GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox: Compare Crossover SUVs

The 2025 Chevy Equinox and 2025 GMC Terrain emerge from the GM family of crossover SUVs as siblings assembled in the same plant, sharing similar powertrains, and with much of the same tech backgrounds. The nature vs. nurture debate showcases their different personalities.

It’s more than just how GM dresses them over their identical bodies. But which one is better, and why is it worth your money? Those questions beget more questions. Naturally, we’ll try to answer them here.  

What do the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox compare to?

Rivals for both vehicles include the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue—in short, the bestselling non-trucks in the U.S. in the most popular and competitive segment.  

 

GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox size, comfort, and cargo space

• Both are compact crossover SUVs
• Both have between 30 and 64 cubic feet of cargo space
• The Terrain’s bolder styling gets the nod

The Terrain and Equinox may look strikingly different, but they’re very close in terms of interior space and comfort.

Is the GMC Terrain a good-looking car?

We like the modern look, with its references to bigger, brawnier GMC vehicles. The octagonal grille gets clamped into place with C-shaped running lights, and the side windows taper in an interesting way. The new AT4 adds an off-road vibe with 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and red tow hooks, as well as some mechanical upgrades. 

Inside, the Terrain has a blocky theme, with knobs and switches that are common to some other GM products—save for a transmission that uses toggles instead of a shift lever. It takes a minute to get used to. The Terrain has high-end trim in its Denali edition, and it almost justifies a higher price tag. 

Is Terrain or Equinox bigger? 

They’re both about the same size, but the Terrain delivers more for the dollar in terms of comfort. It has front seats that wear leather or cloth, and have manual adjustment or power, depending on the trim level. The seats have good support and the Terrain offers good storage for smartphones and the like.

In back, the rear doors open wide to accommodate tall passengers, who also get about 40 inches of legroom. It’s good for two large people, not three—it’s not wide enough for that. The cargo hold expands from about 30 to 63.3 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. In general the Terrain has finer interior trim than the bargain-oriented Equinox.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox a good-looking car?

It follows the Chevy Traverse three-row SUV in appearing more boxy and masculine, with flared fenders, boxy wheel arches, and optional black roofs for a two-tone look. Stretching 2.5 inches wider than its softly style predecessor, the new Equinox wears a broad mesh grille flanked by slim LED daytime running lights. LED taillights in the shape of a boomerang cap both ends. The new Activ model approximates the Terrain AT4 with 17-inch wheels wrapping in all-terrain tires, and the RS adds more black trim elements and 20-inch wheels. 

Interior space is where the bargain-priced Equinox shines. Like the Terrain, it has about 64 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and rear-seat passengers get nearly 40 inches of legroom. The redesign appears best with the tech glow-up that streamlines the dash. An 11.0-inch instrument cluster runs into an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in services and, yes, still offering Apple CarPlay. It’s even wireless. Slim vents and climate controls finish off the center stack, while round vents flank the dash. 

Advantage: Terrain.

 

Equinox vs. Terrain performance and towing

• A 175-hp 1.5-liter turbo-4 powers both
• Front-wheel-drive models have a CVT, but AWD models use an 8-speed automatic
• The drivetrain setup gets more confusing, but towing maxes out at 1,500 pounds on either

Are the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain 4WD?

Front-wheel drive is standard, but a part-time all-wheel-drive system can be had for $2,000 on each. It’s a curious setup made complex to appeal to fuel efficiency ratings. In the Equinox, a button on the left side of the dash by your knee engages the all-wheel-drive system. The Terrain’s AWD selector is in the console, so it’s simpler. Press either button once and it will remain engaged even if you turn the engine off then on again. Once turned off, they will be front-wheel drive, even if the wheels slip.

Every Equinox has 7.2 inches of ground clearance regardless of trim and tire, as does the Terrain. But the Terrain AT4 rises to 8.1 inches and has a specific crawl mode, a front skid plate, and an off-road-specific suspension. We’ll update this when we test it. We wouldn’t recommend off-roading in the Equinox. 

The Equinox absorbs bumps readily, even with the available 19-inch wheels, and has well-weighted steering that imparts some confidence for what’s really an economy car on stilts. Stick with the smaller wheels and tires if the pavement’s sketchy and patchy where you drive. 

How fast are the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain?

Fast is not the forte of these crossovers. The 1.5-liter turbo-4 makes 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, but opting for AWD boosts torque to 203 lb-ft. The front-drive models are more responsive off the line. The 8-speed automatic can feel unmotivated but its main motivation is optimizing fuel economy, not letting you tip towards the red for a sportiness that just isn’t there. Towing ratings max out at 1,500 pounds with all-wheel drive, or just 800 pounds with front-wheel drive. Wheel-and-tire combinations range from 17- to 20-inchers. 

Advantage: It’s a draw.

GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox price, trims, and features

• The Equinox arrives in LT ($29,995), RS ($35,395), and Activ ($35,395) grades, including $1,395 destination 
• The Terrain comes in Elevation ($31,395); the AT4 and Denali grades arrive later in 2025 as 2026 models 
• Best bets: Chevy Equinox EV is the best bet here; if you don’t want EV, then the base Equinox LT

It is bizarre that GMC launched the 2025 Terrain but only in the base Elevation grade. The AT4 and Denali models arrive early next year and will be classified as 2026 models. This may seem flippant, but the Equinox EV is the best value here. It costs about $35,000 and qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. That makes it the least expensive option. The cost of ownership is lower, too.

We get not everyone is ready or wants an EV. In that case, skip the Terrain’s bizarre rollout and stick with the more straightforward Equinox. 

Which Chevrolet Equinox should I buy?

The base LT has  an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster, an 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power accessories, cloth upholstery, heated front seats that are manually adjustable, remote start, and 17-inch alloy wheels. We would add the $2,200 Convenience Package II for a power driver seat, dual-zone climate control, a power tailgate, and a wireless smartphone charger. The RS and Activ grades aren’t worth the $5,400 upcharge in our eyes. 

Which GMC Terrain should I buy?

The only one you can buy for now is the Elevation. It has an 11.0-inch digital information cluster and a 15.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto delivered over a Google Built-in interface. It should come with remote start, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Advantage: Equinox.

Equinox vs. Terrain safety features

• Both have standard automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control
• Neither model has been crash-tested yet

How safe is the GMC Terrain?

The Terrain has standard automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. 

How safe is the Chevrolet Equinox?

The Equinox comes with front and rear automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. A surround-view camera system is available.

Advantage: A draw.

Chevy Equinox vs. GMC Terrain gas mileage

• Equinox FWD gets 26 mpg city, 28 highway, 27 combined; AWD gets 24/29/26 mpg 
• Terrain FWD gets 26/28/27 mpg; AWD gets 24/28/25 mpg
• Neither has a hybrid option, but the Equinox could be had as an electric vehicle

Advantage: Equinox.

Which is better, GMC Terrain or Chevy Equinox?

The Chevy Equinox paints a more complete picture and a better array of choices, until the other models arrive.