With so many options available, it’s difficult to choose the best compact SUV. However, two models stand out: the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Kia Sportage. Which is better? Find out in this Chevrolet vs Kia comparison.
The Equinox is a two-row SUV that fits five people comfortably with generous headroom of 40 inches in the front and 39.2 inches in the back rows, respectively. Legroom is also generous, with 40.9 inches in the front and 39.9 in the rear.
This SUV provides 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats. The capacity increases to 63.5 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded.
Like the Equinox, up to five people can fit inside the Sportage across two rows. It offers less headroom than the Chevy, with 39.6 inches up front and 39.4 inches in the rear. You'll find more legroom, though, with a generous 41.4 inches in the front and 41.3 inches in the back.
The Sportage offers impressive storage, with 39.6 cubic feet available behind the second row, expanding to a generous 74.1 cubic feet when the back seat is folded down.
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2025 Chevrolet Equinox |
2025 Kia Sportage |
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Rows: 2 Max Seating: 5 Max Cargo Capacity: 63.5 Cubic Feet Upholstery Options: Cloth as Standard, Synthetic Leather as an Option |
Rows: 2 Max Seating: 5 Max Cargo Capacity: 74.1 Cubic Feet Upholstery Options: Cloth as Standard, Synthetic Leather as an Option |
A turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque powers the Equinox. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), sending power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available, featuring a torque boost of 203 lb-ft and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Equinox has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Every Sportage model is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. The Sportage has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds when equipped with trailer brakes.
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2025 Chevrolet Equinox |
2025 Kia Sportage |
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Base Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-Liter 4-Cylinder Horsepower: 175 Torque: 184 lb-ft (203 lb-ft with All-Wheel Drive) Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (standard), 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (optional) |
Base Engine: 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder Horsepower: 187 Torque: 178 lb-ft Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission |
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Max Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds |
Max Towing Capacity: 2,500 pounds |
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Max Payload Capacity: 1,305 pounds |
Max Payload Capacity: Not Specified |
The infotainment systems of the Equinox and Sportage are generally responsive and user-friendly. The Equinox features a Google-powered 11.3-inch standard touchscreen, making it easy to sync features from your phone. In comparison, the Sportage has a smaller 8-inch touchscreen.
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2025 Chevrolet Equinox Top 5 Technology Features |
2025 Kia Sportage Top 5 Technology Features |
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The 2025 Equinox has yet to be fully evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Nonetheless, it offers several standard safety features.
These include safety seat alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention.
The Sportage received good overall crashworthiness ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. Several driver-assistance features, such as lane-keep assist and driver-attention monitoring, are standard on this SUV.
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2025 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Features |
2025 Kia Sportage Safety Features |
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This 2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Kia Sportage comparison shows that both are excellent choices in the compact SUV market, appealing to slightly different buyers. The Equinox is the better option for drivers who value interior space and a user-friendly infotainment system. For those who value cargo capacity and a powerful engine, the Sportage is an ideal choice.
Ultimately, the Equinox offers more features, providing excellent value for money. If you think the Equinox is the right compact SUV for you, take it for a test drive. If you’re in Winter Haven, FL, swing by Chevrolet Center today.