Fuel-efficient face-off: chevrolet equinox vs buick encore – which suv offers more miles per gallon?
What To Know
- 4-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Equinox’s 1.
- The Chevrolet Equinox features a bold and rugged exterior design, while the Buick Encore exudes a more refined and sophisticated look.
- The Equinox’s muscular lines and aggressive grille give it a sporty and adventurous appearance, while the Encore’s sleek curves and elegant accents lend it a luxurious and upscale feel.
In the competitive world of compact SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Encore stand out as two formidable contenders. Both offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and style. However, discerning buyers may ponder which vehicle better aligns with their specific needs. This comprehensive comparison aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Chevrolet Equinox vs. Buick Encore, highlighting their key similarities and distinctions to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Engine Options:
The Chevrolet Equinox offers a wider range of engine options compared to the Buick Encore. The base Equinox comes equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while higher trims feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V6. The Buick Encore, on the other hand, exclusively employs a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Fuel Economy:
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Buick Encore holds a slight advantage over the Chevrolet Equinox. The Encore’s 1.4-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Equinox’s 1.5-liter engine manages 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. However, the Equinox’s more powerful engines offer comparable or better fuel economy in certain driving scenarios.
Interior and Technology
Cabin Space and Comfort:
The Chevrolet Equinox boasts a roomier cabin than the Buick Encore, providing ample space for passengers and cargo. Its front seats offer generous legroom and headroom, while the rear seats offer comfortable seating for adults. The Encore, while smaller in size, still provides adequate space for most passengers but may feel cramped for taller individuals.
Infotainment and Connectivity:
Both the Equinox and Encore come standard with user-friendly infotainment systems. The Equinox’s system features an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Encore’s offers a 7-inch display. Both systems include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Safety and Reliability
Safety Features:
The Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Encore have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Reliability:
According to J.D. Power, the Chevrolet Equinox has a slightly better reliability rating than the Buick Encore. The Equinox received a score of 83 out of 100, while the Encore scored 80 out of 100.
Exterior Styling and Design
Exterior Dimensions:
The Chevrolet Equinox is larger than the Buick Encore in terms of overall dimensions. The Equinox measures 183.1 inches in length, 72.6 inches in width, and 66.1 inches in height, while the Encore measures 173.6 inches in length, 69.5 inches in width, and 64.2 inches in height.
Styling:
The Chevrolet Equinox features a bold and rugged exterior design, while the Buick Encore exudes a more refined and sophisticated look. The Equinox’s muscular lines and aggressive grille give it a sporty and adventurous appearance, while the Encore’s sleek curves and elegant accents lend it a luxurious and upscale feel.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Trim Levels:
The Chevrolet Equinox is available in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier. The Buick Encore offers three trim levels: Base, Preferred, and Essence.
Pricing:
The Chevrolet Equinox has a starting price of $25,800, while the Buick Encore starts at $24,100. The higher trim levels of both vehicles offer additional features and amenities, resulting in higher price points.
Which Vehicle Is Right for You?
The Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Encore are both excellent choices for SUV buyers seeking a combination of practicality, comfort, and style. The Equinox offers more space, a wider range of engine options, and a slightly better reliability rating. The Encore, on the other hand, provides better fuel economy, a more refined exterior design, and a competitive price point.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, versatility, and power, the Chevrolet Equinox may be a better fit. If fuel efficiency, style, and affordability are your top considerations, the Buick Encore could be the ideal choice.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which vehicle has the better towing capacity?
A: The Chevrolet Equinox has a higher towing capacity than the Buick Encore. The Equinox can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Encore can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Q: Which vehicle has the larger cargo capacity?
A: The Chevrolet Equinox has a larger cargo capacity than the Buick Encore. The Equinox offers 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Encore provides 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Q: Which vehicle has the more comfortable interior?
A: Both the Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Encore offer comfortable interiors, but the Equinox has a slight edge in terms of overall space and comfort. The Equinox’s wider cabin and more supportive seats provide a more spacious and relaxing driving experience.
