Equinox vs Sportage
For compact suv shoppers, the Equinox from Chevrolet and the Sportage from Kia are two of the obvious candidates. Lay the spec sheets side by side and you’ll see more overlap than contrast.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Engine & Performance0.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Sportage has 12 hp more power
It’s a small lead (187 hp versus 175 hp), but it’s real, and it goes to the Sportage. The Sportage’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Equinox has 25 lb-ft more torque
The Sportage isn’t far behind at 178 lb-ft, but the Equinox’s 203 lb-ft still comes out ahead. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 108.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
Neither has the whole package on engine & performance. The Equinox has 25 lb-ft more torque, while the Sportage has 12 hp more power. On engine & performance, each car makes a fair case, so let your priorities decide.
Total system output
Equinox: 175 hp Sportage: 187 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Equinox: 203 lb-ft Sportage: 178 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Both the Equinox and the Sportage cover space & practicality equally well on paper. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the Equinox and the Sportage are effectively level. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Equinox | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 175 hp | 187 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft (winner) | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | N/A (not specified) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 39.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 74.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 108.5 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Equinox if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (203 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Chevrolet’s products
Choose the Sportage if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (187 hp vs 175 hp)
- you trust Kia and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Equinox or the Sportage?
It depends on your priorities: the Equinox is stronger on pulling power, while the Sportage leads on performance.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Equinox and the Sportage. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the Equinox has 25 lb-ft more torque. Fairness check: the Sportage does come with 12 hp more power.
A quick self-test: do you care more about pulling power or performance? The first answer means the Equinox, the second means the Sportage.
My pick: it depends. Go for the Equinox if pulling power comes first for you, or the Sportage if performance does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.