2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Kia Sportage
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Equinox bursts onto the scene with a fresh, bolder look, aiming for mainstream appeal with its 175 horsepower engine and a competitive MSRP of $28,600. Conversely, the 2025 Kia Sportage grabs attention with its slightly more potent power delivery, boasting 187 horsepower, while undercutting the Chevy with a base price of just $27,390. For efficiency on long hauls, the Sportage shines, achieving a superior 32 MPG highway compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG highway, though both achieve a respectable 27 combined MPG. Where practicality reigns, the Sportage decisively wins the cargo battle, offering a massive 39.6 cu ft versus the Equinox's 29.8 cu ft. The transmission difference is key: the Equinox uses a CVT, while the Sportage features a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering a more engaging drive for many buyers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage wins for commuters due to its superior highway fuel economy of 32 MPG compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG.
2025 Kia Sportage
Families will benefit significantly from the Kia Sportage's cavernous 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the Equinox's 29.8 cu ft.
2025 Kia Sportage
Enthusiasts will prefer the Sportage's 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and slightly higher 187 horsepower output over the Equinox's CVT and 175 horsepower.
2025 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage offers superior horsepower and cargo volume while carrying a lower starting MSRP of $27,390 against the Equinox's $28,600.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You prefer the larger exterior dimensions, with the Equinox being slightly wider at 74.9 inches for a more planted feel.
- You are comfortable with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission prioritizing smooth, unstepped acceleration.
- You want the Equinox's specific front-wheel-drive setup which delivers a combined 27 MPG using regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You prioritize maximum storage space, as the Sportage delivers an impressive 39.6 cubic feet of cargo room.
- You demand slightly more power, as the Sportage delivers 187 horsepower versus the Equinox's 175 horsepower.
- You are seeking the lower entry price point, starting at $27,390 compared to the Equinox's $28,600.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 183.5" |
| Width | 74.9" | 73.4" |
| Height | 65.6" | 65.4" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 25/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 357.5/457.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.2 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.8 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.7 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2025 Kia Sportage.
Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving?
The 2025 Kia Sportage edges out the Chevrolet Equinox in highway cruising, achieving 32 MPG highway compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG highway. Both vehicles share an identical combined rating of 27 MPG.
Is the 2025 Equinox or Sportage better for hauling luggage?
The 2025 Kia Sportage is the clear winner for hauling capacity, offering a massive 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox provides significantly less room at 29.8 cubic feet.
What is the main difference in how these two vehicles accelerate?
The Equinox utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which keeps power delivery smooth but potentially less engaging. The Sportage employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which complements its slightly higher 187 horsepower output.
How close are the starting prices for the base models?
The difference in entry price is noticeable, with the 2025 Kia Sportage starting at a more accessible $27,390 MSRP. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has a slightly higher starting MSRP of $28,600.
Do these crossovers require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Kia Sportage run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, making daily refueling costs more predictable for owners.
Does the size difference between the two affect their handling characteristics?
While both are similar in length (183.5 inches vs 183.2 inches), the Sportage is narrower at 73.4 inches compared to the Equinox's 74.9 inches, which might slightly favor the Sportage in tight urban maneuvers.
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