Compact SUVs make a whole lot of sense for immediately’s automotive patrons, and it’s simple to see why. They create practicality, nice driving manners, the most recent tech and security options, plus obtainable all-wheel drive (AWD). Better of all, they provide all this at a value that received’t break the financial institution. Two standard contenders on this contentious phase are the 2026 Kia Sportage and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
The Sportage nonetheless appears sharp because of a redesign three years in the past and brings much more to the desk this yr, whereas the Equinox acquired a full revamp simply final yr, making it among the many freshest in its class. Right here’s how they examine with one another.
2026 Kia Sportage
It’s secure to say there’s a Kia Sportage for each sort of purchaser, because of its wide selection of selections. The 2026 Kia Sportage is out there in half a dozen trims, from the bottom LX to the top-line X-Professional Status. The Sportage is handled to a freshened design for 2026, and all fashions now embody a 12.3-inch touchscreen and adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go functionality. Powering them is a 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automated transmission. The rugged and upmarket X-Professional trims include all-wheel drive normal. The Sportage can also be obtainable as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, which we evaluation individually.
Kia Sportage Highlights
X-Professional: The pattern towards extra off-road-oriented SUVs is obvious with the Sportage. Within the X-Professional configuration, you get off-road options akin to additional floor clearance, all-terrain tires, and off-road settings for the all-wheel-drive system.
Glorious guarantee protection: As soon as once more, Kia deserves credit score for tacking on some critical peace of thoughts to its automobiles. This entails a five-year/60,000-mile normal guarantee, plus powertrain protection for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Over-the-air updates: Identical to your cellphone and laptop, the Kia Sportage can get higher over time because of OTA updates. This seamless expertise is now normal on the 2026 mannequin.
Examine this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Sportage fashions on the market close to you.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is recent off a full redesign, which supplies this standard compact SUV a bolder, extra rugged look in comparison with the prior era. This Equinox additionally boasts a tech-rich cabin and loads of house for passengers and their cargo. All Equinox fashions are powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 175 hp. For 2026, the Equinox now comes normal with a drive mode selector dial.
Chevrolet Equinox Highlights
Twin digital shows: The 2026 Equinox makes an excellent impression if you step inside, because of an 11-inch digital driver show and 11.3-inch touchscreen. They’re normal in each grade of Equinox and provides it a contemporary, tech-rich really feel.
Heated entrance seats, heated steering wheel: You’ll recognize these heat options each chilly morning. Even higher, these come normal within the 2026 Equinox.
All-wheel drive: Selecting this feature not solely offers you extra all-weather assurance, nevertheless it additionally means the Equinox has extra torque and an 8-speed automated transmission vs. a constantly variable transmission in front-wheel-drive (FWD) fashions.
Examine this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Equinox fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
Each compact SUVs convey the most recent tech and security options, supply all-wheel drive, and are powered by 4-cylinder engines.
Pricing
The Kelley Blue E-book Honest Buy Value for any particular person used automobile can fluctuate tremendously in response to mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here replicate what patrons are at the moment paying for New 2026 Kia Sportage automobiles and New 2026 Chevrolet Equinox automobiles in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s instructed retail value (MSRP) quoted consists of the vacation spot price, however doesn’t embody tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
| 2026 Kia Sportage | 2026 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Well-liked Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capability | 2,500 kilos | 800 kilos |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | automated, 8-speed | Computerized, CVT |
| Gasoline Economic system | 25 metropolis/33 freeway/28 mixed mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Security | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 inches | 107.5 inches |
| Total Size | 183.5 inches | 183.2 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | N/A |
| Top | 65.4 inches | 65.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 19.3 ft | N/A |
| Headroom, Entrance | 39.6 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 41.4 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.3 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 57.5 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.6 inches | 55.8 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 74.1 ft | N/A |
Specification desk displays the standard configuration of automobiles proven.
Conclusion
Because of its current revamp, the Chevrolet Equinox brings daring appears, spectacular expertise, and a few welcome normal facilities. That stated, it’s costlier than the Sportage, solely obtainable in three trims, and with only one powertrain. The Sportage has broader enchantment because of its wider selection of trims and options, to not point out obtainable hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Add to that the Kia’s much more beneficiant guarantee and bigger cargo house, and we give the sting to the Sportage on this contest. We propose test-driving each to expertise the variations for your self.
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