GMC Terrain vs Chevy Equinox: Which Is Right for You?

Shopping around for a Chevy Equinox or GMC Terrain for sale near Booneville? When you know you need a compact SUV that’s fuel-efficient, easy to handle, and packed with great technology, these are both solid options. 

Since both Chevy and GMC are General Motors brands, you can expect reliability, refined powertrains, thoughtful technology, and comfortable cabins from both. So, how are you to choose between the two?

The truth is that these two models have a lot in common. But their limited number of differences is pretty significant. Today, we’ll go over what you can expect from either model and what sets them apart, to help you narrow down your selection.

Performance Perks Across the Board

Let’s start by looking at the foundation of these models: their engines and drivetrains. Both models are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers 175 hp. It has all the get-up-and-go most Booneville drivers require, while offering impressive fuel economy.

Speaking of fuel economy, the numbers for the two models are nearly identical. Both get you an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city, but the Terrain achieves 28 MPG on the highway, while the Equinox achieves 29 MPG on the highway. You likely won’t notice that difference, though, and both are solid models for commuters.

When those rainy days hit Mississippi, you’ll be ready to tackle the roads in either model. Both have available all-wheel drive for exceptional traction on wet roads. If you need to tow a small trailer like a boat or camper out for an adventure, you’ll have 1,500 lbs of towing capacity in either model.

When it comes to the way your small SUV drives, how far it can go before you need gas, and what it can tow, the 2026 Equinox and Terrain are effectively the same. 

Cabin Comforts and Amenities

When we get inside these two models, depending on the trim, you might start to notice some differences.

The first difference will be clear whichever trim you choose, and that’s the touchscreen. For the 2026 Equinox, the touchscreen is 11.3 inches. Meanwhile, for the Terrain, it’s 15 inches. You get over three additional inches of display in the Terrain. For drivers who can’t stand having to look twice or squint to see their navigation or other touchscreen graphics, the Terrain’s 15-inch screen might be more appealing. 

As for cargo, the two models boast identical capacities. With the rear seats down, you’ll have 63.5 cu.ft of room for your belongings. Put up that second row for passengers, and you have 29.8 cu.ft in the trunk.

If luxury amenities are important to you, you’ll find more of these in the Terrain. That’s because the Terrain offers the Denali trim, a high-end trim available across the GMC lineup. It’s going to offer luxury features the Equinox does not have. One of these is leather-appointed seats, creating an undeniable sophisticated appeal.

The Denali trim also features standard heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. This is available as an add-on for some Equinox models, but is not standard on any of them. The Terrain Denali additionally has a standard HD surround vision camera, giving you a comprehensive look at your surroundings. This is again a feature available on some Equinox trims, but it is never standard. 

It’s also worth noting that only the Equinox has a performance-inspired trim, the RS. It gets you a flat-bottom steering wheel, which is something you can’t find on any Terrain trim. If you like a more sporty aesthetic to your SUV, this is the one to go for.

Rugged and Luxurious Trim Options

If you plan on doing some off-roading around Booneville, you have a rugged trim option for both the Equinox and the Terrain. For the Equinox, it’s the ACTIV trim, and for the Terrain, it’s the AT4.

The Terrain’s AT4 trim is without question more rugged than the Equinox’s ACTIV trim, though. While the Equinox ACTIV does get you all-terrain tires, the other rugged features are mostly stylistic.

For instance, the Terrain AT4 has real front recovery hooks, so if you get stuck in a rut, a fellow adventurer can pull you out. The Equinox does not, making it difficult to get it out if it gets bogged down.

While the Equinox ACTIV does have available Normal, Snow/Ice, and Off-Road modes, only the Terrain AT4 gets Terrain mode. This low-speed off-road mode optimizes traction and control for crawling over boulders and tricky (you guessed it) terrain.

Put simply, the Terrain’s trims are just more of whatever is promised. The luxury trim is more luxurious than the Equinox’s, and the off-road trim is more rugged than the Equinox’s.

Comparing Pricing

Now, while the Equinox lacks some of the perks the Terrain has, it makes up for it in price. It is decidedly the more wallet-friendly option of the two, starting at just $28,700 for the LT trim.^[a] Meanwhile, the Terrain’s base model, the Elevation, starts at $30,100, a good $1,400 more than the Equinox.^[a]

As you move up the trim lineup, the price differences become even more pronounced. The Equinox’s next two trims, the RS and the ACTIV, both sit at $33,600.^[a] Look at the Terrain’s AT4 trim, and you’ll see a price tag of $39,300.^[a] Step up to the Denali, and you will pay $41,800.^[a] So there’s a roughly $8,000 difference between the top trim of the Equinox and the Terrain.

If you’re looking to keep costs low, the Equinox is the obvious choice. You can go up to the top trim and remain below $35,000. And, with the LT trim, you can stay beneath $30,000. There is no Terrain option below $30,000.

Slide Into an SUV That Will Make Every Drive More Fun

Think you know which of these small SUVs is right for your life? Come take either one for a test drive here at Crossroads Chevrolet GMC! We proudly carry GMC and Chevy models, and our team includes experts in both brands, providing the insights necessary to guide you towards your perfect choice.

We’re located in the northern part of Mississippi, so we know the regional weather and traffic patterns in Booneville. That makes us uniquely fit to make custom vehicle recommendations. It also puts us just a short drive from your city, so make the trip to discover a tremendous inventory of GMC and Chevy models.

The Chevy Equinox is going to be the best option for those watching their spending. However, those looking for more luxury perks or advanced off-road features can spring for the AT4 or Denali trim of the Terrain.

Whichever SUV you choose, you can count on solid fuel economy, available all-wheel drive, light towing capabilities, and more. Performance is impressive and reliable across both options. Come take either of these models for a test drive today!

We will not only help you select your SUV, but we can also assist you in obtaining a lease or loan. With on-site financing, we make it easy to afford the Chevy Equinox or GMC Terrain of your choosing!

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^[a] MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, and accessories. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details. 

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