Jun 15, 2025

The 2025 Chevy Equinox and 2025 Chevy Traverse are two reliable SUVs that offer drivers everything they need to travel around our modern world. The Equinox, being a compact SUV, is the ideal vehicle to travel around the city or explore the surrounding areas, while the three-row midsize Traverse makes a strong case as a family hauler. Let’s compare these two SUVs side by side.

Comparing the Compact 2025 Chevy Equinox vs. Midsize 2025 Chevy Traverse

Performance

The Equinox is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a continuously variable transmission. Front wheel-drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. FWD variants are exceptionally thrifty, with EPA estimates of 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The Traverse uses a bigger 3.6L V6 engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Like the Equinox, FWD comes standard, but AWD is an available option. If you’re looking to tow a trailer or boat, the Traverse is the SUV for you, as it offers a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with either drivetrain configuration.

Interior

The Equinox seats five passengers, offering standard cloth upholstery and available leather upholstery in higher trims. The 60/40-split folding rear seats can fold flat, expanding cargo volume to 63.5 cubic feet, which more than doubles the 30 cubic feet offered with the seats upright. An 11-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard, which is bigger than the Traverse’s standard 8-inch unit.

The Traverse is designed to hold seven or eight passengers, depending on whether the second row has a bench seat or captain’s chairs. The Traverse offers more luxurious amenities than the Equinox, such as ambient lighting, tri-zone automatic climate control, and power-folding rear seats. Cargo capacity totals 98 cubic feet with both rows folded flat.

Exterior

Aside from the obvious difference in size, the two SUVs share a lot of exterior features such as standard LED lights, an available panoramic sunroof, and a standard or available hands-free power liftgate. The Equinox offers 17 to 19-inch wheels, while the Traverse offers 18 to 20-inch wheels.

The Traverse includes power-folding heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and roof rails come standard on most trims. While the Traverse’s style leans toward bold and muscular, the Equinox has a more sporty aesthetic.

Both the Equinox and Traverse are thoroughly competitive SUVs in their respective segments. The smaller, more efficient Equinox helps drivers save money at the pump, while the larger Traverse is suited for bigger families with greater comfort needs. Find your ideal Chevy at Bacon Auto Ranch in Athens, TX.