2018 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2018 Kia Sportage – Cincinnati, OH

Trim

Chevrolet Equinox

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox offers four basic trims, but a few as coming in 2.0 and diesel format. The four trims in order of cost are L, LS, LT, LT 2.0, LT Diesel, Premier, Premier Diesel, and Premier 2.0. The lowest trim is $24,575, and the highest is $34,595, and the cost jumps are less than 2,000 to get to the next trim, which is extremely fair considering how many upgrades the Chevrolet Equinox offers. The sheer versatility of customization options will always be one way the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox can please a wide audience of drivers while putting out all its top quality technology.

Kia Sportage

As a compact crossover SUV, the 2018 Sportage comes in three trim levels.

The Sportage LX is the content trim level that comes with the standard cloth upholstery, five-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, USB port, Bluetooth, keyless entry, and a rearview camera.

The Sportage EX is the happy trim level which upgrades the LX trim in order to add power-operated heated leather upholstery, 7.0-inch touchscreen, a second USB port, fog lights, and luscious dual-zone climate control. Everything you need to keep you and your passengers not just content, but plain happy.

Sportage SX Turbo is the euphoric trim level which is so full of stuff that listing it all would just become tedious. That said, a few of the best upgrades include ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, HID headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a sport-tuned suspension. This trim takes a driver from happy to pure euphoria.

Performance

Chevrolet Equinox

Determined like a lion, but controlled as a horse, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that was made to perform in the most satisfying of ways. The 1.5L Turbo, which is the least expensive engine option, offers a fair 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L turbo offers the top performance output at 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Just to make the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox even more performance proficient and flexible, it also offers a Diesel option with 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. Oh, and don’t forget about the 1,500 towing ability.

For handling, the Chevrolet Equinox of 2018 comes with the electronic stability control system known as StabiliTrak, as well as traction control for not a penny more. Also, the transmission is 6-speed automatic and forward-wheel drive is standard while 9-speed and all-wheel drive are optional. Even at its most basic level, the 2018 Equinox maintains high standards for performance.

Kia Sportage

The 2018 Kia Sportage provides customers a choice between a 2.0L and the 2.5L engines that offer 181 and 240 hp respectively, giving it a max of 1,650 towing capacity. Both engines are also standard with the 6-speed automatic transmission. It has a 30 mpg highway fuel efficiency rating which isn’t the best of its class or for its weight but is well enough to please some. Overall, the 2018 Kia Sportage doesn’t live up to most standards in performance unless you opt for the higher level trims and 2.5L engine.

Size

The main reason people purchase a compact SUV is that of its ideal sizing. Many require transportation that can store everything needed for everyday life while fitting easily into even the tightest spaces without hassle. Both the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2018 Kia Sportage were bred with the perfect size, but only one takes the essence of compact and performs automotive artistry with it.

Chevrolet Equinox

The dimensions of 2018 Chevrolet Equinox are 183 inches in length, 73 inches in height and 65 inches in height. Being labeled as a compact SUV, the 2018 Equinox does well to maintain a size that is almost scientifically proven as the perfect dimensions. It appears sharp and stable on the streets, while the interior cabin has a cozy atmosphere that surprises drivers and passengers alike by mirroring the space and convenience of any full-sized SUV. It also holds up to five people of adult size without any sense of being overcrowded.

Size is not all about the outside though; on the inside, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox contains 29.9 ft³ of cargo space before the rear seats are folded and 63.5 ft³ after. The 60-40 split rear seating makes it even more customizable to fit your exact cargo needs. This implies no need to worry how to fit your long skis or bulky cooler because both will easily find their place. This leaves plenty of room for any camping gear, shopping bags, or DIY materials you may need to haul around town. It can match almost any other SUV of its class with its perfectly convenient size and space.

Kia Sportage

The 2018 Kia Sportage is perfect for those who need a little less space than an SUV, but more than a typical hatchback. Its dimensions measure 176 inches in length, 73 inches in width, 65 inches in height, and cargo space measuring 30.7 ft³ before folding the rear seating and 60.1 ft³ after. Its unique and curvy design also keeps everything in line while giving the interior cabin a loftier feel. Overall, when it comes to size, this model of Kia Sportage is cozy and well thought out with every inch, and sometimes a big difference can be made by just a few inches.