Kia Sportage · Head-to-Head With the Compact SUV Field
Kia Sportage vs Chevy Equinox
Warranty coverage that’s nearly double. A tow rating more than twice as high. Plus a bigger touchscreen, standard.
Put these two practical compact SUVs side by side and the Kia Sportage pulls ahead: a longer powertrain warranty, a substantially higher tow rating, a bigger standard touchscreen, and a current IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, all at a price that holds its own against the Chevrolet Equinox. Dean McCrary Kia Hattiesburg lays out the complete breakdown below.
10yr/100kKia powertrain warranty
187 hpStandard 2.5L GDI engine
$28,690Starting MSRP*
5Seats standard
2,500 lbMax towing, properly equipped
TSP+2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Bottom Line First
Here’s Why the Sportage Comes Out Ahead
Put the Kia Sportage next to the Chevy Equinox and the categories that matter most to Pine Belt families day to day — warranty coverage, capability, standard tech, and safety recognition — tilt in the Sportage’s favor. That’s the summary; the specifics follow below.
Warranty Leader
2×the coverage
10yr/100k vs Chevy’s 5yr/60k
Chevrolet’s powertrain term is roughly half of Kia’s ten-year, 100,000-mile coverage — twice the miles before it runs out.
Capability Leader
2,500 lbmax towing
vs Equinox’s 800–1,500 lb
Pick any drivetrain and the Sportage still leaves the Equinox well behind on towing — worth knowing if a boat or small trailer ever enters the picture.
Standard Tech
12.3″every trim
Equinox’s screen is 11.3″
Every Sportage trim ships with a 12.3-inch touchscreen built in, sizing up the 11.3-inch display Chevy includes on the Equinox.
Award Leader
TSP+IIHS, 2025
Equinox missed the 2026 IIHS list
The current-generation Sportage earned IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ distinction, an honor the 2026 Equinox failed to pick up in any form.
Shop the Trim That Wins
Every Sportage Trim, Plus This Month’s Deals
Already leaning toward the Sportage? Pick a trim below to see what it brings beyond the Equinox, along with the current offer pulled straight from our lot.
How Pricing Stacks Up
Starting MSRP & Trim Lineup
Starting prices for both land in roughly the same neighborhood, near $29K. But the Sportage stretches across a broader trim lineup and packs in more standard capability and coverage than the Equinox’s slimmer three-trim setup.
Configuration
Kia Sportage2027 Est.*
Chevy Equinox2026
Starting MSRP*
$28,690Lower/Competitive Start
~$28,600–$30,795 ⚠
Trim Range
LX → X-Pro Prestige (6 trims)Wider Range
LT, ACTIV, RS (3 trims)
Powertrains
Gas standard (Hybrid & PHEV available elsewhere in lineup)
Gas only (separate Equinox EV sold apart)
Standard Touchscreen
12.3″Bigger Std
11.3″
Off-Road / Notable Trim
X-Line, X-Pro Prestige (standard/active AWD)
ACTIV (rugged styling, no true off-road hardware)
Drivetrain
FWD standard, AWD available
FWD standard, AWD available
Under the Hood
Stronger Engine. A Much Bigger Tow Rating.
With its larger 2.5L engine, the Sportage edges past the Equinox's 1.5L turbo in output, and no rival in its cross-shopping set trails it by more on towing capacity.
Kia Sportage
2.5L GDI — Standard Gas
- 2.5L GDI I4 — 187 hp / 178 lb-ft
- 8-speed automatic
- Standard FWD, available AWD
- Sportage Hybrid & Sportage PHEV available separately
Chevy Equinox
1.5L Turbo — Standard Gas
- 1.5L Turbo I4 — 175 hp / 184 lb-ft (203 lb-ft AWD)
- CVT (FWD) / 8-speed automatic (AWD)
- Standard FWD, available AWD
- No hybrid or PHEV gas-based Equinox offered
Powertrain Spec
Kia Sportage
Chevy Equinox
Base Horsepower
187 hp+12 hp
175 hp
Combined Fuel Economy (est.)
