GMC Terrain Vs. Chevy Equinox Vs. Buick Envision – Compare Specs & Features

Chevy Equinox vs. Buick Envision vs. GMC Terrain: Which SUV Is Your Match?

Our GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox vs. Buick Envision comparison is for families who want their next vehicle to have a little bit of everything. Small-sized and compact SUVs breathe adventure into every mile without the MPG issues that mid- or full-size utility vehicles take on. All three models offer engaging infotainment systems and sufficient cargo space to carry vacation gear while staying maneuverable. However, the Chevy Equinox stands out, thanks to being the most affordable model and offering a versatile selection of trims with spacious dimensions.

We at McGee Chevrolet of Middlebury know that the Equinox is the right option for your upcoming vacations, commutes, and road trips. So, let's put these three SUVs side-by-side so you can be sure that it's your best choice.

GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox vs. Buick Envision Specs

To begin, we'll open up the hood of these models. The Buick Envision prioritizes performance instead of eco-friendly driving, while the new Chevy Equinox and Terrain share a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder powertrain setup. Even though they have similar engines, you may notice that the Equinox retains an edge in EPA-estimated MPG ratings: At an EPA-estimated 24/29/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) when equipped with AWD,¹ the Chevy SUV offers the most mileage for your dollar.

Chevy Equinox vs. GMC Terrain vs. Buick Envision Dimensions

The GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox size comparison is quite close. That's because both vehicles are constructed with a 107.5-inch wheelbase and offer a 63.5 cubic foot cargo area behind the first row, which is more than what the Buick can provide. The spacious Chevy Equinox interior makes the Buick SUV look slightly claustrophobic, with over 10 cubic feet more of overall stowage space and 4.3 inches of additional second-row hip room.

• Chevy Equinox: Best length, width, legroom (front and rear). Shared best headroom and cargo space.
• GMC Terrain: Best height. Shared best headroom and cargo space.
• Buick Envision: Longest wheelbase.

Chevy Equinox vs. GMC Terrain vs. Buick Envision Trims

The GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox vs. Buick Envision lineups offer three choices for the Equinox and Envision but only a single trim for the Terrain.

• The GMC Terrain only has one trim level: Elevation.
• The Envision comes in three options – Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir – with only AWD available.
• The Equinox dominates in terms of flexible packages, thanks to the LT, RS, ACTIV, and all-electric variants, all with FWD or optional AWD.

As a result, the Equinox is your best option for accessing different levels of preferred technology and value. You can choose between FWD or AWD for a basic setup of convenient features, or upgrade to the RS or ACTIV for improvement in comfort.

Chevy Equinox vs. GMC Terrain vs. Buick Envision Features

Climb inside these vehicles, and you'll come across three distinct cabins. The Chevy Equinox vs. GMC Terrain vs. Buick Envision infotainment options, for instance, showcase each model's unique ability and feel. The Buick's dashboard is covered by a 30-inch screen, which can be overwhelming. The GMC Terrain is smaller, with a 15-inch central console to work with. The Equinox has a spacious 11-inch touchscreen and an 11.3-inch information center, providing excellent visuals without occupying the entire driver-side dashboard. While the Buick Envision is marketed as a luxury-grade SUV, it lacks some key standard functions, such as heated front seats, that the Equinox offers.

• Chevy Equinox
• Standard: 11-inch central infotainment center, six-speaker audio, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, cabin air filter, keyless open and start
• Available: ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, retractable cargo shade, wireless charging, driver memory, dual-zone automatic climate control
• GMC Terrain
• Standard: 15-inch central touchscreen, six-speaker audio, heated steering wheel, remote start, heated front seats, cabin air filter, keyless open and start
• Available: ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, retractable cargo shade, wireless charging, dual-zone automatic climate control
• Buick Envision
• Standard: 30-inch central and driver information screen, nine-speaker audio, cabin humidity sensor, wireless charging, keyless open and start
• Available: ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control

Chevy Equinox vs. GMC Terrain vs. Buick Envision Safety Feature Overview

That dedication to a quality suite of technology is how we finish up our GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox vs. Buick Envision guide with a final point toward the Chevy Equinox. While the Buick Envision does offer more standard safety features, the Equinox and Terrain both catch up to it through their available amenities at affordable price points. Specific functionalities, like Park Assist, allow these two SUVs to stay competitive with the Buick Envision.

• Chevy Equinox
• Standard: HD Rear Vision Camera, Safety Alert Seat, Rear Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Blind Zone Steering Assist
• Available: Traffic Sign Recognition, HD Surround Vision, Rear Pedestrian Alert
• GMC Terrain
• Standard: HD Rear Vision Camera, Safety Alert Seat, Rear Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Blind Zone Steering Assist
• Available: Traffic Sign Recognition, HD Surround Vision, Rear Pedestrian Alert
• Buick Envision
• Standard: HD Surround Vision, Safety Alert Seat, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, Head-Up Display

Shop the Equinox Trims at McGee Chevrolet of Middlebury

We hope that our GMC Terrain vs. Chevy Equinox vs. Buick Envision review revealed that the Equinox's impressive dimensions, fuel efficiency, and accessible features top the competition. See our Chevy Equinox specials for even better value on this nimble, stylish SUV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the safety features compare between the GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox, and Buick Envision?

The GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox, and Buick Envision all hold similar safety features to one another. This includes standard Forward Collision Alert, Safety Alert Seat, Rear Park Assist, and Blind Zone Steering Assist. The Buick Envision has some standard functions that are add-ons for the other two models, like HD Surround Vision, but the price points for the Equinox and Terrain remain more competitive, even with those additional amenities.

What are the main differences between the GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox, and Buick Envision?

The Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are similar SUVs, with the Equinox having slightly larger dimensions, better EPA-estimated MPG ratings, and an EV variant. The GMC Terrain has a more rugged feel, while the Equinox thrives with its versatile appearance. Both are competent enough at light off-roading. The Buick Envision is the most expensive of the options, with very solid convenience and safety features but smaller dimensions.

Which SUV has better fuel economy: the GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox, or Buick Envision?

The Terrain and Chevy Equinox have shared MPG ratings for their FWD variants, at an EPA-estimated 26/28/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).^2,3 However, when considering AWD powertrains, the Equinox has the best of the three, with an EPA-estimated 24/29/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).¹ This rating is one more combined MPG than the Terrain⁴ and two more combined MPG than the Buick.⁵

¹EPA-estimated 24 city/29 hwy 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder.

²EPA-estimated 26 city/28 hwy 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder.

³EPA-estimated mpg for the 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with 8-speed automatic transmission FWD. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov

⁴EPA-estimated mpg for the 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with 8-speed automatic transmission AWD. Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov

⁵Based on EPA city estimate 22 / highway estimate 28 / combined estimate 24. Your range may be less.

⁶Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.

⁷GM-estimated. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.