VS
At a Glance
Power
175hp @ 5600
139hp @ 5700
Torque
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
195lb-ft
Fuel
27 mpg est.
49 mpg est.
Engine
—
1.6 L/96ci
Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox and the KIA Niro is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chevrolet Equinox delivers 175hp @ 5600 while the KIA Niro produces 139hp @ 5700. On fuel, the Equinox returns 27 mpg est. while the Niro uses 49 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $35,600 for the Equinox and $35,490 for the Niro. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Chevrolet EquinoxAWD 4dr RS w/2RS 2026 - From $35,600
KIA NiroSX Touring FWD 2026 - From $35,490
Performance
Power Output (hp)
175hp @ 5600
139hp @ 5700
Torque (lb-ft)
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
195lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
1.6 L/96ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
49 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25mpg
53 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
45 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
11.1gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.2in
174in
Width (in)
74.9in
71.9in
Height (in)
65.6in
60.8in
Wheelbase (in)
107.5in
107.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3629lbs
3071lbs
Safety
ABS
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Equinox
Fuel Economy
Niro
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Chevrolet Equinox
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (27 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
KIA Niro
Better fuel economy (49 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($35,490)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Equinox or Niro?
The Equinox gets 27 mpg est. and the Niro gets 49 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Niro is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Equinox or Niro?
The Equinox produces 175hp @ 5600 and 203lb-ft @ 2000-4000 of torque while the Niro delivers 139hp @ 5700 and 195lb-ft of torque. The Equinox is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Equinox and Niro?
The Equinox starts from $35,600 and the Niro from $35,490, a difference of just $110, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Equinox or the Niro?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.