Chevy Equinox vs Kia Sportage: 2027 Equinox vs 2027 Sportage Compared
Last updated: October 19, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The 2027 Chevy Equinox and 2027 Kia Sportage are close in size and price, and both offer AWD for Colorado winters. The Sportage starts a little lower and adds a hybrid option, more cargo room and a longer warranty. The Equinox counters with more torque than the gas Sportage and standard blind-zone steering help on its base trim. Here’s how the two compare on price, space, fuel economy, towing, tech and safety.
Quick Verdict
On paper, the 2027 Sportage wins more categories. It starts $310 below the Equinox (LX FWD $28,990 vs LT FWD $29,300), offers a hybrid rated 41 mpg combined, has 39.6 cu ft behind the rear seat, tows up to 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes and carries a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2027 Equinox makes more torque than the gas Sportage (up to 203 lb-ft with AWD), has more ground clearance than a FWD Sportage, and comes standard with Blind Zone Steering Assist, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. If space, warranty or a hybrid matter, choose the Sportage. If the Equinox’s standard features fit your needs, test-drive one at Emich.
Shop the Equinox at Emich Chevrolet
New 2027 Equinox LT and RS models on our Lakewood lot, with real-time pricing and current Chevrolet offers.
Equinox vs Sportage: How They Match Up
The Sportage LX FWD starts at $28,990, $310 below the Equinox LT FWD at $29,300. Kia’s destination charge is $1,495 and Chevrolet’s is $1,995, so with destination the gap grows to $810 ($30,485 vs $31,295). With AWD, the Sportage LX starts at $30,790 and the Equinox LT at $31,300. The Sportage Hybrid starts at $30,590 (LX FWD). Chevrolet doesn’t offer a hybrid Equinox.
The gas Sportage uses a 2.5L four-cylinder with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft and an 8-speed automatic. The Equinox’s 1.5L turbo makes 175 hp and 184 lb-ft (FWD) or 203 lb-ft (AWD), also with an 8-speed automatic. EPA rates the gas Sportage at 28 mpg combined (FWD) and 26 mpg (AWD; 24 for the X-Pro Prestige), vs 27 and 26 mpg for the Equinox. The Sportage Hybrid, with 232 hp and 271 lb-ft, is rated 41 mpg (FWD) and 35 mpg (AWD).
The Sportage is roomier: 39.6 cu ft behind the rear seat and 74.1 cu ft max (cargo floor in its low position) vs 29.8 and 63.5 cu ft, and 41.3 inches of rear legroom vs 39.9. It tows 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes (1,653 lbs without); the Equinox is rated up to 1,500 lbs with AWD and proper equipment (800 lbs with FWD). Ground clearance favors the Equinox with FWD (8.05 to 8.20 inches vs 7.1) and the Sportage with AWD (8.3 inches). NHTSA gives the 2027 Sportage a 5-star overall rating; it has not rated the 2027 Equinox yet.
2027 Equinox vs 2027 Sportage Specs
| Spec | 2027 Chevy Equinox | 2027 Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (FWD) | $29,300 (LT) | $28,990 (LX) |
| Starting MSRP (AWD) | $31,300 (LT) | $30,790 (LX) |
| Destination charge | $1,995 | $1,495 |
| Price with destination (FWD) | $31,295 | $30,485 |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 187 hp (gas); 232 hp (hybrid) |
| Torque (gas) | 184 lb-ft (FWD); 203 lb-ft (AWD) | 178 lb-ft |
| EPA combined mpg (FWD) | 27 | 28 (gas); 41 (hybrid) |
| EPA combined mpg (AWD) | 26 | 24–26 (gas); 35 (hybrid) |
| Max towing | 1,500 lbs (AWD, properly equipped); 800 lbs (FWD) | 2,500 lbs (gas, with trailer brakes) |
| Cargo behind rear seat | 29.8 cu ft | 39.6 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 63.5 cu ft | 74.1 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 39.9 in | 41.3 in |
| Ground clearance (FWD) | 8.05–8.20 in | 7.1 in |
| Ground clearance (AWD) | 8.05–8.20 in | 8.3 in |
| Touchscreen | 11.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi | 5 yr/60,000 mi; 10 yr/100,000 mi |
Sources: Chevrolet.com and Chevrolet Build & Price (ZIP 80226), Kia’s 2027 Sportage and Sportage Hybrid pricing and specifications, kia.com, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA, checked October 19, 2026. Prices are starting MSRP excluding destination unless noted. Sportage cargo figures use the dual-level cargo floor in its low position. The Sportage LX AWD price is from kia.com; Kia’s media price sheet lists AWD within an $800 LX Convenience Package. Bold marks the better figure.
By the Numbers
EPA combined fuel economy (FWD)
fueleconomy.gov ratings. Chevrolet does not offer a hybrid Equinox.
