New & Used: 9673 Kings Auto Mall Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249
Used: 435 E Galbraith Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45215
Sales:
(513) 741-1111
Service:
(513) 697-5200
Starting at
Starting at
| 252 hp | Horsepower | 170 hp |
| 28/39 | MPG | 26/33 |
| 3,500 lbs | Tow Capacity | 1,102 lbs |
It is a battle between two major players in the small, compact SUV segment. The 2018 Chevy Equinox vs 2018 Nissan Rogue in Cincinnati, OH is a matchup many people have to consider when searching for their next ride. Both vehicles offer plenty of performance, safety, and convenience, but when you can only buy one, which is the best to choose? This is what this comparison is going to get right down to.
Both vehicles offer a lot for smaller SUVs, which makes the similarities between them plenty. Both have a similar profile, the same ballpark of engine and drivetrain options, and a similar approach to standard and optional features customers may enjoy. So, this comparison is all about the details.
It is important to recognize that either SUV is a great option when you want a good balance between a true SUV and a smaller sedan. Since both cars have very similar design profiles, they each manage to offer plenty of interior passenger and cargo space smaller vehicles simply can’t match. At the same time, the combination of a small frame and fuel efficient engine means you can expect some great overall performance and fuel economy that larger SUVs and trucks don’t have. For anyone wanting to try out a larger vehicle without relearning how to drive a monster truck, the compact SUV approach both the Equinox and Rogue do so well is a great solution.
Still, as a comparison, only one SUV can reign supreme. With so much similarity between the two, the minute differences between the vehicles will start to show how the Equinox is a better overall pick than the Rogue.
Features are where comparisons like this are often determined. While both Chevy and Nissan have a lot to offer in terms of standard and optional features that come with their respective vehicles, the ratio of standard-to-optional and quality of some of the more important safety/convenience systems puts the Chevy on a different level compared to the Rogue. Overall, the Equinox achieves the best blend of standard features that keep occupants comfortable and safe without adding unnecessary additional expense.
The Equinox starts off its feature package with a set of standard and optional safety systems that include typical airbags placed around key areas of the interior such as the front and sides. Intelligent safety systems such as front collision detection, blind spot monitoring, and parking sensors are optional upgrades that will increase driver awareness. On the convenience side, the SUV has an infotainment system using Chevy’s MyLink platform, high-quality audio system, optional navigation, etc.
The Rogue manages to match the Equinox blow for blow in the features department. In addition to the same types of safety features like airbags and sensors, the convenience options come with a lot of standard additions like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Other options such as the mobile wi-fi suite and turn-by-turn navigation are optional.
This is the main area where both vehicles are almost neck-and-neck in this comparison. Safety wise, both vehicles come with the necessary features to reduce the damage to occupants during an accident and to increase overall driver awareness where necessary. Convenience features are very similar as well. For the infotainment system, the customer’s personal choice for Chevy or Nissan’s system will make the ultimate determination over which one is the better system.
In terms of overall appearance, both vehicles follow a similar design approach that blends practical use such as interior space and aerodynamic efficiency. Both cars offer plenty of head and legroom with a good amount of possible cargo space in the rear with the rear seats folded down. There is also an emphasis on greater maneuverability compared to larger SUVs and trucks with car-like handling to be expected when you sit behind the wheel of either of these vehicles.
The Chevy is somewhat bulkier compared to the Rogue’s more curvy design. This trait offers more head-space and legroom overall without sacrificing overall aerodynamics. On the inside, the interior is modern and upscale. Uniform leather accents around the dashboard, sides, and seats create a luxurious feel without the related price tag. The seats are also comfortable with a rear seat for two.
The Rogue comes across as boxy next to other SUVs in its class, a trait it shares with the Equinox in some areas of the exterior design. The height of the roofline remains consistent from the mid section to the end, offering a good deal of head and legroom in the interior space. Unfortunately, the Rogue fails to match the upscale look and feel of the Equinox setup. While both cars have leather coverings and accents, the design is a bit dated for a vehicle fighting against other options in 2018.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but most people who enter into the Equinox quickly discover how fresh and future-forward the interior is. Both SUVs have some major similarities in the overall design approach, both inside and out, but the Equinox uses a variety of materials in a well balanced, modern way. The Rogue has a comfortable interior, especially with an extra layer of sound proofing to drown out exterior noises, but it lacks the same level of quality, and upscale design Chevy offers as a standard in the Equinox.
The typical SUV owner has some unique expectations in terms of performance. An SUV should be powerful enough to tackle highway travel with comfort, perhaps with the occasional offroad trip or long, heavy haul thrown into the mix. At the same time, sub compact SUVs are expected to maximize fuel economy into the range of some of the larger sedans. As a result, both the Equinox and Rogue offer several different engine options that customers can choose between to find the right choice for their needs.
The Chevy Equinox comes with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine which provides just enough performance to carry the weight of the vehicle’s frame without going overboard. While it won’t take people offroad with any degree of confidence, the true benefit of this engine is the fuel economy. Offering 170 horsepower, the small engine manages to deliver around 26 city MPG and 32 highway MPG.
The Rogue relies on a standard 170 horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Compared to more traditional transmissions, the CVT comes across as sluggish, lacking the clear engagement the Equinox drivetrain offers. There is a hybrid version for better fuel efficiency at the cost of acceleration and better handling. Given this option, the fuel rating of 31 city and 34 highway just edges out the Equinox.
The winner of this matchup takes the overall performance trophy: the Equinox. The Rogue wins extra points for offering a hybrid option, but the fuel economy is only a marginal improvement over the maximum efficiency the Equinox can offer. Since the Rogue uses a Nissan-specific continuously variable automatic transmission, the overall performance of its transmission fails to live up to the Chevy transmission. The Equinox offers a better engine package that balances the most important aspects of power, speed, and torque while delivering a good amount of fuel efficiency as well.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
