Hyundai Tucson vs. Chevy Equinox

1. Overview

Both the Tucson and Equinox are almost overdue for a complete reconstruction. The Tucson was aboriginal appear for 2010, while the Equinox dates aback to 2017, ancient versions which feel anachronous if compared to their newer, current counterparts.

Meanwhile, the Equinox has reduced its lineup from an amaranthine 12 configurations to just four - the L, LS, LT, two LTZ. Every archetypal now has a touch-screen infotainment system inherent camera which General Motors says has been bigger from the last year's unit. The short wheelbase Equinox is also gone, with all archetypal now application the better underpinned platform that had advanced been different to the 3.0-liter V6 engine. With 4 and 6 butt variations, Equinox charcoal is one of the spaciously sized vehicles in the segment.

The Tucson lineup consists of GLS, SE, the new SE Popular Equipment package, the new SE Fuel Cell model, and Limited versions. The bedrock GLS anniversary comes with a new 17-inch alloy wheel blueprint, while the SE Popular accessories bales replace the last year's SE with an accessory package and adds the revised 17-inch wheel, a power driver seat with lumbar support, and alike leather.

The new Hyundai Tucson and Chevy Equinox compact SUVs give creative plans, some of the most recent features, and improved safety amongst the most important shopping variations within the segment. They also epitomize better the continued metamorphosis of sport/utility automobiles, as they are built on automobile platforms as compared to truck chassis.

1.1. Exterior Design

On contrast to the Tucson, the Equinox offers a more 'classic' SUV design. With a typical boxy SUV form, it's quite modestly styled for today's standards but has several feature upgrades from the last generation. Its diamond-patterned front grille and High-Intensity Discharge headlamps provide a contemporary look, while its muscular fender flares and 18" custom-styled aluminum wheels add a perceived ruggedness. Moving to the rear, LED taillights provide higher visibility and safety. Both the front and rear fascias have been refined to create a wonderful contrast between ruggedness and luxury. It's clear that the Equinox is targeted to appeal to families or mature-aged consumers with its conservative styling. Like the Tucson, it also has available two-tone paint with the option of a darker lower body. Overall, the Equinox has made it clear that it's trying to keep up with modern design trends while keeping a more conventional SUV form.

The exterior of the Tucson unveils Hyundai's new design philosophy. Taking styling cues from the full-size Santa Fe, the Tucson offers a chiseled, athletic appearance. The Tucson has a coefficient of drag at a low 0.32 for improved fuel economy with the help of its smoothly surfaced unibody. The aggressive form provides a sleeker, more aerodynamic look. The design was finalized after extensive wind tunnel testing and implemented measures to reduce turbulence and wind noise. The uncluttered design features a composite of curving and straight lines that gives a certain sophistication to the vehicle. Equipment such as the roof rack side rails provides rugged, off-road charm that wasn't found in the last generation. Reflector headlamps and taillights provide extra visibility for safety, while the side repeater mirrors add a nifty modern feature. Automatic sun-sensing windshield wipers and a rear wiper concealed in the rear spoiler provide clear visibility during wet weather. To top it off, the Tucson is available in two-tone paint with the option of a dark-colored lower body to create an elegant SUV look. This new generation has definitely stepped up from the basic, somewhat quirky design concepts of its ancestors.

1.2. Interior Features

Overall, the interior features in the Chevrolet Equinox are geared towards the family demographic as well. Both are 5 seaters and possess carpeted floor mats. However, the Equinox sports a flat rear floor which would most likely make the middle rear position more comfortable. Both vehicles offer a folding rear 60/40 split seat and a multiple level cargo area, which perform similar functions in creating more cargo space. However, the Tucson's cargo area has more features which give it a slight advantage. The rear seats offer a dual function, as they both recline and fold down. Additionally, the cargo area includes the rear air vents, adjustable cargo floor, and cargo nets. These features can only enhance the cargo area use and give the vehicle more options when storing items. Both vehicles seem to possess the same standard features from here on, including auxiliary input jacks, AM/FM radios, 6 speakers, and XM satellite radios. The Tucson's interiors aesthetics include a new gauge design, rear seat center armrests, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

