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The Chevrolet Equinox display is shown at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)

Should I Buy a Chevy Equinox or Traverse?

There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than having to choose between two good things. Do you want tacos or pizza? Should you go to the beach or on a cruise? When you finally decide you want a Chevy, should you buy the Traverse or the Equinox? The choice may seem like it’s impossible to make, especially if …

There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than having to choose between two good things. Do you want tacos or pizza? Should you go to the beach or on a cruise? When you finally decide you want a Chevy, should you buy the Traverse or the Equinox? The choice may seem like it’s impossible to make, especially if you have a car salesman breathing down your neck as they tell you about how great each one is.

Thankfully, we’ve got some details to help you decide which is the right choice for you. For example, the Chevy Traverse totally dominated the competition in the Consumer Reports road test. Chevy is also upping its game by making some major changes to the 2021 Equinox. We can’t tell you which Chevy SUV you want to buy, but here are some details about each one that might help you make a decision.

The Chevy Traverse

U.S News states that the Traverse is large, has some decent technology, and drives smoothly. The one area they weren’t impressed with was the fact that some competitors are more agile, but overall, they think it’s a great vehicle. 

It has a nice infotainment system that comes complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you’re looking for safety, then you’ll be pleased to know that it earned a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute. There is one recall on it, due to a right-hand frame rail that may become cracked. If this happens, then it could increase your risk of becoming injured if you are involved in a wreck. Still, one recall is not that bad.

There are three rows, and the second row has the option of captain chairs or a bench. This can change how many people you can seat between seven and eight people. According to U.S. News, “You get 23 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which is enough room for more than a dozen pieces of carry-on luggage. Fold down the second- and third-row seats, and you get 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space.” If you’re going on a road trip, then you’ll be grateful for each and every cubic foot available to you in the Traverse, which starts at $29,800.

The Chevy Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox display is shown at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
The Chevy Equinox | Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

As we mentioned, Chevy is making some changes to the Equinox, mainly near the front. Kelley Blue Book thinks that it is inspired by the Camaro, while Motor Trend compares it to Acura. Even though the two critics disagree, both agree on the fact that the changes look great.

Another change that Chevy is making is the RS trim. It hasn’t been offered before, and some consumers might like having more choices. The Car Connection reports that the interior hasn’t been updated and was frustrated that there is no powertrain being offered. The Equinox only has two rows, making it more suitable for smaller families. Chevy hasn’t announced the price yet, but the 2020 Equinox starts at $24,995. The 2021 model will be available to purchase this fall.

How will you ever make up your mind?

Both SUVs are great. We get it. But there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re deciding which one is right for you. 

If you have a large family, and you need a vehicle that can hold all those big personalities, then the Traverse is your best bet. For those looking for the cheaper option, then the Equinox will fit into your budget very nicely. If you need a vehicle right now, then you can buy the Traverse today.

On the other hand, if you like some of the changes Chevy is making to the Equinox, then it might make a nice gift to yourself this fall when the 2021 model is available for sale. Unfortunately, the Equinox is notorious for having poor fuel economy, so keep that in mind before you decide to buy. 

Still on the fence and can’t make up your mind? Maybe try test-driving both vehicles to see which one makes you happiest. If you still can’t make up your mind, try flipping a coin. It might seem simple, but you’ll at least be able to decide.

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