2021 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2021 Kia Sorento: Which Is Better?

Both the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2021 Kia Sorento offer plenty of space and tons of amenities. Which is better?

Quick Facts

• The Chevrolet Equinox is the brand’s bestselling SUV.
• The Kia Sorento is all new for 2021 and seats up to seven passengers.

2021 Chevrolet Equinox

Base Price: $24,995 / Read our 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Review

What we like: Low starting price; spacious interior

What we would change: More power; add a hybrid option; improve cargo space

Overview: The Chevrolet Equinox has proven to be a competent compact crossover that offers a low price of entry and solid resale value. It’s roomy for five and handles capably. Formerly the base engine, the 1.5-liter turbo-4 paired with a 6-speed automatic is now the only offering. It’s no barn-burner with 170 horsepower and has EPA estimates of 28 mpg combined (FWD) or 27 mpg (AWD).

What’s new for 2021: A new Leather Package for the LT includes perforated leather upholstery in Jet Black, memory settings for the power driver’s seat, an auto-dimming inside mirror, and heated and auto-dimming outside mirrors. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder has been dropped.

Features and technology: The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is offered in L, LS, LT, and Premier trims. The LT can be dressed up with the blacked-out Midnight Edition or the Sport Edition, while the Premier offers a Redline Edition appearance package. Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beams are standard. Blind-spot monitoring is optional. All trims come standard with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, available Wi-Fi, and four USB ports. A user-friendly 8-inch unit with optional navigation is available. The top-spec Premier includes a hands-free power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, and LED exterior lighting.

What does the future hold: A update for the Equinox is coming for 2022 and sees revised front and rear styling as well as the addition of a sporty new RS trim. See 2021 Chevrolet Equinox models for sale near you.

2021 Kia Sorento

Base Price: $29,000  / Read our 2021 Kia Sorento Review

What we like: Tons of passenger space; variety of engine options including a hybrid and PHEV (coming in late 2021); optional captain’s chairs in the second row; great warranty

What we would change: Bring back the V6 engine; increase towing capacity; offer an AWD hybrid

Overview: The Kia Sorento is a compact crossover that offers ample interior space for up to seven passengers (six when outfitted with the captain’s chairs in the second row.) It comes with a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter. A hybrid and plug-in hybrid option is available too. AWD is also offered, but you can’t get it on the hybrid versions.

What’s new for 2021: The Kia Sorento is totally new for 2021, based on a stronger and lighter chassis with a 1.4-inch-longer wheelbase. Initially, the new Sorento will be offered as an LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige, each available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Kia Sorento PHEV is expected to arrive sometime early next year, also as a 2021 model.

One of the most significant new 2021 Sorentos is the X-Line SX-Prestige AWD, a premium model bristling with technology and improved off-road ability. With its inch-higher ride height and locking center differential, the X-Line will be a little more at home on the dirt, and its looks are distinguished by some unique styling details, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a bridge-type roof rack.

Features and technology: At the base level, the 2021 Kia Sorento LX 2.5 is a FWD model with the 2.5-liter engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, and LED headlamps. Inside, there’s cloth seat trim, a 4.2-inch digital instrument binnacle, an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Step up the trim lines to get things like 18-inch alloy wheels and special GT-Line bumpers with black accents.

The most affordable turbocharged new Sorento is the EX 2.5T. Besides the 2.5-liter turbo engine and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Sorento EX 2.5 T is a front-drive model equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, second-row captain’s chairs, smart cruise control, and an electronic parking brake. The Sorento SX 2.5T has the same powertrain but adds 20-inch alloy wheels. LED projector headlamps, a panoramic roof, and a 10.25-inch navigation and audio screen.

Next up, the Kia Sorento SX Prestige 2.5T is also a front-driver, this luxurious Sorento is fitted with leather seat trim, vented front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It also has the handy Blind View Monitor for a 360-degree view that’s most helpful in tight parking lots.

An even more opulent Sorento is called the SX Prestige X-Line 2.5T. This dirt-tuned AWD Sorento comes with everything on the standard Prestige, but it’s slightly raised and has a locking center differential as well as Drive Mode Select. This model is distinguished visually by silver bumpers with molded-in skidplates, black and chrome exterior trim, and black roof rails.

The new Sorento S 1.6T Hybrid and EX 1.6T Hybrid models are FWD offerings with 17-inch alloy wheels, second-row captain’s chairs, a rotary dial shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Syntex interior fabric. The EX is further distinguished by smart cruise control and a panoramic roof. Last, there’s the upcoming new Kia Sorento PHEV, which arrives sometime in 2021. Equipped with the turbo 1.6-liter gas engine, a 66.9-kW electric motor, and a larger battery, this plug-in hybrid Sorento is an AWD model with an expected electric-only range of 30 miles. We expect the Sorento PHEV to be well-equipped.

Kia doesn’t skimp on the safety or technology options either. Even at the base, you get Kia’s suite of safety equipment, including a forward-collision warning system and automatic emergency braking that senses not just cars but also pedestrians and cyclists. Also standard: a driver-attention warning that sends audible and visual warnings if it senses the driver getting sleepy. You even get a rear occupant alarm across the entire line up so that you don’t forget a child or pet in the back.

What does the future hold: The Sorento is all-new this year, so we expect some light refreshes going forward. See the 2021 Kia Sorento models for sale near you

Equinox vs. Sorento: Strengths comparison

Chevrolet Equinox benefits: Lower starting price; user-friendly infotainment system

Kia Sorento benefits: More powertrain options; better warranty

2021 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2021 Kia Sorento: Which is better?

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has a budget-friendly starting price bolstered by good resale value.  A roomy interior for five and user-friendly infotainment are plusses. The 2021 Kia Sorento is an excellent option if you need to carry more than five passengers and are looking for something with a variety of engines. For our money, we’d go with the Sorento.  See 2021 Chevrolet Equinox models for sale or See 2021 Kia Sorento models for sale