Equinox EV vs Sportage
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Chevrolet’s Equinox EV and Kia’s Sportage target the same compact suv space in different ways. You won’t find a dramatic mismatch here: the Equinox EV and the Sportage are close on nearly every line that counts.
At a glance
- Space & Practicality Sportage wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Space & Practicality3.0
- Space & Practicality6.6
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 50% more cargo space
The Equinox EV gives up a lot on cargo (behind rear seats): 26.4 cu ft, compared with 39.6 cu ft on the Sportage. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Sportage has 30% more maximum cargo space
Few buyers will miss this one. The Sportage brings 74.1 cu ft to the table; the Equinox EV brings 57.2 cu ft. The Sportage can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
-
The Equinox EV has
We don’t score this one. The Equinox EV lists 116.3 in and the Sportage 108.5 in, and the better choice depends on your needs. A shorter wheelbase can make a car more agile in tight turns and parking lots.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox EV | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | 108.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Nothing to tally in the engine & performance section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Equinox EV and the Sportage each use.
Space & Practicality
Sportage leads
No contest in space & practicality: the Sportage is the stronger of the two. The Sportage gives you 50% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Sportage is the safer choice.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Equinox EV: 26.4 cu ft Sportage: 39.6 cu ft The Sportage’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Cargo (seats folded)
Equinox EV: 57.2 cu ft Sportage: 74.1 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if off-road & towing was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the Equinox EV and the Sportage list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Equinox EV | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Gas |
| Engine | Single-motor electric | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | N/A (not specified) | 187 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox EV | 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 |
| Electric range | 319 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox EV | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 26.4 cu ft | 39.6 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft | 74.1 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox EV | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox EV | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | No Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (Google built-in) | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox EV | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | 108.5 in |
Price
| Spec | Equinox EV | Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,600 | N/A (not specified) |
“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 EV if…
- you’re comfortable with how Chevrolet does things
Choose the Sportage if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (39.6 cu ft vs 26.4 cu ft)
- you want more room with the seats folded (74.1 cu ft vs 57.2 cu ft)
- you’re loyal to Kia and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Equinox EV or the Sportage?
On the specs compared here, the Sportage makes more sense for most buyers; the Equinox EV doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Equinox EV and the Sportage chase the same buyer. In the details, Chevrolet and Kia made different calls. Honestly, 50% more cargo space on the Sportage does a lot of the persuading for me.
I think of the Equinox EV as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the Sportage as the one for space & practicality.
My pick: the Sportage.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.