The 2021 Chevy Equinox has an Edge Over the Hyundai Tucson
Today we have a battle of two affordable SUVs. The 2021 Chevy Equinox is battling the 2021 Hyundai Tucson to determine which option is the better buy. Will the Hyundai Tucson hold its own against the increasingly popular Chevy Equinox?
The 2021 Chevy Equinox vs. the 2021 Hyundai Tucson
First, we have some fun facts from Kelley Blue Book. Apparently, the 2021 Chevy Equinox is the most popular selling Chevrolet SUV. Also, the Hyundai Tucson is Hyundai’s oldest SUV in its lineup.
You can get started in a 2021 Hyundai Tucson for about $23,700. The Chevy Equinox begins at about $23,800. Wow, they’re super evenly matched in terms of price. These prices are listed before destination, and dealership fees have been added.
The Chevy Equinox gets an EPA estimated 26 mpg in the city and up to 31 mpg on the highway. The Hyundai Tucson gets an EPA estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, so the Equinox wins when it comes to their fuel economies.
How do the Chevy Equinox and Hyundai Tucson perform?
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has a slightly underpowered base engine. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides 161 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine for 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 1,500 lb.
With the 2021 Chevy Equinox, you get a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 1,500 lb. You can save a little by not having to upgrade to a more potent engine.
Both SUVs can be equipped with all-wheel drive to tackle snow and other slippery conditions. Edmunds noted that the Tucson has excellent handling and confident braking. It has a sluggish feel, but the incredibly smooth ride and quiet cabin make up for it.
Edmunds also noted that the Chevy Equinox is comfortable but still feels sluggish. The ride is controlled, but it can be a little harsh over bumps. Wind noise isn’t bad but can be noticeable at highway speeds.
How are the Chevy Equinox and Hyundai Tucson features?
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has a comfortable interior that has quality materials for its price. There are 31.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with up to 61.9 cubic feet of cargo space total.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox has a fine interior, but the materials could be a little nicer for its price. There are 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with up to 63.9 cubic feet total. Both SUVs have plenty of space for adults in the front and back row.
With the Tucson, you get a 7-inch touchscreen that’s easy to use. It can be upgraded to an 8-inch system. The Equinox comes with a 7-inch touchscreen too, with the option to upgrade to an 8-inch screen. They both have standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, the Equinox has standard onboard wifi.
Both of these SUVs come with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Deciding between the Chevy Equinox and Hyundai Tucson might have to come down to test drives. They’re pretty evenly matched. The Tucson may have a more comfortable ride, while the Equinox offers a little more tech.