1.3. Performance and Handling

Ride and handling of the Tucson is impressive thanks to the dynamic design of the suspension system, which minimizes impact harshness and road vibrations. The Tucson was built primarily for city driving but is still quite capable of being thrown around in an off-road environment as well, due to the 7.7" ground clearance and AWD option. The same can be said for the Equinox, which also provides a smooth ride. Handling and steering are controlled and responsive, and the capability for handling off-road terrain is evident in the AWD version of the Equinox, while the FWD models offer exceptional traction and stability control on paved roads. Both vehicles are known to be quiet and comfortable on the highway, and noteworthy safety features provide that added level of security for both vehicles.

The engines in both the Tucson and the Equinox are well-suited to the vehicles and don't overload them with power that can't easily be used well. The Tucson's 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 140 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque. These numbers may seem marginal, but the Tucson is one of the lightest SUVs on the market, and the engine will get you around just fine. A 2.7-liter V6 is an available option for those looking for a bit more power. Equinox also offers a solid engine lineup starting with the 2.4-liter DOHC, which delivers best-in-class highway fuel economy of 32 mpg while still maintaining a decent power output. A 3.0 or 3.6-liter V6 is available if more power is desired. Both of these engines provide the Equinox with best-in-class horsepower and torque. The V6s generate power above and beyond the needs of a compact SUV; on the other hand, they add a level of refinement that makes the V6 Equinox models just as satisfying as those loaded with cheaper, weaker four-cylinder options.

2. Safety and Technology

Intelligent for all that are searching for a safe vehicle, the Hyundai Tucson seats no more secure features, within basic innovation and style at an inexpensive value. Hyundai's passion for proficiency can be seen within the notable Tucson. Its safety features guarantee secure passage that is unparalleled. Dual force frontage airbags come up with a contribution to even out a hazard between the passenger and the driving expand in definite collisions. They can adjust their force according to the exigency and steadiness of the crash. The Hyundai Tucson has aspect II frontage seatbelt pre-tensioners that may regulate for the finest belt possibility and candour. Side-impact airbags tender mindful coverage at this point of misfortune and steadfast covers render defence for frontage and rear passengers. The asks for the Tucson Whole article are the master outlay for electronic constancy dominate (ECS) and traction dominance rule set (TCS) to convey to pass obtain the best. These pioneering features effort sidecar to front heart using wheel skid attitude and numeral of various variables to regularize brake weight and or engine throng with the aim of the driving force. In the unfathomable Tucson, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel makes it possible for the driver to collect the ample driving existence and supplementary in promotions a more calm occurrence in worst case. The Tucson driver and travellers can deem protection in subconscious that the arm rests on top a control consoles and frontage and rear cup holders state ownership their drinks in definite an attempt was finished at hand keeping potential spills to the minimum.

2.1. Safety Features

These features are additional features not yet in car competitors Tucson, such as the Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5, and because the Tucson, cars in the same class with Honda CR-V, is said to have surpassed the CR-V. As for the safety features in the Honda CR-V and other Hyundai Tucson, they have some advantages over the Hyundai Tucson, such as SUV Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage do not have a lane departure warning system and instead Kia Sportage with Hyundai Tucson has a high beam assist feature. This has even further back again with the absence of two features in the CR-V, because it features collision only found on the CR-V AWD tech, while the rear cross traffic alert may be sought by the advanced CR-V.

