GMC Terrain or Chevy Equinox, What Are the Differences?
General Motors’ twin small crossovers the GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox are super similar but appeal to two different types of drivers. General Motors updated the Equinox for 2022 with new front end, and a new trim option. The Terrain also saw a similar update in 2022. The differences are subtle if you’re considering a GMC Terrain or Chevy Equinox.
Both are known for clever packaging that makes them the roomiest SUVs in the segment. They are bigger on the inside than others in the small SUV class. The big news for 2022 is new colors for each, and an all-wheel-drive package with skid-plates for the Terrain. Unfortunately, the powerful 2-liter four cylinder from the 2021 models was dropped for 2022.
They’re twins underneath and pretty much inside
Both crossovers feature GM’s 170-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both can be ordered as a front-wheel-drive crossover, or with all-wheel-drive. They both come with a seven-inch touchscreen with Amazon Alexa. You can order either with wi-fi hotspots, rear vision cameras, as well as automatic emergency braking, following distance indicator, collision alert, lane keep assist and much more.
The maximum cargo room, with the rear seat folded, is 63.9 cubic feet in the Equinox. It’s 63.3 in the Terrain with the rear seat folded.
The GMC Terrain or Chevy Equinox transmissions makes the crossovers feel different
One has a six-speed automatic, and one a nine-speed. The Chevrolet Equinox has the six, and with the six it gets 26 miles-per-gallon in the city and 31 on the highway in front-wheel-drive trim. The nine-speed automatic in the Terrain means 25 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.
The Equinox is Chevy’s best-selling crossover
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $25,800, but that trim is only available as a special order. You’re more likely to find the LT version on your dealer’s lot. The LT has comes with a long list of standard features such as an eight-way power driver seat, body color mirrors and deep-tinted glass, as well as a wide range of convenience packages.
While the Terrain gets an off-road package, the Equinox gets an RS package. The RS used to stand for Rally Sport, bt that means it adds a sporty touch to the Equinox. The RS has larger wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual zone climate control, as well as some driver safety aids. The Premier has a hands-free power liftgate, fog lamps, memory settings, and a larger eight-inch infotainment screen.
The Terrain gets a new AT4 off-road package
The Terrain has more aggressive styling that gives it an off-road-ready look. True to that look, you can order it with an all-wheel-drive Traction Select System that has three modes. You can select front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, and off-road that optimizes the traction control for driving on dirt and mud.
The only engine option for 2022 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
SLE starts at $30,695, the SLT and AT4 models start at $34,695 and $35,195. The ultimate Denali package starts at $37,795. You can add a lot to the Denali package, including the Denali Premium Package that adds automatic parking assist, HD Surround Vision cameras, adaptive cruise control and heated and ventilated seats. The AT4 package, like GMC’s trucks with the AT4 badge, is the off-road version.
