2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs Equinox

If you've landed yourself in a position of choosing the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse or the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, just know that both of these SUVs are admirable models with plenty of amenities and features to enjoy. It's not uncommon to be stuck between two similar models from the same automaker, especially when they each have their own strong points. The shared features between these two SUVs make them strong rivals that are often pitted against one another.

When trying to make a decision between the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, you should consider the features that will make or break your drive. For example, if you commute daily then fuel economy may be desirable. Yet, if you have a large family and need extra space, then a larger model may win. Some of the highest priority points you’ll want to keep in mind include cargo and passenger space, fuel economy, reliability, style and design, safety, and performance. Since the Traverse and the Equinox are produced by the same manufacturer, you’ll find many of these elements overlap. This means that the smallest difference between these two models can make all the difference in your overall SUV purchasing decision.

Taking time to compare the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox can be daunting, so we’ve done all the work for you. We’ve taken a look at the pros and cons of each model, as well as distinguishing features that set them apart from one another. From the front bumper to the rear liftgate, we’ve evaluated the elements of each of these SUVs and summarized them for your benefit. Please note, though, that either of these SUV options from the Chevrolet brand would be a commendable choice.

Size and Styling

The size difference between the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is, perhaps, the most differentiating feature between these two SUV models. The Chevrolet Equinox is undeniably smaller at 183 inches long with 63.9 cubic feet of storage space throughout the cabin. This is in comparison to the Chevrolet Traverse’s body length of 206 inches and 98.2 cubic feet of storage space. Additionally, the Traverse is wider at 70 inches in comparison to the 73-inch width of the Equinox. All of this makes a big difference to potential buyers in search of as much cabin space as they can get. Extra room for passengers and cargo is a plus for travelers, large families, and business owners who are trying to choose between the 2022 Chevy Traverse and the 2022 Chevy Equinox.

It isn’t just the extra legroom for passengers and cargo space for suitcases that brings up the biggest difference between the Travers and the Equinox, though. Another important difference between these two models is the seating capacity in each. The Chevrolet Equinox is spacious for its size, but it can only seat up to five passengers. The Chevrolet Traverse expands upon that capacity by adding a third-row seat. Thus, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse can seat up to seven passengers with second-row captain’s chairs or eight passengers with a second-row bench seat.

Passenger space can make all the difference in comfort levels within a vehicle. The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse’s larger stature allows it to give more legroom and headroom to passengers within. Not all SUVs manage to make the most of the extra space they’re given, but the Chevrolet Traverse makes the best use of the extra room it possibly can. The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is nothing to balk at, though, as it has just one to one-and-a-half inches less headroom and legroom than the spacious Traverse.

Drivability

While you might think that similar SUV models from the same automaker would contain identical powertrain components, that isn’t the case between the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. Underneath the hood of the Chevy Equinox, you’ll find a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Yet, you’ll find that the Chevy Traverse relies on a 3.6-liter V6 engine instead. So, what’s the difference between these two motors? The Equinox can produce a standard 170hp and 203 lb.-ft of torque, while the Traverse easily tops these stats with its 310hp generation and 266 lb.-ft. torque output.

As you can see, the 2022 Chevy Equinox was made for practicality while the 2022 Chevy Traverse puts more focus on performance and strength. This resonates in the towing capabilities of each of these SUV models, as well. The Equinox can tow up to 1,5000 pounds, while the Traverse can easily haul up to 5,000 pounds. If you’re looking for an SUV that can haul a camper or tow a boat, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse is going to be your SUV without a doubt.

Yet, what would you have to sacrifice to attain the increased horsepower, torque, and towing capacity the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse has to offer? Well, fuel economy, of course. A larger and more powerful engine requires more fuel more often. The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox can easily maintain a fuel economy of 26 city mpg and 31 highway mpg, while the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse averages 18 city mpg and 27 highway mpg. This can be a dealbreaker depending on how much a potential buyer relies on good fuel economy for daily use, as filling up the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse more often would put more strain on the pocketbook.