Hyundai Tucson offers more advanced safety technology than Chevrolet Equinox. Let's look into the features equipped in both brands. Hyundai offers more advanced safety features. One of the features is the provision of a lane departure warning system, in which the car is equipped with a camera mounted on the windshield to detect lane markings. When the car begins to deviate from the path of the lane without the turn signals active, the system will issue audible and visual alerts. If the driver still does not take action to correct the direction of the car, the system will steer the car back into its intended path. This feature is still not available in the Chevrolet Equinox. Equinox only provides a lane departure warning and forward collision alert, and probably this is better found on the Santa Fe, which is the Tucson's brother. In addition to the lane departure warning system, there is also a blind spot monitor. The system becomes active when the car is in the speed of more than 20 mph. It will issue audible and visual alerts if there are other cars in the blind spot area. The system will disable the warning if the turn signal is activated, and this is a feature that is more advanced than the Rear Cross Traffic Alert in the Equinox. Equinox only provides the side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert, which will notify the driver with the same alerts when there are other cars in the blind spot and when there are other cars crossing from the left and right when the car is put in reverse. In Tucson, there is also a feature of automatic high beam assist, a feature that switches the headlights to the low beam automatically when there are other cars from the opposite direction, and switches back to the high beam when the cars are far enough. This feature is still unlikely found in the Equinox. The Tucson's safety features above are part of the advanced safety technology, thus the Tucson's eligibility on some IIHS safety tests becomes an advantage to win over the Chevrolet Equinox.

2.2. Infotainment System

The infotainment system is an increasingly looked at aspect of the car. The connection between car and smartphone is fast becoming a major aspect of the buying decision, and both the Tucson and Equinox provide Bluetooth connectivity. The systems differ in what they offer beyond this point. The Tucson's Bluetooth implementation offers voice recognition and includes audio streaming. Smartphone users can access their Android or iPhone to listen to music or use popular apps such as Spotify on the integrated 8-inch touchscreen. These are built into the higher-end head units with the lower spec models using a 5 or 7-inch screen. Android Auto also complements the Equinox's infotainment system and offers a similar service. The Equinox system comes with USB connectivity but has app capability only for Android, where it is compatible with Chevrolet MyLink. Family plan customers for services such as OnStar can also take advantage of the 4G LTE connection to turn their car into a WiFi hotspot. This service is accompanied by a 3-month/3GB trial in new vehicles.

Hyundai Tucson and Chevrolet Equinox come armed with a number of safety features that ensure the protection of the occupants. The Tucson has options for all-wheel drive, electronic stability control, downhill brake control, hill start assist control, and 4-wheel ABS. These are part of a sophisticated system that includes front, side, and curtain airbags. There are also active headrests which provide protection against whiplash in the event of a collision. The NHTSA gave the Tucson its highest safety rating of five stars. The Equinox is no slouch in this department either. Like the Tucson, it features 4-wheel ABS and a full array of airbags. The Equinox also rates 5 stars in NHTSA crash testing. Both vehicles come with many other features designed to make the driving experience safer, including a rearview camera, traction control, and tire pressure monitoring, but the Tucson's downhill brake control and hill start assist give it a slight edge.

3. Fuel Efficiency and Engine Options

The two SUVs offer relatively good fuel economy. The Chevy Equinox can be purchased in diesel or petrol with either a front wheel or all-wheel drive. The diesel engine is a 1.6L Turbo-Diesel 4-Cylinder which delivers a fuel economy of 5.7L/100Km (49MPG) on a highway, the most fuel efficient result of any SUV in this comparison. This reduced cost comes at a price, however, diesel is not always available at petrol stations and the fuel type is often more expensive. The 1.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder and 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder engines that are petrol-driven still offer decent economy with 7.8L/100Km (30MPG) and 9.8L/100Km (24MPG) respectively. The Hyundai Tucson also has a variety of these same 4-Cylinder engine types. The Australian fuel economy ratings of 30MPG and 26MPG do not compare to that of the Equinox in terms of the 1.8L Diesel 4-Cylinder Tucson which will not be available in Australian models. All Tucson engines come with the option of AWD as it does with the Equinox; however, the difference of fuel economy between FWD and AWD is 1.2L/100Km for the Tucson and 1.1L/100Km for the Equinox, an important point for would-be Tucson buyers to consider. The Tucson and Equinox all have 6-speed automatic transmissions.

The fuel efficiency and engine options of SUVs in general are determined by a host of factors and do matter to quite a number of potential buyers. They would look at the cost of daily running, make sure they were picking an engine type that suits their needs, and often enough they would be the reason someone would opt for a specific model.

3.1. Fuel Efficiency Ratings

The Equinox has better fuel efficiency on the highway than the Tucson with a 31 MPG rating. For more detailed fuel efficiency ratings for city and highway, look for the detailed reviews for each vehicle. After removing the Tucson fuel cell vehicles, there is only one engine option for the Tucson. A 2.4L 4-cylinder producing 181 horsepower at 175 lb-ft torque. Whether it is better to avoid high-performance engines in small SUVs than to lack confidence because the engines offered in both vehicles are vastly undersized. Equinox offers a 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder producing 170 horsepower at 203 lb-ft torque for better acceleration at the cost of 1 MPG less in fuel efficiency on the highway than the 2.0L turbo engine. The 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder offered by Hyundai for the Tucson produces a surprisingly close 181 horsepower and identical 175 lb-ft torque to the 2.4L base engine. The bit of extra power gives the Tucson a MPH rating of 23.

3.2. Engine Options

The engine choices for the Tucson cover a broad spectrum. There are two petrol engines, a 2.0-litre engine with 121kW and a 2.7-litre V6. The 2.0-litre engine comes with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, and a choice of 2WD or 4WD. The 2.7-litre V6 is automatic only and is 4WD. The 2.0-litre engine is a strong performer, and barely feels underpowered, even with a full load. The V6 on the other hand is a little thirsty and doesn't feel a whole lot faster than the 2.0-litre. Two diesel engines are on offer and both are superior choices if using the Tucson for towing. A 2.0-litre diesel engine with 100kW, a 6-speed manual and optional 2WD or 4WD, as well as the impressive new 2.2-litre R engine. The 2.2-litre engine produces 135kW and 392Nm of torque, guaranteed class leading fuel economy, and a serious amount of pulling power. The 2.0-litre is a little noisy and harsh compared to the petrol engines, but the 2.2 is very quiet and smooth. This would be the best engine for those planning on medium to heavy towing. All engines have chain camshaft and camchain systems, so there will never be a costly timing belt replacement.

3.3. Hybrid or Electric Options

Avoiding the aspect of fuel entirely, the 2020 Hyundai Tucson comes in a hybrid option, creating an opportunity for the owner to contribute to a cleaner environment. Hybrid and electric vehicles are a very new concept with every vehicle manufacturer now creating an option for a consumer to choose this over a normal engine. The Chevrolet Equinox 2-mode hybrid uses two electric motors, a Vortec 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, and a modified Hydra-Matic 6T40 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway (FWD models) – double the fuel efficiency of traditional SUVs in the market. Equinox is also capable of towing up to 3500 pounds, giving it the best fuel economy of any AWD SUV. Chevrolet has confirmed that this will be replaced with a form of EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) in an attempt to stay within the competition of other manufacturers on fuel efficiency. Although the specifications for this particular model have not yet been announced, Chevrolet insists that the newer and ultimately more efficient Equinox will not compromise performance, quality or fuel economy. The Chevrolet Volt has had great success in this field, and the technology used in this vehicle will be prevalent in GM vehicles in the near future. The Volt itself is often referred to as an electric vehicle, but in essence it is a range extender and uses a combination of battery-powered electric drive unit and a small fuel efficient engine. This Volt has an impressive combined range of about 379 miles, before requiring a fill-up or charge. With 35 miles of pure electricity before the range extender engine activates, it is a very practical vehicle for someone wanting to make a difference to the environment but has fears of being stranded or limited to how far the engine can take them. The new Equinox will share a platform with the Volt and is to be GM’s second step in going green. The powertrain will be a plug-in hybrid system and this vehicle is expected to be on the market around 2011. With two companies both attempting to make a more economical yet efficient vehicle, these GM models may be a tough competitor for the Hyundai Tucson.

4. Pricing and Warranty

First on pricing, the Tucson's invoice price is around the same as the Equinox, so they are evenly priced. But with its top trim, the Tucson will cost slightly less than a loaded Equinox. With both vehicles, what you get minus what you pay at the dealership is very close. The difference will come when you have to deal with repairs and maintenance down the line. The Hyundai Tucson, which is known for being a great value, will be more cost effective in the long run. Hyundai's warranty and repair coverage is simply better than Chevrolet's. This segues us into warranty massively impacts long term costs. Chevy's bumper to bumper warranty goes 1 year/mileage above Hyundai's, however Hyundai's overall coverage is significantly better with a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty on the powertrain compared to Chevy's 5 year/60,000 miles. Chevrolet offers 2 years of free maintenance, however Hyundai runs frequent deals where you not only get a great coverage plan, but you also get free basic maintenance for the first two years, so Hyundai has a slight edge in immediate price and a huge edge in long-term price with heftier coverage.

4.1. Base Price Comparison

Hyundai and Chevrolet are both known to run some good incentives and may be likely to drop the prices on these vehicles. This can work to the Hyundai's advantage being that the Tucson is being redesigned for the 2014 model year and about to change generations. Right before a vehicle is redesigned, the current model of the vehicle can often have drastic price reductions and low APR financing options to clear inventory space for the newest model. This will not necessarily be the case immediately, but it is something to look for in the coming year with the 2014/2015 Tucsons still sitting on dealership lots. This can make the price difference between the two vehicles even greater. A key concept here is that the less money paid for the vehicle at the time of purchase, the less money the vehicle owner can expect to lose when the time comes to sell the vehicle. It will be interesting to see which vehicles hold their residual value better.

Crucial aspect of a vehicle purchase decision is the risk of price. Both these cars' manufacturers have good reputations for the kind of value for money that their product stand for. The Tucson's base price is $20,745; the least expensive trim is the GL with 2WD. The most expensive trim is the Limited with AWD at $27,495, sitting in between is the GLS at $24,795 for the 2WD and $26,295 for the AWD. The Equinox begins at a base price of $22,995 for the LS with 2WD. The LT1's base price is $24,380 and the most expensive trim is the LT2 at $26,630 with 2WD and $28,380 with AWD. From initial impressions, we find that the lowest end Tucson is cheaper than the lowest end Equinox, and the highest end Tucson is slightly less expensive than the highest end Equinox. A difference of about $2,000 can be seen across the board, which may not seem like much, one way or another, cost can be the deciding factor at the time of purchase. It is important to factor in that most buyers will not be initially quoted the base price on these vehicles. With typical negotiations, consumers may base their price comparisons on a difference of around $3,000-$4,000 between the two vehicles.

4.2. Warranty Coverage

Warranty coverage is one area where Hyundai and GM differ. Hyundai's warranty and subsequent customer service is often touted as one of the best in the industry. Buyers of a new Tucson can expect 5-year/60,000 bumper-to-bumper coverage, and 10-year/100,000 powertrain coverage. In addition to "America's Best Warranty," Hyundai protects their new car investment by providing 5 years of roadside assistance with no mileage limit. Should roadside assistance not be utilized, it is possible to receive reimbursement in an amount up to what the cost would have been for third-party assistance. Chevrolet and the new Equinox only manage a basic 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper plan, and 5-year/100,000 powertrain plan. This is a reduction in coverage from the previous 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain plan. As more vehicles today begin to crossover the 100,000-mileage milestone, it is evident that Hyundai offers nearly double the protection for a new vehicle purchase. With both vehicles having similar starting costs, coverage may be a determining factor in choosing one vehicle over the other.