The battle of the midsize suvs: toyota highlander vs chevrolet equinox – which offers the best bang for your buck?
What To Know
- The Highlander with the V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- However, the Highlander comes with a more powerful engine and a more spacious interior, making it a better value for the price.
- Both the Highlander and Equinox have a good reputation for reliability, but the Highlander has consistently ranked higher in reliability surveys.
When it comes to choosing the perfect family SUV, two heavyweights stand out: the Toyota Highlander and the Chevrolet Equinox. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and impressive performance. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Toyota Highlander vs. Equinox, helping you make an informed decision.
Space and Comfort
The Highlander and Equinox offer ample seating for up to eight passengers. Both SUVs feature spacious cabins with comfortable seats and plenty of legroom. However, the Highlander has a slight edge in cargo capacity, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row compared to 15.7 cubic feet in the Equinox.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount when it comes to family vehicles. Both the Highlander and Equinox have earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Performance
The Highlander and Equinox offer different engine options to suit your driving needs. The Highlander is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower. The Equinox comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that generates 170 horsepower. Both SUVs have available V6 engines with increased power.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many families. The Highlander and Equinox both offer impressive fuel economy for their size. The Highlander with the V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Equinox with the turbocharged engine achieves 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Technology and Connectivity
Modern SUVs are equipped with cutting-edge technology features. The Highlander and Equinox come standard with infotainment systems that include touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Both vehicles also offer advanced navigation systems and Wi-Fi hotspots.
Reliability and Maintenance
Toyota and Chevrolet have a reputation for building reliable vehicles. The Highlander has consistently ranked highly in reliability surveys, while the Equinox has also performed well. Maintenance costs for both SUVs are comparable, with the Highlander having slightly lower average repair costs.
Price and Value
The Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet Equinox are priced competitively. The base Highlander starts at around $36,000, while the base Equinox starts at around $26,000. However, the Highlander comes with a more powerful engine and a more spacious interior, making it a better value for the price.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The choice between the Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet Equinox ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, comfort, and performance, the Highlander is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV with good fuel economy, the Equinox is a solid option.
Recommendations
For families who need a spacious and powerful SUV with advanced safety features, the Toyota Highlander is the recommended choice.
For families who are budget-conscious and prioritize fuel efficiency, the Chevrolet Equinox is a more suitable option.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Highlander and Equinox have earned excellent safety ratings from NHTSA.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a slightly larger cargo capacity of 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row.
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a more powerful standard engine, with 295 horsepower compared to 170 horsepower in the Chevrolet Equinox.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Chevrolet Equinox with the turbocharged engine has slightly better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander with the V6 engine.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Both the Highlander and Equinox have a good reputation for reliability, but the Highlander has consistently ranked higher in reliability surveys.