Comparing GMC and Chevy’s vehicles is like comparing apples and oranges: there are many similarities, but also clear differences. Both brands share platforms and powertrains, and both are renowned for their performance, safety, and sustainability. Chevy’s vehicles are usually more affordable, while GMC’s have more upscale features standard and available. Thus, when it comes to their compact SUVs, Chevy and GMC both have a fantastic model.
Chevy’s Equinox is popular for its agile handling and abundant safety features. In contrast, its upscale sibling, the GMC Terrain, is known for the same while adding luxury amenities. If you’ve been considering a 2026 Chevy Equinox or 2026 GMC Terrain for sale, understanding the differences and advantages is crucial. Today, we’ll be examining their value, features, and trim levels to help you determine which of these compact SUVs will suit you best.
Initial and Long-Term Value
The amount you pay for a vehicle upfront determines insurance premiums, taxes, and licensing fees. When choosing any vehicle, it’s important that the costs are fair and clear. In addition to upfront expenses and monthly premiums, however, your vehicle’s fuel economy also plays a role in the costs associated with vehicle ownership. We’ll begin our comparison here.
The 2026 GMC Terrain’s starting MSRP is $30,100, which is a fair price for a compact SUV. The 2026 Chevy Equinox sells for a slightly lower starting price of $28,700. The thriftiest drivers will clearly prefer the Equinox, but the difference is ultimately not too great (only $1,400, or less than one twentieth of the Equinox’s base price), so you could argue the base Terrain is a better bargain given how much more you’ll get standard.
Fuel is an expense that all drivers incur, regardless of what vehicle they own. The Terrain and Equinox share a powertrain configuration in a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 175 hp; in front-wheel drive (FWD), they make 184 lb-ft of torque and use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while models with all-wheel drive (AWD) make 203 lb-ft of torque and use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Given these mirrored setups, you’d think that their fuel economy figures would be the same, too. However, the Terrain has slightly more weight to it, given its extra features and rugged equipment. Thus, FWD Terrain models achieve 26 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway; AWD models see the same highway rating and 24 MPG in the city. Meanwhile, the FWD Equinox’s fuel economy fares slightly better, with the same city rating and 29 MPG on the highway.
Verdict: The differences between the starting MSRPs of these SUVs and their expected fuel expenditures are rather marginal. Both have the same powertrain configurations and performance stats, and although the Terrain narrowly trails in highway fuel economy, what you get in return makes up for it, as you’ll soon see.
Off-Road Trims: ACTIV vs AT4
Families appreciate the SUV segment for its prioritization of safety, seating, and storage. However, SUVs are also beloved for their ruggedness and off-roading capabilities. Thus, the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain have trims designed for adventure.
The 2026 Equinox ACTIV comes with standard AWD, all-terrain tires, and multiple drive modes that allow the vehicle to adapt to topographical changes. However, the ACTIV shares the same suspension as the Equinox’s other trims and offers no underbody protection, so while it can engage in off-roading, rough terrain is off-limits.
The 2026 Terrain AT4 likewise has the essential features that discerning off-roaders look for, such as standard AWD and all-terrain tires, but it expands its capabilities with a lifted suspension and skid plates, providing enhanced agility and protection. In addition to its design, the AT4 has a trim-exclusive Terrain Mode that facilitates rock-crawling, and it has standard Hill Descent Control, among other clever features.
Verdict: GMC’s Terrain AT4 is off-road ready, providing adventurers with enhanced capabilities for their treks off the pavement. Chevy’s Equinox ACTIV is a better adventurer than the model’s other trims, but the topography it can tackle is much more limited than what the Terrain AT4 can manage.
Interior Space and Technology
Drivers particularly appreciate SUVs for their spacious interiors, which provide comfortable seating and ample storage space. Modern SUVs also offer a range of features that extend beyond practicality, such as connectivity, convenience, and comfort amenities that make time behind the wheel more enjoyable. The Terrain and Equinox have numerous such features that are too enticing to pass up.
Because the Equinox and Terrain share a platform, they offer comparable seating and storage arrangements. Both vehicles comfortably seat five and offer up to 63.5 cu.ft. of cargo room. Both also have heated front seats standard on all trim levels, though the Terrain’s Denali trim adds standard ventilation to the front seats (available on the other two trims) as well as leather upholstery. Ventilated front seats are only ever available on the Equinox, and for only its top two trims.
The modern driver craves connectivity, and both the Terrain and Equinox come with an intuitive and user-friendly infotainment system. Every Equinox has an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that includes wireless connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every GMC Terrain has a larger touchscreen, at 15 inches, and the same connectivity tech. Both make a wireless smartphone charging pad available on their entry-level trim and standard on their two higher trims.
Verdict: The Terrain and Equinox both meet the modern criteria for connectivity tech, though the Terrain goes a touch beyond with its larger interface. Furthermore, the Terrain’s inclusion and availability of more upscale comfort amenities make it a stronger choice, even at the base level.
Driver Assistance Features
Now, we turn our attention to the most important aspect of any vehicle: safety. Regardless of what you drive, nothing compares to the peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your passengers are safe on the road. Again, given their shared origins, both of these compact SUVs have a broad range of standard features that offer protection and oversight.
Both have standard tools like enhanced automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, adaptive cruise control, automated high beams, blind-zone steering assist, an HD rearview camera, and Teen Driver, GM’s virtual report card for young drivers. As for available safety tech, both models again offer the same fare, though the Terrain makes a few standard on some trims. For example, HD Surround Vision is available on any 2026 Equinox, but it is standard on the 2026 Terrain Denali and available on the lower two trims.
Verdict: Both offer a wealth of standard driver assistance features, but the Terrain has a slight edge when it comes to the inclusion of extra features. Regardless of which compact SUV you pick, though, you can drive with confidence.
Why You’ll Prefer the 2026 GMC Terrain
Both of these compact SUVs have their advantages. The 2026 Equinox costs a little less upfront and has a slightly better fuel economy on the highway, making it the better pick if you’re purely pragmatic. However, if you intend to ever take your SUV off the pavement, you’ll want the 2026 Terrain. You might also prefer the Terrain for its better comfort and safety amenities, as you get nicer features standard and even more available.
If you intend to go above the basic trim level on whichever compact SUV you buy brand-new, you will surely get more pleasure out of a GMC Terrain over a Chevy Equinox.
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