If you’ve found yourself sifting through specs and unsure of whether to choose the 2018 Chevy Equinox vs. 2018 Kia Sportage, you’ve come to the right place. Firstly, it’s important to note that comparing these two vehicles is like comparing apples and oranges, they have similar characteristics but are ultimately different. Both vehicles are phenomenal family vehicles with a touch of sophistication. However, they each definitely have shortcomings of their own. If you’re still debating between the two, I urge you to read on.
What’s it Going to Cost?
Let’s start with what’s really important… the monthly payment. Before you decide to go with the Equinox or the Sportage, you have to decide which one will be financially feasible. The 2018 Chevy Equinox has a starting MSRP of $23,580 and the 2018 Kia Sportage begins at $23,600. While these are nearly identical prices, the 2018 does have an edge with its impressive fuel efficiency which will save drivers a hefty sum each month.
Determining your exact monthly payment will come down to a variety of factors including your down payment, trade-in value, and desired loan length. Additional monthly costs are also important to consider, such as insurance, fuel, and regular maintenance. When it comes down to cost, these are all important factors to consider. Be sure to talk to your local dealership for a more exact estimate on your monthly payments for these vehicles.
Safety Highlights
The Chevy Equinox has the following safety features that we think are non-negotiables:
- Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
- Daytime Running Lights
- Front Impact, Driver Side Impact, Passenger Side Impact, and Overhead Airbags
- Seatbelt Pretensioners
- Ignition Disable
- Panic Alarm
- Tracker System
- Security System
The Kia Sportage has a similar list of specs, including:
- Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
- Daytime Running Lights
- Front Impact, Driver Side Impact, Passenger Side Impact, and Overhead Airbags
- Side Impact Bars
Now, although these lists are fairly similar, there are a few major differences. The first difference between the two is the fact that the Chevy Equinox has a Tracker System feature which would be imperative if the vehicle were ever to be stolen or if a parent would like to find out where their child is with the vehicle. However, the Kia Sportage has an Occupancy Sensor which will ensure that all members of the group in the vehicle are safely buckled. Although these are seemingly minor details in the grand scheme of car buying, it could be said that the details are the most important part. For example, we’d rather have the Tracker System and not need it, than need it and not have it.
How Do They Measure Up?
The Chevy Equinox is about 7 inches longer than the Kia Sportage and about 1 inch narrower. It is also about 100 lbs lighter than the Sportage, weighing in at 3,274 lbs (curb weight). As far as legroom and headroom goes, both vehicles are within 1 inch of one another, so you won’t find much of a difference there. But if you’re looking at these SUVs in terms of capability, the 2018 Chevy Equinox pleases drivers with up to 252 hp, powering up to 3,500 LBS of towing capacity. The 2018 Chevy Equinox also satisfies drivers looking for a safe, family vehicle with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA.
What We Like About the Chevy Equinox
The Chevy Equinox combines the best of practicality, functionality, and modern style. From the keyless start, to the backup camera, to the stability control, this vehicle was built for fun and safety. The Equinox is a picture of versatility and class. The exterior of the vehicle is classic and modern, which is great for any potential buyer. It seems to appeal to many audiences, which makes it a crowd favorite. Across its four trim levels, the 2018 Chevy Equinox is available in twelve exterior colors including the exciting Cajun Red Tintcoat and Ivy Metallic, and the more subdued Iridescent Pearl Tricoat and Silver Ice Metallic.
Another positive attribute of the Chevy Equinox is the interior which has an upscale feel and is more sophisticated than its counterpart, the Sportage. Arguably, the best part about the Equinox is the fact that it is easy on the wallet due to the fact that it gets up to 39 MPG on the highway. The Chevy Equinox also has a turbocharged engine, which cannot be said for its rival, the Sportage. Another aspect of the Chevy Equinox that we love is the Android Auto and the Apple CarPlay compatibility. These features directly contribute to the safety of the driver and ensure that he or she will remain hands-free.
What We Like About the Kia Sportage
The Sportage has a more sleek look than the Equinox, which can be appealing to anyone looking for a more elegant-looking vehicle. However, under the hood, the Sportage does not have the same power or fuel economy that the Equinox has. While as mentioned above, the 2018 Chevy Equinox offers up to 39 MPG on the highway, the Kia Sportage fails to compete with its 30 MPG on the highway. However, we appreciate that the Kia Sportage is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, much like the Chevy Equinox. And drivers appreciate the redesign of the 2018 Kia Sportage, which improved the quality of the interior materials and upgraded its safety and entertainment technologies. While on the exterior, the 2018 Kia Sportage is available in eight colors across its three trim levels. These include Hyper Red, Pacific Blue, and Sparkling Silver, which make for pleasing exterior color options.
2018 Chevy Equinox vs The 2018 Kia Sportage – The Verdict?
Although both vehicles provide safety, innovation, and practicality to the table, they are very different in many aspects. Most importantly, the Chevy Equinox is ultimately going to cost less per month with its fair starting MSRP and top-of-the-line fuel efficiency. If this is important to you, then the Equinox already has a leg up on the Kia Sportage. More importantly, the 2018 Chevy Equinox offers impressive power and capability, making it a truly versatile SUV for a variety of lifestyles. Although both vehicles would make any consumer happy, we have to favor the 2018 Chevy Equinox due to the overall comfort, cost, and performance of this crowd-pleasing compact SUV.
