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26/31 MPG | Fuel Economy (city/hwy) | 24/29 MPG |
29.9 cu.ft. | Cargo Space Behind 2nd Row | 12.6 |
5 Stars | NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 4 Stars |
SUVs have become staples on city streets, open highways, and trails everywhere due to their undeniable versatility, extreme function, and spacious designs. When you want to be able to do more, travel better, and enjoy increased comfort, an SUV can help you do just that, and two popular options to compare today are the 2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Kia Sorento. Armed with capable engines, stylish features, and excellent safety features, these two dynamic travelers make any journey more invigorating.
If you're wondering which one you should pick, it's time to take some notes. We're comparing the 2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Kia Sorento in our latest showdown to see which SUV offers drivers and passengers more on any ride, no matter the destination. If you want to experience the best of the best, you'll find that one of these enthusiastic commuters performs well above expectations, leaving you craving more.
Performance is key when shopping for an SUV. After all, you may find yourself navigating tricky road conditions, inclement weather, or long road trips, which means you expect a lot out of your vehicle. When it comes to thrilling capabilities, the 2021 Chevy Equinox and the 2021 Kia Sorento both deliver dramatic rides, but one just offers more. Discover the power of each SUV to determine which one is better suited to offer you a legendary experience.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox is available with a standard turbocharged engine, bringing you maximum power and efficiency. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, you can expect an enjoyable ride out of the Equinox with smooth handling and effortless maneuverability. With 203 lb-ft of torque under the hood, you're able to accelerate quickly, making it easy to keep up with traffic on the road. And with exceptional gas mileage of 26 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, you're able to revel in top-notch efficiency no matter where you're traveling in the Equinox.
You have your choice of a couple of two engines in the 2021 Sorento, but the standard four-cylinder only provides 181 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, you can expect a nice ride out of the Sorento, which makes it a healthy competitor against the Equinox. Where Kia's SUV does fall short, however, is its fuel efficiency. Even the base Sorento engine gets slightly less than the Equinox at 24 MPG on city streets and 29 MPG on the highway. Upgrading to the optional Sorento engine cuts efficiency to just 22 MPG in the city.
Traveling anywhere is the name of the game when you're riding in an SUV, and when you take a trip in the 2021 Equinox, you'll get to enjoy all-wheel drive capabilities like no other. Easily switch into all-wheel drive when you choose that option on the LS, LT, or Premier models and enjoy increased control on any road. With impressive suspension and traction control, even the bumpiest of roads won't slow you down, making the Equinox a top pick for adventurous families everywhere. The Sorento is also available with all-wheel drive capabilities, in addition to enhanced traction and stability control features.
Both the 2021 Chevy Equinox and the 2021 Kia Sorento offer up a fine selection of engines, but when you want to get the most out of your vehicle without overpaying, the Equinox is a top pick. With better gas mileage and more torque than the Sorento's base option, the Equinox showcases a lively ride without forcing drivers to upgrade. Because of this, our choice is the Equinox when it comes to overall capabilities.
Your journey is more than what's under the hood; it's also about your comfort level behind the wheel and keeping your passengers cozy and entertained. That's where the 2021 Chevy Equinox and the 2021 Kia Sorento really impress. Let's delve into what makes each SUV special when it comes to interior features.
There are a number of ways to express your individuality when you're traveling in the 2021 Equinox, and with so many models and special editions available, you'll be sure to find what you're looking for in an instant. If luxury is on your mind, you may want to choose the Premier trim, which features leather-appointed seating, as well as a power driver seat and more sophisticated elements throughout. With room for five, the Equinox makes the most out of its spacious interior, offering multiple ways to configure its seats and a maximum cargo volume of 63.9 cu. ft. From folding 60/40 split-bench seats to hidden storage and more, being able to haul anything is effortless in the Equinox.
You'll find the interior of the 2021 Sorento nicely designed with many ways to customize your space as well. Choose from a number of trims, ranging from basic to more refined, and with enhanced features like available captain's chairs and 3D-embossed genuine leather seating trim, a comfortable ride awaits inside. Even though the Sorento's interior is delightfully cozy, there have been complaints from third-row passengers that there's a lack of space in the rear and less cargo room than expected. If you think that you'll be able to enjoy maximum functionality and room in the Sorento, you may be in for some disappointment.
The 2021 Equinox showcases nicely laid out tech through the Chevrolet Infotainment System. Access to in-vehicle apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and with Alexa Built-In, you're able to maximize productivity in your day. Bluetooth streaming, available navigation, and more make the Equinox an extremely connected SUV that is built for the driver on the go. You'll also be able to find a nice variety of tech features in the Sorento, in addition to a wireless charging pad for your smart devices and an upgraded Bose premium audio system to make any drive more fun.
When it comes to an interior that offers everything you could ever want and more, both the Equinox and the Sorento give it their all, but one just does it better. Not only can you enjoy a remarkable selection of models to choose from in the Equinox, but it also doesn't fall short with space like the Sorento does, making it our pick when it comes to interior design. And while both the Equinox and the Sorento offer up a fair share of tech features, the Equinox is known to be one of the best-connected SUVs on the road today. That, paired with its spacious cabin, makes a winner out of the Equinox.
Safety should always remain a top priority, no matter if your destination is near or far. Both the 2021 Chevy Equinox and the 2021 Kia Sorento offer up their own version of safety and driver-assist features that are designed to heighten your experience behind the wheel. Come on a journey with us as we explore what each vehicle has to offer in terms of safety.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and has a fabulous suite of safety features found within the Chevy Safety Assist program. Standard on all trims, the Chevy Safety Assist provides access to six advanced safety features to make any drive more secure and any driver more confident. From Forward Collision Alert to a Rear Vision Camera, you're able to better avoid accidents, keeping everyone on board as safe as possible. And with available options like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist, navigating your way through tricky parking situations is made easier.
Through Kia Drive Wise, you have access to a number of standard and available features designed to enhance the safety of any journey. Enjoy many of the same standard features as you'll find in the Equinox, as well as available features like parking assistance and blind spot monitoring to raise your confidence levels on the road. However, despite these features, the 2021 Kia Sorento only managed to earn a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
You'll find that the Equinox knows what drivers are looking for when it comes to maximizing your ride. With a nice offering of driver assistance features, your ride just got more comfortable. From a Rear Seat Reminder, which alerts you to check your backseat before stepping away from the vehicle, to the OnStar Safety & Security features to aid in accidents and more, you're covered in the Equinox. What we also like about the Equinox is that Teen Driver Technology comes standard, which helps new drivers perfect their skills behind the wheel, delivering a vehicle report card, as well as turning on certain safety systems to ensure a safe journey for young drivers.
We like the fact that the Equinox includes many standard safety and driver-assist features that other vehicles do not include, especially Teen Driver Technology. This is especially helpful when your hectic, busy day gets in the way, as you're able to maintain a safe and focused ride. And with top marks in crash testing, the Equinox is a solid option to trust on any journey.