On the hunt for a new SUV? Found yourself set on a Chevy but unsure of which to choose? You’re probably stuck between the 2021 Chevy Equinox and the 2021 Chevy Traverse. While the Traverse does make for the more expensive of the two, it does offer plenty of great features to match. As for the Chevy Equinox? Well, it’s got plenty going for it too. Unfortunately, choosing between these two SUVs isn’t so easy after all. 

The 2021 Chevy Equinox has the edge when it comes to price

Shopping on a budget? If you are, then the 2021 Chevy Equinox may be the perfect choice for you. Opt for the base Chevy Equinox, and you can expect to spend at least $23,800 on it. Choose for a Chevy Equinox LX, and that price jumps up to $26,300. At its most expensive, the Equinox will run you at least $31,400.

As for the 2021 Chevy Traverse? Its base price isn’t quite as affordable. A base 2021 Chevy Traverse will cost you at least $29,800, making for a significantly higher price tag than the Chevy Equinox. This SUV gets even more expensive too. Climb the ranks to the Chevy Traverse High Country, and you’ll be spending over $50,000. 

It boasts better reliability ratings than the Chevy Traverse too

But the Chevy Equinox isn’t just cheaper than its sibling. It’s also more reliable. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Chevy Equinox earned itself a three out of five predicted reliability rating. J.D. Power has yet to rate this year’s model, but last year’s earned a ‘Great’ quality and reliability rating, which certainly bodes well for the 2021 Equinox. 

The 2021 Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, didn’t fare so well. According to Consumer Reports, this year’s new Traverse was only able to manage a two out of five predicted reliability rating. While that score isn’t that much lower than the Chevy Equinox’s, it may be a deal-breaker for some.

But the interior of the 2021 Chevy Traverse is pretty top-notch

Unfortunately for the Chevy Equinox, the 2021 Traverse has the edge when it comes to interiors. According to U.S. News & World Report, “the Traverse understandably has a slightly richer cabin than its Equinox sibling.” That shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, considering the Traverse is the more expensive option.

Its interior isn’t just richer, though. It’s also available with slightly more features than the Equinox. According to U.S. News & World Report, the Traverse boasts six USB ports while the Equinox only offers four ports. The Traverse also offers sought-after interior features like dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, and a rearview camera mirror.

The Chevy Traverse also offers more power under the hood

Unlike the Chevy Equinox, the 2021 Chevy Traverse also offers plenty of power under the hood. Standard with a powerful 310-hp V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, Car and Driver reports that this year’s model feels “poised, if not overtly athletic.” Consumer Reports added that power coming from its standard V6 is “smooth, with swift throttle response.”

Driven by a standard 170-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2021 Chevy Equinox isn’t quite as quick as this year’s Traverse. It is, however, the more fuel-efficient option of the two. According to the EPA, the Traverse is able to deliver an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. As for the Equinox? The EPA reports that this year’s model is able to achieve an impressive EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Choosing between these SUVs isn’t so easy after all

Choosing between these SUVs means understanding what you need in your next car. If you’re shopping on a budget and are on the hunt for a fuel-efficient ride, then the 2021 Chevy Equinox may be the perfect fit for you. But if you prioritize power over efficiency and would prefer more interior amenities? Then upgrading to the 2021 Chevy Traverse is well worth the spend.