.

Inside, both vehicles deliver a comfortable interior with upright seating for a commanding view of the road ahead. There’s plenty of headroom, even for rear seat passengers, and a reasonable amount of legroom, too. Ride quality is more than acceptable in either vehicle, though this year the GMC gets better shocks across the board for a smoother ride, while only the Equinox V-6 LTZ merits them. Both can be equipped to near-luxury levels of content with features like touchscreen infotainment systems, leather upholstery, voice command navigation and premium audio systems. A new Denali trim level on the Terrain gets leather trim, dual power front seats, a new grille, and other luxe touches. The cabin of both vehicles is remarkably quiet, too, especially given their blue-collar roots and affordable price tags.

Safety is a primary focus for both the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain. Both have been chosen as Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and both can be configured with options like a rearview camera and blind spot detection systems. Opt for higher trim models, and both can be equipped with forward collision alert and lane departure warning, features found only on high-end luxury sedans just a few years back. Both, however, suffer from the same styling-related flaw: thick C-pillars create substantial blind spots, requiring careful adjustment of the side view mirrors for safety.

If both models offer a similar array of features, at a similar price point, with identical safety ratings, how can we pick a winner? The answer is that we can’t, which essentially means that consumers win by choosing either vehicle. If you’re drawn to the blocky styling of the GMC, we’re sure you’ll be happy with your choice. Opt for the toned-down lines of the Chevrolet Equinox, and you won’t be disappointed, either.

2013 Chevrolet Equinox	2013 GMC Terrain
Meta Rating
8 The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is a good, affordable choice for cost-conscious families, but it doesn't skimp on comfort, safety, or the latest connectivity features.	8 The 2013 GMC Terrain may wear a tough skin, but shows a softer side with excellent four-cylinder gas mileage and Denali luxury.
Styling
8The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is unmistakeably a Chevy on the outside, while it has a sleeker, more carlike cabin. Read more	8The 2013 GMC Terrain is square-shouldered on the outside, a little softer on the inside; Denalis have a few plush touches. Read more
Performance
7The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox isn't exciting to drive, but the four-cylinder and new 3.6-liter V-6 offer two flavors of powertrain performance. Read more	7The 2013 GMC Terrain has a frugal four or a very strong V-6; the ride's more comfortable now, thanks to better tuning. Read more
Quality
8The 2013 Equinox is no luxury model inside, but for the most part its practicality and comfort are right on the money for family use, Read more	8The Terrain can carry five adults easily, and the sliding seat gives it more flexibility than other utes in its class. Read more
Safety
9Outward visibility is about the only issue; otherwise the Equinox is one of the safest picks in its class. Read more	9High crash-test scores and standard features like a rearview camera easily overcome the Terrain's iffy rearward visibility. Read more
Features
8The 2013 Equinox ranges from basic to full-featured, with advanced connectivity and active-safety features on offer. . Read more	8All Terrains have advanced infotainment gear and streaming audio; navigation is an inexpensive upgrade. Read more
Green
7The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox isn't significantly thirstier with the addition of a new larger V-6, but the frugal four-cylinder is still the way to go. Read more	7Gas mileage is a big draw in the four-cylinder Terrain; the new V-6 doesn't fall back in fuel economy, either. Read more
MSRP
from $24,155	from $26,235
Invoice
from $22,947	from $24,923
Fuel Economy - Combined City and Highway
26	26
Front Leg Room (in)
41.20	41.20
Second Leg Room (in)
39.90 Read Full Specs	39.90 Read Full Specs