Jan 1, 2025
A 2023 Chevrolet Equinox

When choosing between the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox or 2023 GMC Terrain, you can’t go wrong with either one. Both SUVs offer drivers an abundance of comfort and connectivity features. At the same time, the engines are powerful and ready to take you anywhere you want to go. So, if you’re having trouble deciding between these two excellent models, you’ve come to the right place. The team at Vaden of Beaufort compiled this list to help you discover all the great features of the Equinox and the Terrain. Check them out and see which SUV is the perfect fit for you.

Engine And Performance

Let’s start off by looking at what’s under the hood of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. Every trim level comes equipped with a sporty 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine generating 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. This block pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission for smooth transitions when shifting gears. You’ll enjoy an EPA-estimated 26 mpg when driving on city streets and an impressive 31 mpg when you take your Equinox out on the highway. All-wheel drive is also standard across the Chevrolet Equinox lineup, and an electronic stability control system with traction control keeps you steady on the road.

As for the 2023 GMC Terrain, it comes equipped with a similar 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine, and generates the same 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque as the Equinox engine. However, this engine comes mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission for even better gear ratios. Gas mileage for the Terrain is slightly lower at 24 mpg in the city and either 28 or 29 mpg on the highway, depending on the trim you select. The two lower trim levels come standard with front-wheel drive, but if you want all-wheel drive, you can opt for one of the higher-level trims.

Exterior Style

As for the Chevrolet Equinox, you’ll choose from the LS, LT, RS, and Premier trim levels. The LS and LT trims feature 17-inch wheels, the RS model sits on 19-inch wheels, and the Premier has 18-inch wheels. Heated power outside mirrors are standard across the lineup, but you’ll get integrated turn signals in the side mirrors at the top trim level. Other design features only standard for the upper trims include LED taillights, a power programmable liftgate, roof-mounted side rails, and special Equinox badges and bowtie emblems. You can also choose from two special editions: Midnight Edition and Redline Edition.

If you think the GMC Terrain is the SUV for you, you’ll have to choose between the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Standard design elements for the base Terrain trim include 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels, body-color door handles, C-shaped LED lighting, deep-tinted rear glass, and heated power outside mirrors. Moving up through the trims will give you many other outstanding features, such as roof-mounted side rails, a hands-free power programmable liftgate, and fog lights. You’ll want to opt for the Denali trim if you’re looking for 19-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels with premium painted accents.

Interior Comfort

Inside the cabin of the Equinox, you’ll find spacious seating for up to five people. In addition, it offers a maximum cargo capacity of 63.9 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. A six-speaker sound system is standard, but the top two trims offer an optional seven-speaker Bose sound system for improved listening quality. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system comes standard and features a 7-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top trim level includes an upgraded 8-inch touch screen for better visibility when driving. This vehicle is also Wi-Fi hotspot capable.

The 2023 Terrain has a roomy cabin, too, with seating for five people and an excellent cargo capacity of up to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Your tunes will sound great on the six-speaker sound system, but you can also upgrade to the Bose seven-speaker audio system in this SUV. Upper trim levels offer comforts, such as ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, a head-up display, and a heated steering wheel. Available options you may want to consider are a retractable cargo shade, all-weather floor mats, and a first-aid kit.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for all drivers, which is why you’ll find an excellent array of standard and available safety features in both the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. For example, every trim level of the Equinox offers a following-distance indicator, forward collision alert, and front pedestrian braking. Parents will appreciate the Teen Driver feature if they have kids learning to drive, and the rear-seat reminder ensures you won’t forget anything when you exit the vehicle. Rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert are also available as separate options.

In the Terrain, you’ll also find a following-distance indicator and forward collision alert as standard safety features. An HD surround-vision camera is available for upper trim levels. This helpful feature allows you to get a better view of what’s around your vehicle when maneuvering in tight spaces. Rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking assist are a few other safety features you may want to consider when building out your perfect GMC Terrain. The standard tire pressure monitoring system lets you check the pressure in your tires from the driver’s seat.

We hope this comparison of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2023 GMC Terrain has helped you decide which SUV is the right option for you and your needs. If you’re still undecided or need additional information, stop by Vaden of Beaufort or contact us online to find out more about these fantastic vehicles. Our sales team is always available to answer your questions and show you what the car of your dreams offers. You can also take both of these capable SUVs out for a test drive to see which suits you best. We look forward to assisting you.

Image via Chevrolet