Chevy Equinox vs. Traverse: Which SUV Size Do You Need?

The Chevrolet Equinox vs. Traverse question usually comes down to one thing: how many people and how much gear ride with you in a normal week. Both are Chevy SUVs with available all-wheel drive, but they are built for different households. The Equinox is a two-row compact that seats five and slips easily into a tight garage. The Traverse is a three-row midsize that seats up to eight. Below, you will find a plain, side-by-side look at size, space, power and capability, so you can narrow it down before you visit Libertyville Chevrolet.

The Chevrolet Equinox is a two-row compact SUV that seats five. Image: Chevrolet

Equinox vs. Traverse at a Glance

Start with the numbers. Every figure below comes from Chevrolet’s official specifications for the current models.

Seating, Size and Cargo: Count Your Riders First

The biggest difference is the third row. The Equinox is a two-row SUV that seats five, which is plenty for a couple, a small family or a commuter who wants extra room for weekend gear. The Traverse adds a third row and seats seven, or up to eight on the LT with the available second-row bench. Smart Slide Seats on the LT make it easier to climb into the back, and the RS adds power-folding second- and third-row seats.

Size matters off the road too. The Equinox measures 183.2 inches long, just over 15 feet. The Traverse stretches to 204.4 inches, about 21 inches longer. If you park in an older garage in Mundelein or squeeze into tight downtown spots, the Equinox is the easier fit. If you are juggling school runs and practice carpools in Vernon Hills, those extra seats can save you a second trip.

How the cargo space compares

With the rear seat up, the Equinox holds 29.8 cubic feet, and folding that seat opens up 63.5 cubic feet. The Traverse gives you 22.9 cubic feet behind its third row, 56.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a max of 98 cubic feet, which Chevrolet rates as best in class. In plain terms, a Traverse with the third row folded holds nearly twice what an Equinox holds behind its back seat. The Traverse LT also comes with an AutoSense Power Liftgate, handy when your arms are full of groceries.

The Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row midsize SUV that seats up to eight. Image: Chevrolet

Power, Towing and Lake County Winters

The Equinox uses a 1.5L turbo engine with 175 horsepower and up to 203 lb-ft of torque. That is a good match for commuting and errands, and when properly equipped it can tow up to 1,500 pounds. The Traverse steps up to a 2.5L turbo with 328 horsepower, 326 lb-ft of torque and an 8-speed transmission. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, so if a weekend run past Gurnee includes a boat or camper, check that trailer’s loaded weight against the rating before you decide.

Lake County winters bring snow, slush and salted roads, and both SUVs offer available all-wheel drive. The Equinox LT also comes with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which you will appreciate on a cold January morning. Whichever SUV you choose, regular checks on tires, brakes and the all-wheel-drive system keep it ready for the season, and our Chevrolet service department can handle that maintenance for you.

ACTIV and Z71: trims for rougher roads

• Equinox ACTIV: all-terrain tires, a uniquely tuned suspension and Evotex and sueded microfiber seating surfaces.
• Traverse Z71: an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system, off-road suspension, a skid plate, Terrain Mode, Hill Descent Control and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
• Ground clearance: Chevrolet says the Traverse Z71 rides more than an inch higher than other Traverse trims.

RS trims for a sportier look

The Equinox RS adds black mirrors and badging, standard 19-inch wheels and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The Traverse RS rolls on 22-inch black wheels and includes Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology with a 3-year OnStar Super Cruise plan, which also comes standard on the High Country.

Which Chevy SUV Fits Your Life?

Both SUVs come well equipped. The Equinox includes more than 15 standard safety and driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist, plus an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Traverse offers more than 20 standard safety and driver assistance features, a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch driver information screen. From there, your choice depends on how you live.

Choose the Equinox if you:

• Usually carry four or fewer passengers
• Want a shorter SUV that is easy to park and fits a smaller garage
• Tow light loads, or nothing at all
• Like the idea of the ACTIV’s all-terrain tires for gravel and snowy side streets

Choose the Traverse if you:

• Need a third row for kids, carpools or visiting family
• Haul strollers, sports gear or luggage on a regular basis
• Plan to tow a boat or camper that fits within its rating
• Want the Z71’s off-road hardware or the Super Cruise technology on RS and High Country

Still not sure? Browse our used Chevy SUVs and other pre-owned vehicles to compare more options, or explore Chevrolet financing options before you visit. If you need even more room than the Traverse, read our Chevy Tahoe vs. Suburban comparison for the next size up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chevy Traverse bigger than the Equinox?

Yes. The Traverse is 204.4 inches long, while the Equinox is 183.2 inches long. The Traverse also adds a third row and offers up to 98 cubic feet of max cargo volume, compared with 63.5 cubic feet in the Equinox.

Does the Chevy Equinox have a third row?

No. The Equinox is a two-row SUV that seats five. If you need a third row, the Traverse seats up to eight, and the Tahoe and Suburban offer even more space.

How much can a Chevy Traverse tow compared to an Equinox?

The Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Always check your trailer’s loaded weight against the rating for your exact vehicle.

Is the Equinox or Traverse better in snow?

Both offer available all-wheel drive, which helps with traction on snowy and slushy roads. The Traverse Z71 adds an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system and Terrain Mode, while the Equinox ACTIV adds all-terrain tires. Good tires and careful driving still matter most in winter.

Can I test drive the Equinox and Traverse at Libertyville Chevrolet?

Yes. Visit us at 1001 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048, or call our sales team at (847) 932-3001. Calling ahead lets us check current availability and have both SUVs ready for you to compare.

Find the Right Size Chevy SUV

The Equinox and Traverse share Chevy’s focus on comfort, tech and available all-wheel drive, but they solve different problems. Pick the Equinox for easy parking and five seats. Pick the Traverse for a third row, more cargo room and up to 5,000 pounds of towing. The best way to decide is to sit in both, fold the seats and load your own gear. Browse our new Chevrolet inventory, then schedule a test drive and compare them back to back.