2027 GMC Terrain or 2027 Chevrolet Equinox: Choosing Your GM Compact SUV
Chevrolet and GMC give the 2027 Terrain and Equinox the same turbocharged 1.5 L four-cylinder, so the choice comes down to screens, trims and equipment priorities. The engine will not settle it for you. This guide sorts out what the two share, where they split, and which trim personality suits which driver in Manitoba. 2027 […]
Chevrolet and GMC give the 2027 Terrain and Equinox the same turbocharged 1.5 L four-cylinder, so the choice comes down to screens, trims and equipment priorities. The engine will not settle it for you.
This guide sorts out what the two share, where they split, and which trim personality suits which driver in Manitoba.
2027 GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox Side by Side
| Spec | 2027 GMC Terrain | 2027 Chevrolet Equinox |
| Engine | 1.5 L turbocharged four-cylinder | 1.5 L turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Output | 175 hp, 203 lb-ft | 175 hp, 203 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD on all three trims | AWD on all three trims |
| Fuel economy, city / highway | 9.9 / 8.5 L/100 km (Elevation); 9.9 / 8.9 L/100 km (AT4, Denali) | 9.6 / 8.1 L/100 km |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 59 L |
| Central display | 15-inch diagonal | 11.3-inch diagonal |
| Cargo, behind second row | 844 L | 844 L |
| Cargo, behind first row | 1,798 L | 1,798 L |
| Towing | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) with hitch; 1,500 lbs (680 kg) with Trailering Package | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Length | 4,597 mm | 4,653 mm |
Same Engine, Different Fuel Numbers
Both SUVs send 175 hp and 203 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic to all four wheels, and neither asks you to pay extra for AWD. On the Equinox, GM describes that system as helping you stay in control in rain, sleet and snow.
The fuel figures split slightly. If you log long highway stretches, the Equinox’s 8.1 L/100 km is the lower number. The Terrain posts 8.5 L/100 km on the Elevation and 8.9 L/100 km on the AT4 and Denali.
Towing is close to even. The Terrain’s hitch is rated at 1,000 lbs (454 kg), and adding the Trailering Package lifts that to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). The hitch and package are standard on the AT4 and Denali but optional on the Elevation. The Equinox is rated at 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
Screens, Winter Comforts and Driver Assistance
The Terrain’s 15-inch GMC Premium Infotainment System has Google built-in compatibility as standard. For anyone who leans on maps and voice commands, that screen is the Terrain’s clearest advantage.
The Equinox pairs an 11.3-inch display with Google built-in, including navigation capability, plus an 11-inch driver information centre. Both models list wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 5G connectivity and a 6-speaker audio system.
Cold-weather basics match. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and remote start are standard on both. The Terrain also lists rear air vents as standard on every trim.
The differences sit in the extras:
- Wireless phone charging: standard on the Terrain AT4 and Denali and the Equinox ACTIV and RS; optional on the Terrain Elevation and Equinox LT.
- Heated rear outboard seats: standard on the Terrain Denali, optional on the other Terrain trims, optional on the Equinox ACTIV and RS, and not offered on the LT.
- Heated wiper park: standard on the Terrain AT4 and Denali and the Equinox ACTIV and RS; optional on the Terrain Elevation and Equinox LT.
Driver assistance starts from the same strong base. Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Zone Steering Assist and Side Bicyclist Alert are standard on both.
The camera tech is where the Terrain pulls ahead. The Denali includes HD Surround Vision, Traffic Sign Recognition and Rear Pedestrian Alert as standard. On the Elevation and AT4 they arrive through the optional Technology Package II. On every Equinox trim they come through the optional Safety and Technology Package.
Space and Cargo
Both seat five and offer identical cargo volumes, so the load floor will not decide this one. The Equinox is the longer vehicle at 4,653 mm against 4,597 mm.
The Terrain Elevation and AT4 list 1,116 mm of front leg room and 1,031 mm of front head room. The Equinox lists 1,039 mm and 1,016 mm. In the second row the Equinox has 1,013 mm of leg room against the Terrain’s 1,008 mm.
Terrain Trims: Elevation, AT4 and Denali
The Elevation is the clean starting point. It brings 17-inch wheels, LED headlamps, a manual liftgate, a 6-way manual driver seat, premium cloth and single-zone automatic climate control. The optional Elevation Premium Package adds Convenience Package II content, CoreTec seating and 19-inch Technical Grey wheels.
The AT4 is the Terrain with a job to do. It is the only trim with the AEV stamped steel front skid plate, and it rides on 17-inch all-terrain tires with 166 mm of ground clearance, against 146 mm on the Elevation.
It also adds the hitch and Trailering Package, a power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, an 8-way power driver seat and wireless charging. Gravel-road and trailer shoppers should start here.
The Denali moves toward comfort rather than terrain gear. It adds 19-inch Midnight Silver wheels, perforated leather-appointed seats, a panoramic power sunroof and ventilated front seats. Heated rear outboard seats, memory settings and the camera suite are standard too.
Equinox Trims: LT, ACTIV and RS
The LT keeps things simple with 17-inch wheels, cloth seats, a manual liftgate, a 6-way manual driver seat and single-zone manual climate control. Options include an 8-way power driver seat, dual-zone climate control and wireless charging.
The ACTIV is the Equinox’s rugged-looking choice. It carries 17-inch Dark Android wheels with all-terrain tires, Sueded Microfibre seats, a power liftgate, dual-zone climate control and roof side rails.
AWD is already standard on every Equinox, so the ACTIV’s appeal lies in its look and tire equipment.
The RS leans sporty. It has 19-inch Carbon flash wheels, high gloss Black mirror caps, Evotex seats and a wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. A 20-inch Black machined-face wheel is optional.
On the ACTIV and RS, the Sun Convenience and Technology Package bundles a sunroof, ventilated front seats, a power front passenger seat, driver memory, heated rear outboard seats and the camera tech.
Which Compact SUV Fits Your Drive?
If you want the larger 15-inch screen, rear air vents on every trim and a factory hitch, the Terrain is the right fit. Choose the AT4 for gravel roads and trailering, or the Denali for ventilated leather and a standard camera suite.
If you cover plenty of highway km and want the lower fuel figures, the Equinox is the right fit. The LT keeps the cabin simple, the ACTIV adds all-terrain tires, and the RS brings 19-inch wheels and sport trim.
Choosing Between the 2027 Terrain and Equinox
The Terrain and Equinox share a powertrain and standard AWD. The split comes down to display size, fuel figures, trailering equipment and how each trim ladder is built.
Visit McNaught Buick GMC in Winnipeg to explore the lineup and talk through which trim matches your daily drive and equipment priorities.
