Equinox vs Ariya
The Equinox and the Ariya are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. The data points to two closely matched options rather than a clear favorite.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Ariya wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Engine & Performance1.0
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 Ariya has 39 hp more power
The Ariya’s 214 hp leaves the Equinox’s 175 hp well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Ariya has 18 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the Ariya edges out the Equinox, 221 lb-ft to 203 lb-ft. The Ariya’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 182.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 65.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,323 lb |
Engine & Performance
Ariya leads
The Ariya clearly takes the engine & performance round. The Ariya delivers 39 hp more power. The Ariya’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If this section decides it for you, choose the Ariya.
Total system output
Equinox: 175 hp Ariya: 214 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Equinox: 203 lb-ft Ariya: 221 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on space & practicality. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the Equinox and the Ariya cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
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 | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | Electric motor, 63 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 175 hp | 214 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | N/A (not specified) | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (e-4ORCE AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 216 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 37 in Least rear legroom |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 6.30 in Lowest ground clearance |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 182.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 65.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 109.3 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,323 lb |
Price
| Spec | Equinox | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $39,770 |
“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 Ariya if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (214 hp vs 175 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (221 lb-ft vs 203 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Nissan
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Equinox or the Ariya?
On the specs compared here, the Ariya makes more sense for most buyers; the Equinox doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Equinox from Chevrolet and the Ariya from Nissan go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. For me, the deciding factor is that only the Ariya gives you 39 hp more power.
I’d steer the things a spec sheet can’t capture fans toward the Equinox and engine & performance fans toward the Ariya.
My pick: the Ariya.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.