2024 GMC Terrain Vs Chevrolet Equinox

Compact SUVs are a rapidly growing segment of vehicles, appealing to motorists seeking the generous cargo space and seating of an SUV with the fuel efficiency and superior handling of a small car. The latest GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox are bound to be some of the most popular models in this competitive class. But which one is a better option for you? At Hiley Buick GMC in Fort Worth, Texas, we want to compare these compact SUVs side by side so you can make the most informed choice. View our inventory of New GMCs or if you have any questions, give us a call at (817)-632-8800.

Engines

2024 GMC Terrain

The latest Terrain and Equinox are both powered by 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines that produce 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, so they’re equally capable of keeping up with the traffic. The Terrain is expected to accelerate as well as the Equinox, which took 8.9 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph with the standard configuration. Choosing the RS trim with all-wheel drive shaved nearly a full second off the acceleration time.

Performance

While they have virtually identical engines, the Terrain comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission system. You’ll notice a smoother ride and more precise shifting as the Terrain moves through its gears than with the Equinox, which only has a six-speed automatic transmission. The excellent suspension system also helps cushion you from the impact of imperfections in the road. The Equinox’s ride is especially harsh with the optional larger 19-inch wheels. Both models offer direct steering that should help you feel comfortable behind the wheel.

When comparing fuel economy, the Equinox is slightly ahead. However, testers noted that Chevrolet’s focus on fuel efficiency has led to a vehicle that downshifts reluctantly. EPA estimates the Equinox will get 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the standard front-wheel drive.

Choosing all-wheel drive drops the city rating to 24 mpg and the highway rating to 30 mpg. The GMC Terrain manages 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, it gets similar numbers in city traffic, but its rating falls to 28 mpg on the highway.

Comfort

The 2024 Terrain and 2024 Equinox have identical dimensions, so you’ll have just as much headroom and legroom in either option. However, the Terrain treats you to a little more luxury. It’s available with premium cloth seating with the basic SLE trim and perforated leather seating as standard on the higher trim levels. The cloth upholstery feels a little cheaper in the Equinox, and leather seats are only standard with the Premier trim, although you can purchase a leather package with the RS trim. The Terrain’s seats are also a little more supportive for more comfortable long journeys.

Cargo Space

2024 Chevrolet Equinox

Both vehicles offer identical cargo space. With 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats, there’s enough room for typical shopping trips and enough luggage for a short getaway. For transporting bulkier items such as golf clubs and more suitcases for extended road trips, you can fold down the rear seats to boost space to 63.3 cubic feet.

Infotainment Technology

Both vehicles have an array of infotainment technology, but GMC treats Terrain owners to a little more luxury in this department. For example, the Terrain comes with a 4.2-inch multicolor driver information screen as standard. The equivalent in the Equinox is monochromatic and just 3.5 inches. GMC gives a trial subscription to Connected Services, while Chevrolet charges for services such as the Wi-Fi hotspot from the start.

Both vehicles have 7-inch infotainment touch screens at the base level; the Terrain connects to the GMC Infotainment System, while the Equinox connects to the MyLink interface. They’re similar systems that both connect wirelessly to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety Features

With both vehicles earning a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you can feel secure driving either compact SUV. They both don’t skimp on safety features, with the GMC Pro Safety suite and Chevy Safety Assist packages standard on their respective vehicles at all trim levels. These packages both include:

• Automatic emergency braking.
• Forward collision alert.
• Front pedestrian braking.
• Following distance indicator.
• Lane-keep assist with lane departure warning.
• IntelliBeam auto high-beam assist.

Both vehicles also have extra safety features at the higher trim levels, including lane change alert with side blind zone alert and front and rear park assist. You can also add extra safety features to both vehicles, including a Surround Vision camera for better visibility and teen-driver technology, which lets you monitor your teen’s driving habits and limit certain features while they’re behind the wheel. However, GMC makes these features available at all trim levels, unlike Chevrolet, which restricts them to the highest trims.

Trims

GMC and Chevrolet both offer their compact SUVs at four different trim levels in 2024. The SLE is the GMC Terrain’s entry-level option, followed by the midrange SLT, the off-road-ready AT4, and the luxurious Denali. The LS is Chevrolet Equinox’s entry-level equivalent, followed by the LT, RS, and high-end Premier. Providing a wide selection of trims helps both models appeal to people with different budgets. However, GMC offers a little more bang for your buck.

It’s rare to see motoring experts suggesting the base model is the best option, but testers claim the entry-level Terrain is so full-featured that most motorists won’t need much else. That doesn’t mean you won’t appreciate the little extras GMC includes at the higher trim levels. In comparison, they don’t suggest considering anything below the Equinox’s RS trim level.

That’s when features such as blind-spot monitoring, remote start, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate become standard. However, all these features are already standard in the Terrain’s SLT, and many are even included in the base model.

Test-Drive the 2024 GMC Terrain at Hiley Buick GMC

While the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox is the more affordable option at the base level, the 2024 GMC Terrain’s advanced features and customization options make it a great value for the money. But don’t just take our word for it. Get behind the wheel and see for yourself. Contact us online or give us a call at 817-953-2793 with any questions you have or to schedule a test drive with our Fort Worth, Texas, dealership.