How to Choose the Best Family SUV: Chevrolet Equinox vs Traverse
Maria Smith
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In the Equinox vs Traverse debate, size does matter.
Choosing between Chevrolet’s 2019 models is tough. The Chevy Equinox vs Traverse is something that is often debated by people looking to find the best family SUV. Finding the right car can be difficult. It takes time to figure out which will be comfortable for the kids, has the most storage space, and still gives you nice details for a good ride. It is not just about how many people it will seat anymore.
Both the 2019 Chevy Equinox and the 2019 Chevy Traverse are great cars. They both have some upgrades in the 2019 models though neither has been totally refreshed. Both SUVs offer premium upgrades and have the reliable safety features you can expect from Chevy. However, the Traverse is not just an upgraded version of the Equinox. In fact, there are some features in the less pricey Equinox you can’t get in the Traverse. Here’s the breakdown.
Size does matter when it comes to buying a family car. Photo: Maria Smith
Equinox vs Traverse: the Basics
The Chevy Equinox and the Chevy Traverse are similar in that they are both SUVs, loaded with safety features, and have tons of available options. The biggest difference, especially as it relates to families, is size. The Chevy Equinox seats five and the Chevy Traverse is a third row SUV that can seat up to 8. The Equinox has a smaller trunk area with only 29.9 cubic feet unless the rear seat is folded. The Chevrolet 2019 Traverse offers 98.2 cubic feet of max cargo volume. The best family SUV has to fit your family first.
When looking at price, the Chevy Traverse is more expensive. The base price for the 2019 Chevy Equinox starts at $24,795 (including destination freight charges). The base model for the 2019 Chevy Traverse is $30,925. Premium features can add up for both models.
In terms of gas mileage in the Equinox vs Traverse debate, the Equinox wins, getting up to 28 mpg in the city and up to 38 mpg on the highway. The larger Traverse gets up to 20 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the highway.
Further reading: Our in-depth review of the 2019 Chevy Equinox.
The Equinox offers 2 USB ports standard with options to add up to 4 more! Photo: Maria Smith
Equinox vs Traverse: Safety Features
When looking at safety features, the 2019 Chevy Equinox and Chevy Traverse both offer lots of the same options. Many of which are standard, including an impressive lineup of dual-stage airbags including protecting riders in front, side and roof-rail impact.
Both can be considered the best family SUV because of Chevrolet’s Teen Driver Technology on all models. Teen Driver Technology helps to support safe driving habits by letting parents activate customizable vehicle settings associated with a key fob to encourage safe driving behavior. It can limit certain vehicle features, as well as preventing certain safety systems from being turned off. An in-vehicle report card gives parents much-needed information on driving habits to help them continue to coach the new driver
The Traverse does offer the Passenger Sensing System standard in all models. This includes a sensor indicator and front passenger and child presence detector. The Chevy Equinox does not offer this.
Premium available features in both the Equinox and Traverse include lane change alert with side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert. Surprisingly, the Chevy Equinox offers these premium safety features in more of its editions than the Traverse.
You really can’t go wrong with either choice! Photo: Maria Smith
Equinox vs Traverse: Technology Features
The biggest difference in the Equinox vs Traverse debate is in the technology features. It might come as a surprise but the lower-priced 2019 Chevy Equinox offers more connectivity and technology in its models. New in 2019, the Chevy Equinox has an available 8-inch system with navigation with HD touchscreens. It also offers four USB data ports standard. Two additional USB ports, an SD card reader and auxiliary input jack are available. The Equinox also offers a front auxiliary 12-volt Power outlet standard, with options of up to 2 more outlets in premium editions.
In the Chevy Traverse, only one 12-volt power outlet is available but only in premium editions. There are two USB ports standard in all models but premium editions do not offer additional ports or connectivity. However, premium editions of the Traverse allow for wireless charging and can include luxury Bose speakers for superb sound. Both of these things are not available in the Equinox.
Both the Equinox and Traverse get a thumbs up from me. Photo: Maria Smith
While both the Traverse and Equinox offers Rear Vision Camera and Surround Vision (which gives you a bird’s eye view of the vehicle), only the 2019 Equinox gives drivers the option of upgrading these systems to crystal-clear HD.
Families will be happy to know that both the Chevy Equinox and the Chevy Traverse offer a Rear seat infotainment system with DVD player. It includes a dual headrest with 8” screens and multiple inputs, including SD, USB, HDMI, as well as wireless connectivity to brought-in devices. Both SUVs also offer Chevrolet 4G LTE and available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot to give users a fast and reliable Internet connection for up to 7 devices.
Further Reading: Need more options? Find out what else Chevy may have for you.
Equinox vs Traverse: The Bottom Line
The bottom line for car buyers trying to decide between an Equinox or a Traverse is dependent on what size of car you actually need and how important connectivity is to your family. Spending more money to buy the 2019 Chevy Traverse will not necessarily get you more options. It will allow you to carry more people and more stuff. There is a reason though that Equinox sales have reached nearly 2 million since its launch and it is Chevrolet’s second-best selling vehicle. You do get a lot for your money. The best news in the Equinox vs Traverse debate is that there really is no wrong choice! You just have to find the best family SUV for you!
The debate is on! Photo: Maria Smith
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