Starting at
Starting at
28 / 39 | MPG | 28 / 39 |
1,500 lbs | Tow Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
14.9 gal | Fuel Tank Cap | 14.9 gal |
Drivers who are looking for a new compact SUV in 2018 will definitely be looking to compare the 2018 GMC Terrain vs. 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Both of these vehicles give drivers a lot to choose from in an SUV whether they are looking for a family vehicle or a vehicle to handle recreational tasks and towing. While these SUVs are similar, they have certain features that set them apart from one another. Drivers will find that one of these SUVs to meet their needs a little more accurately than the other. The 2018 GMC Terrain was redesigned and remodeled with a complete overhaul for the 2018 model year. The Terrain offers drivers a trio of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including a fuel-efficient turbo-diesel. The 2018 GMC Terrain will also win favor with drivers who value a refined and smooth ride and the feel and look of luxury in the interior of their SUV.
Meanwhile, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has a list of nicely updated technology for the 2018 model year including active safety features, navigation, and driver alerts. The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is available with three turbo fours; the 170-hp 1.5-liter and the 137-hp 1.6-liter diesel come with a six-speed automatic, and the overachieving 252-hp 2.0-liter has a nine-speed. Performance is well-rounded on the Equinox, however, drivers may be under impressed with its interior as well as its slightly less capable handling.
When it comes to the 2018 GMC Terrain vs the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, drivers looking for a well-rounded compact SUV in design, power, safety, and entertainment technology, should consider the 2018 GMC Terrain. Out of these two versatile compact SUVs, the 2018 GMC Terrain is also the more luxurious-feeling choice when compared to the simplicity of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. If you’re still trying to decide between these two options, it’ll be helpful to delve further into the facts and compare how they stack up in performance, safety, technology, and their 2018 upgrades.
For the 2018 model year, both crossover SUVs bring some nice features to offer drivers who are looking for great style, performance, technology, and safety features. When it comes to performance, the 2018 GMC Terrain outperforms the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox on the road.
Technology scores are slightly higher for the Chevrolet Equinox, but not enough to make a big enough difference to compensate for its overreaching base sticker price tag. Any tech features that the Equinox may have over the Terrain, the Terrain drivers can purchase as optional features with a trim upgrade and still come in very close to the base price of the Equinox.
When comparing the 2018 GMC Terrain vs the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox drivers will definitely lean towards one vehicle or another. While both have much to offer those shopping for an SUV crossover, those looking for a bit more luxury and power will be pleased with the 2018 GMC Terrain.
Drivers of the GMC Terrain will be impressed by the technology packages that are both standard and optional in the 2018 model year. The infotainment system gives drivers bright and easy to read graphics, a user-friendly menu, and the best top-of-the-line connectivity, navigation, and entertainment onboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are compatible with the infotainment control system on the 2018 GMC Terrain. A 7.0-inch infotainment display system is standard and the Denali and other upper-level trims feature an 8.0-inch unit. Standard tech includes 4G LTE, Android Auto, Apple Carplay, AUX input, Bluetooth audio and phone, and mobile Wi-Fi. Drivers can choose to update their Terrain’s tech to include options like navigation, real-time traffic, real-time weather, and voice recognition.
Those who are looking at the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox will be impressed by the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system which is impressive, user-friendly, and comes standard with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi, and makes the Equinox a very well-connected SUV crossover. Like the GMC Terrain, a 7.0-inch touchscreen control center in the infotainment system and can be upgraded to an 8.0-inch screen. One of the biggest flaws with the infotainment control panel on the Equinox is that its sunroof shines its light directly into the direction of the control panel, making the screen almost impossible to read on sunny days. Standard features include 4G LTE Android Auto and Apple Carplay, AUX input, Bluetooth audio and phones, mobile Wi-Fi, USB ports, and voice command.
Drivers have the option to upgrade their tech package on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox to include navigation and real-time traffic. While the Chevrolet Mylink is user-friendly, it is not the most pleasing to the eye and the buttons are difficult to use while driving because of their smaller size. Response time is decent and overall it is a nice tech feature to have onboard this Chevrolet crossover SUV.
Drivers in 2018 expect to get the best and most up to date safety features available from their SUV crossover. Why would they expect less? It’s a great bonus when an SUV comes with a nice suite of active and passive safety technology features as standard options and throws in a few great upgradable optional features.
Let’s start by looking at the 2018 GMC Terrain. Of course safety technology features are at the top of the list for shoppers in the market for an SUV. Parents are among the biggest customer base of buyers of SUV crossovers. The GMC Terrain Scores very well in crash tests and receives a high mark from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as the Independent insurance Institute for Highway Safety which gave it the highest mark of 5 stars. The popular LATCH safety child seat installation system is a huge seller for parents who are shopping for a crossover SUV.
Active safety features also impress. Some of the best active safety features onboard the 2018 GMC Terrain are the blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The 2018 GMC Terrain only lacks two safety awareness modes, adaptive cruise control, and rear automated emergency braking.
When we look at the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox we see a few good safety features, such as the LATCH safety seat system, which impresses parents by making car seat installation safe and reliable. Airbags are located in well-researched areas amongst the SUV and work to protect the head, leg area, and bodies of the driver and passengers in the event of an impact. Active safety features like automated braking, automatic high-beams, and lane-keeping assist make driving the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox safe for both passengers and drivers. Additional optional features can be achieved via upgrades including, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic monitor, rear parking sensors.
Unfortunately, there are a few key safety and driver awareness features that are simply not available at all on the Equinox for the 2018 model year. Drivers may miss some of these features like adaptive cruise control, rear automated emergency braking, front parking sensors, and parking assist.
The GMC Terrain was completely redesigned for the 2018 model year. Its new design is smaller and handles well on the road in multiple conditions. The exterior design is now smoother and not as boxed out as older year models, a change that not only makes the Terrain look sleeker, but is also more aerodynamic. The ride can often feel like that of a luxury vehicle rather than an SUV. The old V6 engine has now traded up to a trio of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including a fuel-efficient turbo-diesel to really impress with its power. The price tag on the Terrain can seem a little heavier than its competition, but the offerings that are available for drivers are impressive enough to make it worth the small increase in price for drivers of this crossover SUV.
Now for a look at the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The Equinox rides heavily on its ability to ride like a car more than a SUV crossover. However, it can lack in oomph and power with its powertrain combos. While it has a nice fuel efficiency rating form the EPA, a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes the Equinox seem a bit sluggish. Its less than powerful performance engine also causes it to accelerate too slowly to please many drivers.
When comparing the 2018 GMC Terrain vs the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, drivers will notice that while they may pay a small amount more for the Terrain upfront, the power it brings with its impressive performance more than pays for itself with daily drives and longer trips.