Chevrolet Equinox vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was a mid-sized crossover that found its place between the smaller Trax and Trailblazer and the larger Blazer and Traverse in Chevrolet's lineup. Its design was a harmonious blend of SUV and car-like elements, with broad fenders, a squat roofline, and a tall grille that gave it a distinctive SUV character. The Equinox was available in LT, Active, and RS trims, each offering unique styling features such as chrome grille mesh, black trim, and varying wheel sizes. Inside, the Equinox's cabin was well-assembled, with neat details like large air vents and a spear-like trim piece. The Activ model featured unique microfiber and Evotex seats, while the RS trim added sporty touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with different color and trim options, with the X-Line and X-Pro models offering distinctive grille styles and amber accent lights. The Telluride's side profile was marked by angular fender sculpting and unique black plastic tabs, while the rear view adopted a Range Rover-like style. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a luxurious feel, especially in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim with the Executive package. The seats were covered in synthetic leather and suede, offering comfort but with somewhat firm cushions. The interior materials were of high quality, with options like engineered wood and carbon fiber trim.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine producing 175 horsepower. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for front-wheel drive models, while all-wheel drive versions had an eight-speed automatic transmission. The AWD models offered 203 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for highway speeds, though overtaking required a heavy foot. The Equinox's suspension setup was designed for comfort, making it a great highway cruiser, but it lacked the agility for quick steering inputs. The vehicle offered an Off-Road drive mode with AWD, but its off-road capabilities were limited.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid model added electric motors, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed transmission and was not available in the off-road-capable X-Pro trims. The Telluride Hybrid delivered a smooth and quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim offered off-road capabilities, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's suspension provided a comfortable ride, and the vehicle was composed and controllable on winding roads.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered competitive headroom and first-row legroom, though some rivals provided more rear-seat legroom. The seats were supportive but under-cushioned, and the Convenience Package III added features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and heated rear seats. The Equinox provided ample storage space, with a wireless phone charger and a spacious center console. Cargo space was 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was below segment leaders. The maximum towing capacity was 1,500 pounds for AWD models.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The Telluride offered flexible seating arrangements, with captain's chairs in most models and a second-row bench available in non-Hybrid trims. Cargo capacity was 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 89.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly infotainment system with Google built-in apps. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the system was easy to navigate with clear icons and a shallow menu structure. The Equinox lacked options for a head-up display or a premium audio system, but it provided a good balance of tech features for the average user.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was easy to use, though it required a firm tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered customizable themes and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system in higher trims, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. It also included GM-specific features like a vibrating driver's seat and the Teen Driver system. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with top ratings in some tests but lower ratings in others. The NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the 2026 model at the time of writing.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist was effective. Crash test scores from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available at the time of writing.