Kia seltos vs chevrolet equinox: battle of the compact crossovers

When it comes to choosing a compact SUV, two popular options that come to mind are the Kia Seltos and the Chevrolet Equinox. Both vehicles offer a range of features and capabilities, but which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Kia Seltos against the Chevrolet Equinox to determine which one emerges victorious.

Exterior Design

The Kia Seltos boasts a sleek and sporty exterior with sharp lines and a bold grille. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while its available panoramic sunroof adds an airy and spacious feel to the cabin.

The Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, has a more rugged and muscular appearance. Its larger size provides ample space for passengers and cargo, and its available all-wheel drive system enhances its off-road capabilities.

Interior Comfort and Convenience

Inside the Kia Seltos, you’ll find a well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the infotainment system is user-friendly and feature-rich.

The Chevrolet Equinox offers a more spacious interior with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Its rear seats slide forward and backward to optimize legroom or cargo space. The infotainment system is also user-friendly and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Performance and Handling

The Kia Seltos comes with a choice of two engines: a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 175 horsepower and a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine with 146 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Chevrolet Equinox is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that generates 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of handling, the Kia Seltos is more agile and responsive, while the Chevrolet Equinox provides a smoother and more composed ride.

Safety Features

Both the Kia Seltos and the Chevrolet Equinox have been awarded top safety ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features on both vehicles include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

The Kia Seltos also offers additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, has available features like lane keep assist, rear park assist, and automatic high beams.

Fuel Economy

When it comes to fuel economy, the Kia Seltos has a slight edge over the Chevrolet Equinox. The Seltos with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Equinox, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Price and Value

The Kia Seltos has a starting price of $22,590, while the Chevrolet Equinox starts at $25,800. However, the Seltos offers a wider range of standard features for the price, including a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best choice between the Kia Seltos and the Chevrolet Equinox depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize style, agility, and value, the Seltos is a great option. If you need more space, off-road capabilities, and a smoother ride, the Equinox is a better choice.

Wrap-Up

The Kia Seltos and the Chevrolet Equinox are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a range of features and capabilities. While the Seltos shines in terms of style, agility, and value, the Equinox excels in spaciousness, off-road capabilities, and a smooth ride. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Kia Seltos with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine produces 175 horsepower, while the Chevrolet Equinox has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that generates 170 horsepower.

Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Kia Seltos with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine has a slightly better fuel economy than the Chevrolet Equinox, getting an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which vehicle has more safety features?
A: Both the Kia Seltos and the Chevrolet Equinox have a range of standard safety features, but the Seltos offers additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.