~26–28 MPG
~26–27 MPG
Max Towing
2,500 lb, properly equippedFar More Capable
800 lb (FWD) / 1,500 lb (AWD)
Powertrain Warranty
10yr / 100,000 mi2× the Coverage
5yr / 60,000 mi
Everyday Livability
What Actually Changes Day to Day
Roominess and practicality are close to a wash — both are solid compact SUVs there. Where the Sportage pulls away is what accumulates over years of ownership: its warranty, its towing capability, and the tech that comes standard.
Peace of Mind
100kmile warranty
vs Equinox’s 60k-mile powertrain
Kia backs the powertrain for a decade or 100,000 miles — nearly double the miles Chevrolet covers, built-in protection right from day one.
Capability
2,500 lbmax towing
vs Equinox’s 800–1,500 lb
Regardless of how it’s configured, the Sportage’s tow rating clears the Equinox comfortably — useful for hauling gear, a small boat, or a trailer on the weekend.
Standard Tech
12.3″vs 11.3″
A bigger screen from the base trim
Even the base LX trim gets a touchscreen larger than anything standard on the Equinox.
Tech & Safety, Trim by Trim
Bigger Screen, Broader Assist — Standard From the Start.
Both automakers include driver-assist tech standard. What sets the Sportage apart is how much of it arrives on the base trim, rather than being saved for the pricier ones.
Kia Sportage
Every trim, LX through X-Pro Prestige, includes a standard 12.3″ touchscreen
The complete Kia driver-assist suite is standard starting with the base LX
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included standard
A 360° camera and premium tech package are available options
Earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award
Powertrain protection runs 10 years / 100,000 miles
Tow rating reaches 2,500 lb when properly equipped
Chevy Equinox
Standard 11.3″ touchscreen — smaller than the Sportage’s
Every trim includes Chevy Safety Assist standard
Also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard
Rear automatic braking is limited to the RS and ACTIV trims
Fell short of any 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick award
Powertrain warranty covers 5 years / 60,000 miles
Tow rating tops out at 1,500 lb on AWD, 800 lb on FWD
What Reviewers Say
Let the Track Record Speak
Both models have been reviewed for years by independent outlets. Here’s what each has genuinely earned recently — including the areas where Chevrolet does hold a real edge.
IIHS · 2025
Top Safety Pick+
IIHS’s top honor, given to current-generation Sportage models built from May 2025 onward.
Kelley Blue Book
Highest-Rated Compact SUVs List
The Sportage made Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 list of the segment’s highest-rated compact SUVs.
U.S. News & World Report
2026 Best Compact SUV for Families Finalist
U.S. News’ 2026 rankings placed the Sportage among the best family-oriented compact SUVs.
Chevrolet’s Real Strength
Simple Lineup & a Separate EV Option
A three-trim lineup keeps Equinox shopping straightforward, backed by GM’s coast-to-coast dealer network, and an all-electric Equinox EV is sold separately for buyers wanting to go electric.
Comparing Against the Equinox? Test-Drive the Sportage First.
Browse every Sportage trim we have in stock, get a firm figure on your trade, and experience the difference firsthand — it’s all one visit, right here in Hattiesburg.
Questions Shoppers Ask Most
Is the Kia Sportage better than the Chevy Equinox?⌄
For the majority of shoppers, yes. Warranty coverage favors the Sportage (Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection against Chevrolet’s 5-year/60,000-mile), it tows considerably more (as much as 2,500 lb compared with the Equinox’s 800-1,500 lb), its standard touchscreen is larger, and it holds a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ that the Equinox has yet to earn. That said, the Equinox remains a roomy, practical pick with GM’s dealer network behind it — the Sportage simply comes out ahead for coverage, capability, and overall value. Browse live Sportage inventory.
Which has more power, the Sportage or the Equinox?⌄
That would be the Kia Sportage. Its standard 2.5L engine produces 187 hp and 178 lb-ft, edging out the Chevy Equinox’s 1.5L turbo, which makes 175 hp and 184 lb-ft (203 lb-ft in AWD form). The extra displacement gives the Sportage a genuine, if modest, advantage in power.
