2026 Chevrolet Equinox Vs. 2026 GMC Terrain Comparison
Our Chevy Equinox vs. GMC Terrain comparison pits two excellently appointed SUVs against one another. We'll examine how each ranks in performance, towing, fuel economy, and more. However, one commonality across most categories is that the Equinox comes out victorious more often than not. When you're ready to get a personalized tour, call our Bomnin Chevrolet West Kendall team for more details.
2026 GMC Terrain vs. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Summary
- Price & Configurations: The Chevy Equinox is more cost-effective, but both SUVs have three trims.
- Powertrain & Performance: The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain have the same engine, transmission, and horsepower, but the Equinox makes more torque.
- Towing & Practicality: The Equinox and Terrain are evenly paced with a 1,500-pound towing capacity1,2 and off-road-capable models.
- Fuel Economy: The Equinox has not received EPA estimated MPG ratings, but the Terrain gets an EPA-estimated 26/28/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3
- Interior & Features: The Equinox and Terrain are nearly evenly matched here, but the Terrain does have a slightly larger standard touchscreen.
- Size & Cargo Space: The Equinox is longer and wider than the Terrain, and the two SUVs share identical cargo space specs (29.8 standard cubic feet and 63.5 maximum cubic feet).
Price & Configurations
Summary
In our Chevy Equinox vs. GMC Terrain comparison, the Equinox is the more cost-effective model. It comes in a few thousand dollars less and has the same number of configurations as the GMC Terrain (three).
- 2026 Chevy Equinox: With the Chevy Equinox, you'll get a lower starting MSRP and your choice among three trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV.
- 2026 GMC Terrain: The GMC Terrain has a higher price than its Chevy competitor, and has three trims: Elevation, AT4, and Denali.
Powertrain & Performance
Summary
The powertrain and performance specs for these two SUVs are nearly identical, as they both run with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission that creates 175 horsepower. However, the Equinox has more standard torque with 203 pound-feet, while the GMC Terrain has 184 standard pound-feet.
- 2026 Chevy Equinox: The 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic transmission pairing offers drivers 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque with the Equinox.
- 2026 GMC Terrain: The Terrain uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic transmission to make 175 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
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| 2026 Chevy Equinox | 2026 GMC Terrain | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo 4-cyl | 1.5L Turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 175 | 175 |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Standard Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain |
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| 0–60 MPH | 8.6 s4 | 8.6 s5 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) | TBD | 26 / 28 / 273 |
| Fuel Tank Size | 14.8 gal | 14.8 gal |
| Length / Width / Height | 183.2 / 74.9 / 65.6 in | 181 / 74.5 / 65.8 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3,428 lbs | 3,446 lbs |
| Cargo Space (Standard / Maximum) | 29.8 / 63.5 cu ft | 29.8 / 63.5 cu ft |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs1 | 1,500 lbs2 |
| Standard Interior Features |
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| Standard Exterior Features |
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| Factory Warranty |
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| 2026 Chevy Equinox | Used GMC Terrain |
Towing & Practicality
Summary
Both SUVs in the Chevy Equinox vs. GMC Terrain rivalry can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Additionally, both have comparable off-road-centric models: the Terrain AT4 and Equinox ACTIV.
- 2026 Chevy Equinox: Every Chevy Equinox tows up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, and the ACTIV model is practical with all-terrain tires and durable Evotex upholstery.
- 2026 GMC Terrain: The GMC Terrain tows up to 1,500 pounds,2 and the AT4 is off-road-ready with a power liftgate, roof-mounted side rails, and all-terrain tires.
Fuel Economy
Summary
The Chevrolet Equinox has not released EPA-estimated MPG values, but the GMC Terrain has. We suspect the model will have nearly identical values as the GMC Terrain, especially since the 2025 version had identical values: an EPA-estimated 26/28/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3
- 2026 Chevy Equinox: The Chevy Equinox has not been evaluated for its MPG ratings.
- 2026 GMC Terrain: This year's Terrain gets an EPA-estimated 26/28/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3
Interior & Features
Summary
You'll find similarly comfortable and convenient features in the new Chevrolet Equinox inventory and GMC Terrain inventory, including standard heated front seats, a six-speaker audio system, and wireless smartphone integration. However, the GMC Terrain does offer a larger standard touchscreen display, pulling it just ahead of the Equinox by the barest amount.
- 2026 Chevy Equinox: Our Chevy research showcases a well-equipped standard model, complete with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen.
- 2026 GMC Terrain: The GMC Terrain sports a 15-inch touchscreen, along with many of the same amenities as the Chevy Equinox. Heated front seats, wireless smartphone integration, and a heated steering wheel are additional standard Terrain features.
Size & Cargo Space
Summary
The Equinox is longer and wider than the GMC Terrain, but the Terrain is a bit taller. The two, however, have identical cubic-footage cargo volume (standard and maximum).
- 2026 Chevy Equinox: The Equinox measures up to 183.2 inches long, 74.9 inches wide, and 65.6 inches tall. It also has 29.8 cubic feet of standard cargo volume, which expands to 63.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.
- 2026 GMC Terrain: The GMC Terrain is up to 181 inches long, 74.5 inches wide, and 65.8 inches tall. You'll also have 29.8 cubic feet of standard cargo volume and 63.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume.
Conclusion:
Choose the Equinox if you're looking for a feature-rich SUV with impressive power-to-size ratio.
Choose the Terrain if your interest in interior features and technologies outweighs your interest in power output.
Chevy Equinox Pros & Cons
Pros
- Turbocharged power
- Off-road-ready with the RS model
- Well-equipped cabin appointments
Cons
- Leisurely acceleration rate
- Unknown EPA-estimated MPG (at this time)
GMC Terrain Pros & Cons
Pros
- Turbocharged engine
- Off-road capability with the AT4 trim
- Large touchscreen display
Cons
- Relaxed speed-up time
- Lackluster torque output
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain the same car?
The Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain are not the same car, though the two have similar features. Both SUVs operate with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, have standard heated front seats, and can tow up to 1,500 pounds.1,2 However, the two have a different roster of features. For example, the two have different touchscreen displays and differing trim lineups.
What are the differences between the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain?
The main differences between the Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain are regarding the features within their lineups and their available configurations. For example, the Terrain has a standard 15-inch touchscreen display, whereas the Equinox has an 11.3-inch system. However, the Chevy model has sporty RS styling available that the Terrain skips, along with Torch Red and Santorini Blue seat stitching.
Which has more cargo space: the Chevy Equinox or the GMC Terrain?
The Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain have identical cargo space values, with 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear row and a maximum of 63.5 cubic feet with the rear row folded. That's ample room to fit your essentials like fishing gear, camping supplies, or groceries from your latest restock. It's also great for the weekend trip to the beach or the latest home finds from IKEA.
Chevy Equinox Driver Reviews
1Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
2GM-estimated. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
3EPA-estimated mpg for the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/equinox-2026
5This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/gmc/terrain-2026
6Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
7Roadside Assistance services provided by third-party providers for vehicles with an eligible service plan, subject to limitations and restrictions. Roadside Assistance is not a warranty; refer to the vehicle's Owner's Handbook for warranty details. Excludes costs for repairs, parts, labor, property loss, and expenses from accidents, abuse, racing, vandalism, and certain other conditions. Contact our dealership for details.
8The complimentary maintenance services listed on this web page are for informational purposes and shall not be solely relied upon. These services may have specific conditions, limitations, and exclusions, and not all vehicles may qualify for complimentary maintenance. For detailed coverage specifics, including what is included in the complimentary maintenance and any potential costs, please contact our dealership.