VS
At a Glance
Power
175hp @ 5600
187hp @ 6100
Torque
184lb-ft @ 2000-4800
178lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
28 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Towing
—
1653lbs
Engine
—
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox and the KIA Sportage is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chevrolet Equinox delivers 175hp @ 5600 while the KIA Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Equinox returns 28 mpg est. while the Sportage uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $28,800 for the Equinox and $28,690 for the Sportage. 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 EquinoxFWD 4dr LT w/1LT 2026 - From $28,800
KIA SportageLX FWD 2026 - From $28,690
Performance
Power Output (hp)
175hp @ 5600
187hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
184lb-ft @ 2000-4800
178lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
33 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.8gal
14.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.2in
183.5in
Width (in)
74.9in
73.4in
Height (in)
65.6in
65.4in
Wheelbase (in)
107.5in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3428lbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
1653lbs
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
—
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ 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
KIA Sportage
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sportage
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Tied
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
Chevrolet Equinox
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($28,690)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Equinox or Sportage?
The Equinox gets 28 mpg est. and the Sportage gets 29 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sportage 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 Sportage?
The Equinox produces 175hp @ 5600 and 184lb-ft @ 2000-4800 of torque while the Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Sportage is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Equinox and Sportage?
The Equinox starts from $28,800 and the Sportage from $28,690, 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.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Equinox or Sportage?
The Equinox has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Sportage can tow 1653lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Equinox or the Sportage?
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.