Does the Chevy Equinox tow more than the Sportage?⌄
It doesn’t — and not by a small margin. Properly equipped, the Kia Sportage can tow up to 2,500 pounds, while the Chevy Equinox maxes out at 1,500 pounds for AWD models and only 800 pounds for FWD. Anyone planning to tow even a small trailer will find the Sportage the obvious pick.
Is the Kia Sportage cheaper than the Chevy Equinox?⌄
In most comparisons, yes. The LX starts at an estimated $28,690 MSRP, undercutting the Equinox LT’s reported range of roughly $28,600 to $30,795 (a figure that’s shifted more than once during the 2026 model year) — neither price includes destination. On top of that, the Sportage’s standard touchscreen is bigger.
What is the warranty difference between Kia and Chevrolet?⌄
Kia’s coverage runs considerably longer: 10 years / 100,000 miles on the powertrain and 5 years / 60,000 miles limited, compared with Chevrolet’s 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain and 3 years / 36,000 miles limited — the same factory coverage on every new Sportage at Dean McCrary Kia.
What does the Chevy Equinox do better?⌄
Where the Equinox genuinely stands out is GM’s broad dealer network and a simple, no-frills trim lineup (LT, ACTIV, and RS only) that makes shopping easy. There’s also a separate all-electric Equinox EV for shoppers wanting to go electric. On warranty, towing capacity, standard tech, and current safety honors, though, the Sportage stays ahead.
Where can I compare the Sportage and Equinox near Hattiesburg, MS?⌄
You’ll find the full Sportage lineup at Dean McCrary Kia, 7124 US Hwy 98 in Hattiesburg — right at the point where I-59, US-49, US-98, and US-11 meet, an easy drive from Petal, Oak Grove, Purvis, Columbia, Laurel, and the rest of the Pine Belt. Stop by and experience the difference firsthand.
The Hub City’s Sportage Headquarters
Looking for a Compact SUV Around Hattiesburg?
Located on US-98, where I-59, US-49, and US-11 all come together, Dean McCrary Kia gives Pine Belt families across Forrest, Lamar, Covington, and Perry counties the area’s largest Sportage selection. Weighing it against the Chevy Equinox? Here’s why this is the place to start.
- Every Sportage trim in live inventory — from LX up to X-Pro Prestige
- Get your current SUV valued in minutes for a fair trade number
- Every new Sportage includes upfront pricing plus Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty
- Genuine parts, factory-scheduled maintenance, and Kia-certified service
Dean McCrary Kia
Address7124 US Hwy 98, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Sales(601) 544-4007
Sales HoursMon–Sat 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Sources & Verification
This comparison sets the Kia Sportage (2027 model year, provisional — shown against Kia’s last officially published 2026 price sheet as the best available reference) against the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Specs and pricing were pulled from manufacturer sources (kia.com, media.chevrolet.com) along with Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and Car and Driver, current as of publication. Sources have reported Equinox LT pricing inconsistently after several 2026-model-year adjustments, and the range shown reflects that variability. All MSRP figures are base prices excluding destination, taxes, title, and dealer fees; cost increases with AWD and higher trims. Horsepower, torque, towing, and payload figures are independent and may not all be achievable together. EPA fuel-economy estimates are provided for comparison only; actual mileage will vary.
General Motors LLC holds the trademarks Chevrolet, Equinox, and Chevy Safety Assist; Kia and Sportage are referenced here strictly for descriptive comparison. This page presents the dealer’s own perspective and is meant for informational use only. Because pricing and offers change, contact Dean McCrary Kia directly for current figures.
Dean McCrary Kia, Hattiesburg MS — Kia Sportage vs Chevy Equinox Comparison
Against the Chevrolet Equinox, the Kia Sportage holds the advantage on warranty (a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain term versus 5-year/60,000-mile), maximum towing (2,500 lb versus 800-1,500 lb), standard touchscreen size (12.3 inches versus 11.3), and current safety honors (a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, which the Equinox lacked for 2026). In response, the Equinox offers a straightforward three-trim lineup and GM's dealer network. Stocking the full Sportage lineup, Dean McCrary Kia in Hattiesburg, Mississippi serves Petal, Oak Grove, Purvis, and the wider Pine Belt.