Torque
Cargo space
Sportage Hybrid vs Gas Equinox
Kia sells the Sportage as a gas model and a hybrid. The Sportage Hybrid LX FWD starts at $30,590, $1,290 above the Equinox LT FWD ($790 more with destination). It pairs a 1.6L turbo with an electric motor for 232 hp and 271 lb-ft, and EPA rates it at 41 mpg combined with FWD and 35 mpg with AWD.
Based on EPA combined ratings, the Equinox FWD uses about 37 gallons of fuel per 1,000 miles and the Sportage Hybrid FWD about 24. The hybrid tows 2,000 lbs with trailer brakes, and Kia covers its hybrid battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Kia also offers a Sportage Plug-in Hybrid from $40,590. Chevrolet doesn’t offer a hybrid Equinox; its electric compact SUV is the separate Equinox EV.
Reasons to Choose Each
Why choose the 2027 Equinox
- More torque: 184 lb-ft (FWD) or 203 lb-ft (AWD) vs 178 lb-ft.
- Blind Zone Steering Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Braking standard on the LT.
- Heated front seats, heated steering wheel, remote start and Adaptive Cruise Control on every trim.
- More ground clearance with FWD: 8.05 to 8.20 inches vs 7.1.
- Google built-in standard (service plan required) on an 11.3-inch touchscreen.
Why choose the 2027 Sportage
- Lower starting price: $28,990, and $810 less with destination.
- Longer warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain.
- More cargo room and rear legroom: 39.6 cu ft and 41.3 inches.
- A hybrid rated 41 mpg combined (FWD), plus a plug-in hybrid.
- A 5-star NHTSA overall rating for 2027.
Interior and Technology
Every 2027 Equinox has an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, an 11-inch Driver Information Center, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Google built-in features require a service plan. Wireless charging is standard on ACTIV and RS and part of the LT’s $2,050 Convenience Package II. Chevy Safety Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Reverse Automatic Braking are standard on every trim. The $1,140 Safety and Technology Package adds HD Surround Vision, a Rear Camera Mirror and the new Interior Camera.
Every Sportage has dual 12.3-inch screens and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; wireless charging starts on the EX. Standard driver aids include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and front and rear parking sensors. Blind-Spot Collision Warning is available on the LX and standard from the EX. Highway Driving Assist is standard on SX, SX-Prestige and X-Pro Prestige, available on X-Line, and uses hands-on detection. Neither SUV offers hands-free driving.
The Bottom Line
Both seat five and offer AWD for Colorado winters. Compare the Equinox with other rivals in our Chevy Equinox guide, browse Equinox inventory, check current Chevrolet offers, or get a trade-in value from our buying center.
Pick the Equinox if you want more torque than the gas Sportage, more ground clearance with FWD and standard blind-zone steering help. Pick the Sportage if a lower price, more space, a hybrid option or a longer warranty matter more.
More Comparisons
Find Your Equinox at Emich Chevrolet
Browse in-stock 2027 Equinoxes, or value your trade before you visit.
Equinox vs Sportage FAQs
Is the Sportage cheaper than the Equinox?
Slightly. The 2027 Sportage LX FWD starts at $28,990 and the 2027 Equinox LT FWD at $29,300, excluding destination. With destination ($1,495 Kia, $1,995 Chevrolet), it’s $30,485 vs $31,295. With AWD, the Sportage LX starts at $30,790 and the Equinox LT at $31,300.
Does the Equinox come as a hybrid like the Sportage?
No. The 2027 Equinox is gas only. The 2027 Sportage Hybrid starts at $30,590 and is EPA rated at 41 mpg combined with FWD. Chevrolet’s electric compact SUV is the separate Equinox EV.
Which has more cargo space, the Equinox or Sportage?
The Sportage: 39.6 cu ft behind the rear seat and 74.1 cu ft max with its cargo floor in the low position, vs 29.8 and 63.5 cu ft in the Equinox.
Which has the longer warranty?
Kia’s. The Sportage has 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage for the original owner. The Equinox has 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. Both include 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance.
How do the Equinox and Sportage compare on safety ratings?
NHTSA gives the 2027 Sportage a 5-star overall rating, and IIHS named the 2026 Sportage a 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ for vehicles built after May 2025. NHTSA has not rated the 2027 Equinox yet, and the 2026 Equinox has no overall rating, though it earned 5 stars in side crash tests. The Equinox has no IIHS award.
Sources: chevrolet.com 2027 and 2026 Equinox pages, chevrolet.com Build & Price, GM News, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for Chevrolet; each competitor’s official website, specifications, price sheets and press materials, fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA and IIHS for the rival, reviewed October 19, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options; destination charges differ by brand. EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment and are for comparison only; review the owner’s manual before towing. Driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle safely; read the owner’s manual for feature limitations. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles.