The Quick Answer
- Sportage wins on price: $28,990 versus $29,300 to start, and $30,790 versus $31,300 with AWD.
- Equinox wins on base-trim comfort: the Equinox LT has heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and remote start; the Sportage adds heated seats on the EX.
- Sportage wins on space and towing: 74.1 cu ft of max cargo versus 63.5, and 2,500 lbs of towing versus 1,500.
- Fuel economy: 28 versus 27 mpg combined with FWD; both get 26 with AWD. Only the Sportage offers a hybrid (up to 41 mpg).
- Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles on the Sportage powertrain versus 5 years/60,000 miles for the Equinox.
Sportage vs. Equinox: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Sportage | 2027 Chevrolet Equinox | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,990 (LX FWD) | $29,300 (LT FWD) |
| AWD from | $30,790 (LX AWD) | $31,300 (LT AWD) |
| Top trim | $39,890 (X-Pro Prestige) | $36,200 (RS or ACTIV AWD) |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder, 187 hp / 178 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder, 175 hp / up to 203 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic |
| Hybrid or plug-in available | Yes: Sportage Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid | No (the Equinox EV is a separate electric model) |
| EPA city / hwy / combined | FWD 25 / 33 / 28; AWD 24 / 30 / 26 | FWD 25 / 29 / 27; AWD 25 / 29 / 26 |
| Max towing | 2,500 lbs | Up to 1,500 lbs |
| Rear legroom | 41.3 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Cargo behind 2nd row / max | 39.6 / 74.1 cu ft | 29.8 / 63.5 cu ft |
| Screens | 12.3-in. touchscreen; 12.3-in. cluster | 11.3-in. touchscreen; 11-in. cluster |
| Length | 184.4 in. | 183.2 in. |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 3-yr/36K / 5-yr/60K |
2027 Sportage data from Kia; 2027 Equinox pricing, power, towing, max cargo and equipment from chevrolet.com; EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov; Equinox rear legroom and cargo behind the 2nd row from Edmunds, as of October 2026. MSRP excludes destination.
Price and Value
The Sportage starts $310 below the Equinox with FWD and $510 below with AWD, where Chevy charges $2,000 for AWD versus Kia's $1,800. The Equinox tops out lower, at $36,200 for an AWD RS or ACTIV; the Sportage range continues up to the $39,890 X-Pro Prestige with all-terrain tires.
Chevy packs more cold-weather comfort into its base trim: the Equinox LT includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and remote start. On the Sportage, heated seats start on the EX ($30,790 FWD), and a heated steering wheel comes on the X-Pro Prestige.
Power and Fuel Economy
The Equinox's 1.5L turbo makes 12 fewer horsepower but up to 25 more lb-ft of torque than the Sportage's 2.5L. New for 2027, FWD Equinox models switch from a CVT to the 8-speed automatic the AWD version already used.
Fuel economy is close: the FWD Sportage is rated 28 mpg combined versus 27, with a 4-mpg highway advantage (33 vs. 29), and both are rated 26 with AWD. Chevy doesn't offer an Equinox hybrid; the Sportage Hybrid gets up to 41 mpg and the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid adds electric driving.
Space and Practicality
The Sportage is 1.2 in. longer and has 9.8 cu ft more space behind the rear seat, 10.6 cu ft more with the seats folded and 1.4 in. more rear legroom. Every Sportage also has 12.3-in. screens versus the Equinox's 11.3-in. touchscreen and 11-in. cluster.
Towing and Colorado Driving
- Towing: 2,500 lbs for the Sportage versus up to 1,500 lbs for the Equinox when properly equipped.
- Altitude: the Equinox's turbo engine loses less power on mountain grades than the Sportage's non-turbo 2.5L. The Sportage Hybrid's turbo system is the Kia to choose if you drive I-70 often.
- Cold mornings: remote start, heated seats and a heated wheel are standard on every Equinox, a real plus in a Denver winter.
Warranty
Kia covers the Sportage for 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain for the original owner. Chevrolet covers the Equinox for 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper and 5 years/60,000 miles on the powertrain.
Where the Equinox Wins
An honest comparison names the Chevy's advantages:
- Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and remote start on the base LT.
- More torque from its turbo engine, which also handles altitude better.
- A lower price for its top trims (up to $36,200).
- A 1-mpg AWD city advantage (25 vs. 24).
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Sportage if…
You want the lower starting price, more cargo and rear-seat room, 2,500 lbs of towing, a hybrid or plug-in option or the longer warranty.
Choose the Equinox if…
Heated seats, a heated wheel and remote start on a base model matter more to you than space, towing and warranty.
Compare the Sportage at Emich Kia
We stock the Sportage in FWD and AWD, plus the Sportage Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid. Bring your Equinox quote and we'll compare equipment line by line.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Sportage vs. Equinox: FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage bigger than the Chevy Equinox?
Yes. The Sportage is 1.2 inches longer, with 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat versus 29.8, 74.1 cubic feet maximum versus 63.5, and 41.3 inches of rear legroom versus 39.9.
Which is cheaper, the Sportage or the Equinox?
The Sportage starts at $28,990 versus $29,300 for the Equinox, and at $30,790 versus $31,300 with AWD.
Which gets better gas mileage?
With FWD, the Sportage at 28 mpg combined versus 27. With AWD, both are rated 26 mpg. The Sportage Hybrid gets up to 41 mpg, and there is no Equinox hybrid.
Does the Chevrolet Equinox come with heated seats?
Yes, the 2027 Equinox LT includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and remote start. On the Sportage, heated front seats start on the EX trim.
How much can the Sportage and Equinox tow?
The Sportage tows up to 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes. Chevrolet rates the Equinox at up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped.
Which has the better warranty?
The Sportage: 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, versus 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles for the Equinox.
Drive the 2027 Sportage
Shop the Sportage in stock at Emich Kia, then drive one back to back with the Equinox.
Shop Sportage View Sportage Specials