2013 Equinox 2LT
2013 GMC Terrain Denali
Recently I was given the pleasure of driving both the Chevrolet Equinox 2 LT
and the GMC Terrain Denali and considering they are on the same platform I
thought I could compare what is different about them.
Let’s start with the physical appearance of these SUV's. They only share the
same platforms, which mean that underneath they are virtually identical. But
the way they look, you would never know that.
The Equinox has a very soft and appealing look to it with its nice curvy
fenders and gentle face. While the Terrain has a more aggressive look, sporting
the surly looking fender arches and some hard straight lines to grab your
attention. What a great idea, I know I preferred the Terrain while my wife
prefer the Equinox, this way GM can give the buyers what they want.
Now, the beauty of these two is more than just skin deep, they were designed
to be some of the safest small SUVs on the market today. Because GM
knows that safety is a key issue when you plan on carrying your most valuable
cargo with you (your loved ones), and as far as crash test ratings go they
don't get much better according to
NHTSA. They gave them a 5 star-top of the class. I like to
refer to these vehicles as driving a roll cage with pillows
throughout...because if something happens all of the bad stays on the outside
while you are wrapped in a cocoon of marshmallow softness.
GM went to town on this design. Also offered is a lane departure and forward
collision alert system that helps out. This is about as safe as you get when
you’re looking for a vehicle in this class.
Now, as we wander into the interiors you will note that they share
similarities in the way things are laid out-from the center stack right through
to the rear cargo area. The center stack is laid out almost perfect for most
drivers.
Everything is pretty logical with the ChevyMyLink/GMCIntellilink sitting
high atop with the 7" touchscreen that can show you everything from maps
to your phone numbers to your choice of artist and radio stations. Best of all
with the new systems is you can activate them by voice and keep your eyes on
the road! The screen also serves as a backup camera, basically it is like your
rear-view mirror just lower, but I was disappointed that there were no
directional lines on it.
Below that you will find some very easy to use climate controls and a couple
of buttons to heat up your tushy. At the very bottom are the driver control functions
that can change everything in your readout on the driver information center
located between the tachometer and the speedometer.
Below all of the buttons is a CD player that you can hardly see, I figure
they are hiding it so people don't miss it when they disappear soon...who
listens to CD's anymore?
Further down you will find a huge opening for whatever you might want,
continue back from there and you find two cup holders and the shifter all right
where you would want them. Wander back a bit farther and you find the mother of
all storage bins, this thing can swallow a laptop if need be, also inside is
the ports for your media player and a power supply is there too.
What I did find different between the two is the layout of the dashes.
Although I really enjoyed the two tone in the Equinox with the
Titanium/Jet-black combo it lost me when it came to the instrument cluster. The
gauges were a bit difficult to read in the deep pods they were placed in. The
Terrain had a great color accent stitching theme going on and the gauges were a
lot better to read.
They both have some other unique differences such as the ambient lighting, the
Chevrolet is done in a beautiful cool blue, and the GMC presents in a fiery red
glow.
Passengers are treated to some very comfortable seating options as the front
driver’s seat is an 8-way power adjustable, but the shotgun seat in the Equinox
was not, it is available in the LTZ model though.
The rear seat slides fore and aft with a recline ability for the nappers.
The space in both is great for four adults as all will enjoy plenty of room.
Behind the rear seat you will find ample room again, and should you need a
little more room the seats fold 60/40. Cover your cargo if you chose to, or put
your grocery bags into a net that is provided so your milk doesn’t spill. They
put a lot of thought into this. Right down to the power tailgate that you can
program to go full or 3/4 height if you are in a lower garage are and need it
open. You will also notice they have included a 12V plug in the rear for any
tailgate parties you might be attending.
The power train in these compact crossovers were both the 3.6 L 301 HP and
it was stout. I was able to run past just about everything but there was a few
gas stations I needed to hit in the process. Although they are rated at 13.2
L/100KM (18mpg) city and 8.4 L/100KM highway I did about 12.9 L/100km and that
was about half-city half-highway in both vehicles. To be fair, it was winter
and they spent a lot of time warming up. I was thankful for the AWD system that
worked quite well backed up by the 6-speed automatic transmission.
Over all, I don't think you could go wrong with either, I found the Equinox
to be more like something I would buy my wife. I know that she found it quite
charming and it was something that appealed to her.
For me, it was the Terrain, I liked the looks, I loved the red lighting
inside, and I could see myself in one like this. What I didn't love was the
price.
You can get into either for $26,900 but when you start putting options in
them they shoot up fast. The Equinox will top out at about $44,900 whereas the
Terrain Denali will take you even higher at $47,100....Ouch, quit it! That seems a bit steep for this market, but the consumers are buying them up so this may be the first time I am wrong in my life.
In the end, they are both great SUVs and can do just about anything
you ask. They are also some of the last small SUV's to offer a 6
cylinder engine. They are truly designed with the family in mind and I would
have no problems recommending either of them.
Equinox was provided by
Chevrolet Canada
Terrain was provided by
GMC Canada