Comfort, Options and Performance

Neither the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox nor the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse would be categorized as luxury vehicles, as they are both modestly practical and utility-focused. Although you might find some convenient and premium features in certain trims on both, these wouldn’t necessarily be considered upscale. A quirky feature of the Chevy Equinox that is worth noting is the front passenger seat, which folds completely flat. You don’t find that in many SUV models. The Chevy Traverse matches this interesting feature with its own SkyScape Dual Panel Power Sunroof inclusion.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse also include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, as well as a heated steering wheel. Both of these SUVs also utilize a namesake entertainment system, also recognized as the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System. A 7.0-inch touchscreen accompanies both models, with the exception of the high trim levels of the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse that offer an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
Each of these SUVs is just as comfortable as the other, as well. Inside both you'll find standard cloth upholstery and four-way adjustable front seats. You can upgrade these to optional leather seats and eight-way adjustable front seats, if you wish. In both models, you can even opt for specific package inclusions that combine multiple interior upgrades into one package.

Neither of these SUV options are luxurious, but they are both comfortable enough to allow you to enjoy your ride. They are more focused on providing the benefits of an SUV on a budget, and they do a great job at that.

Safety

One area where you won’t find much difference between the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse is in their safety feature inclusions. Each of these SUV models is equipped with a suite of safety features known as Chevy Safety Assist, and it is included as a standard amenity across all trims for both these SUVs.

A combination of six driver-assistive safety features and tech enhancements is included in Chevy Safety Assist. These consist of Forward Collision Alert and Front Pedestrian Braking, which intuitively reduce your risk of colliding with another vehicle or person. Also, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and Following Distance Indicator can assist you in keeping a safe distance from other cars while en route. Intellibeam headlights, which are also included in both the Equinox and Traverse, are automatic headlamps that turn on when no other cars are in sight and off when they sense approaching vehicles.

A few other safety features that exist outside of the Chevy Safety Assist suite are also present in both the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse. Adaptive Cruise Control allows you to set the speed, while the SUV takes care of slowing down to maintain adequate space from other vehicles. Rear Cross Traffic Alert is also included, and it’s helpful in detecting vehicles that are traveling behind your SUV while backing up in an effort to avoid collisions. Park Assist is also included for both SUVs. Yet, you’ll find this feature only in the rear of the Traverse, while it is utilized in the front and rear in the Equinox.

Since these two SUVs incorporate many of the same safety elements across their trims, it is no shock that they performed similarly in NHTSA safety testing. Both the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox have earned five-star NHTSA safety ratings for their commendable commitment to accident prevention and collision mitigation.

Which Model to Choose?

Deciding between the purchase of a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse will likely come down to consumer preference. Each of these models is unique in its own way with small feature changes that will mean more to some buyers than others. For example, if extra space for passengers and cargo means a lot to you, then the Chevy Traverse would be the better choice, hands down. Yet, if you need better fuel efficiency, the Chevy Equinox is a superior option.

Both of these models are equally as stylish and practical with no major differences in these areas. However, the higher trims of the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse do have a bigger touchscreen setup. Other than that, the technology features between the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 Chevrolet Traverse are identical.

Your budget may also determine which of these SUVs is a better option for your circumstance. The larger and more powerful 2022 Chevrolet Traverse will run you about $5,000-$6,000 more than the smaller 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. Whether you're willing to accept that trade-off for better fuel economy and less space in the cabin or not is totally up to you, though.

Truly you can't go wrong with either the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox or the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse. Both SUVs are widely-known for their innate characteristics of affordability, reliability, and practicality. These vehicles are made for the everyday buyer who enjoys a conventional SUV with modern amenities. Simply put, if you don't need extra space, prefer better fuel economy, and want a no-fuss SUV, then the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is your go-to model. Yet, if you want more interior space, better power and performance, and a few tech upgrades, then the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse would fit the bill perfectly.