Im Petus
The compact SUV segment is crowded with contenders offering practicality and family-friendly features. Two models from General Motors brands, the Buick Envision and Chevrolet Equinox, compete directly in this space. This article stacks them up across dimensions, power, tech, pricing, and more to help SUV shoppers pick between these two offerings.
Exterior Dimensions and Styling
On the exterior, the Envision measures 187 inches long, 74 inches wide and 66 inches tall. The Equinox comes in slightly smaller at 183 inches long, 73 inches wide and 65 inches tall. Both ride on a 112-inch wheelbase. The Envision appears more elegant and sculpted versus the boxier Equinox.
Winner: Draw – Exterior dimensions are very close between the two. Styling preference depends on whether buyers want a more rounded premium look from Buick or the muscular Chevrolet design.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Inside, the Envision provides 100.6 cubic feet of passenger volume, narrowly beating the Equinox’s 100.0 cubic feet. Both SUVs seat five passengers comfortably with decent rear seat legroom. The Equinox offers more maximum cargo room with 63.9 cubic feet to the Envision’s 57 cubic feet. Behind the rear seats, cargo room is nearly equal at around 30 cubic feet for each model.
Winner: Draw – Passenger and cargo space differences are negligible. Both models provide generous room for occupants and gear.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy
The Envision utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It comes standard with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy checks in at 24 mpg city/31 highway/26 combined.
The base Equinox engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. A 2.0-liter turbo option is available. Front-wheel drive is standard, with AWD optional. Fuel economy reaches up to 32 combined mpg.
Winner: Chevrolet Equinox – The Equinox offers a choice of more fuel-efficient turbocharged engines versus the Envision’s single unit.
Ride and Handling
The Envision prioritizes ride comfort over sporty handling, with an absorbent suspension tuning and light steering. Sharp handling is not the forte. The Equinox also favors a soft, quiet ride but feels somewhat looser and less controlled around turns. Overall, neither SUV provides much driving excitement.
Winner: Draw – Both the Envision and Equinox are tuned primarily for ride comfort, not agile handling. Neither has a significant advantage driving dynamics-wise.
Technology Features
The Envision offers Buick’s latest infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, in-vehicle Wi-Fi, and a solid six-speaker sound system. Options include wireless charging and a power moonroof. Driver assistance features include forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and rear cross traffic alert.
The Equinox provides comparable tech like Chevy’s 8-inch Infotainment 3 touchscreen, smartphone integration, teen driver monitoring, and a rear seat reminder. Available upgrades add a Bose premium audio system, HD surround vision camera, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Winner: Draw – Both SUVs provide comparable suites of user-friendly tech and infotainment features. Neither stands out with any clear advantage here.
Safety
In crash testing by the NHTSA and IIHS, the Envision and Equinox earn top Good and 5-Star overall ratings, indicating a high level of occupant protection in collisions. Both also offer modern driver assistance safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.
Winner: Draw – The Envision and Equinox match each other with top scores in crash tests and availability of advanced collision avoidance technologies.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2022 Envision starts at $35,200 for the Preferred trim, moving up to $38,500 for the Essence and topping out at $43,300 for the Avenir luxury model. The Activ trim adds some trailering features. Options include a $1,850 sunroof and $2,480 tech package.
The Equinox has a base price around $27,000 for the L trim, ranging up to the mid-$30,000s for higher LS, LT and Premier models. Additional options are similar to the Envision but more affordable.
Winner: Chevrolet Equinox – The Chevy has a significant price advantage at every trim level versus the premium-positioned Envision.
Bottom Line
The Envision and Equinox are closely matched compact SUVs with roomy interiors, comfortable rides, and generous technology suites. The Envision stands out for its elegant exterior styling while the Equinox wins on fuel economy and overall value. Test drives can help buyers prioritize luxury brand appeal versus maximizing their dollar. Either is an excellent choice for families seeking space and features.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Buick Envision and Chevrolet Equinox share similar dimensions and capabilities, the Equinox has advantages in fuel efficiency, pricing and value. The Envision counters with more premium styling and brand cachet. Fuel costs, budget, and styling tastes should steer buyers toward the model that best aligns with their priorities in a capable compact SUV. Those wanting refinement can opt for the Envision, while value-focused families are served well by the budget-friendly Equinox.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings