Compact SUVs make a lot of sense for today’s car buyers, and it’s easy to see why. They bring practicality, pleasant driving manners, the latest tech and safety features, plus available all-wheel drive (AWD). Best of all, they offer all this at a price that won’t break the bank. Two popular contenders in this contentious segment are the 2026 Kia Sportage and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
The Sportage still looks sharp thanks to a redesign three years ago and brings even more to the table this year, while the Equinox received a full revamp just last year, making it among the freshest in its class. Here’s how they compare with each other.
2026 Kia Sportage
It’s safe to say there’s a Kia Sportage for every type of buyer, thanks to its wide range of choices. The 2026 Kia Sportage is available in half a dozen trims, from the base LX to the top-line X-Pro Prestige. The Sportage is treated to a freshened design for 2026, and all models now include a 12.3-inch touchscreen and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Powering them is a 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The rugged and upmarket X-Pro trims come with all-wheel drive standard. The Sportage is also available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, which we review separately.
Kia Sportage Highlights
X-Pro: The trend toward more off-road-oriented SUVs is apparent with the Sportage. In the X-Pro configuration, you get off-road features such as extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and off-road settings for the all-wheel-drive system.
Excellent warranty coverage: Once again, Kia deserves credit for tacking on some serious peace of mind to its vehicles. This entails a five-year/60,000-mile standard warranty, plus powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Over-the-air updates: Just like your phone and computer, the Kia Sportage can get better over time thanks to OTA updates. This seamless technology is now standard on the 2026 model.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sportage models for sale near you.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is fresh off a full redesign, which gives this popular compact SUV a bolder, more rugged look compared to the prior generation. This Equinox also boasts a tech-rich cabin and plenty of space for passengers and their cargo. All Equinox models are powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 175 hp. For 2026, the Equinox now comes standard with a drive mode selector dial.
Chevrolet Equinox Highlights
Dual digital displays: The 2026 Equinox makes a great impression when you step inside, thanks to an 11-inch digital driver display and 11.3-inch touchscreen. They are standard in every grade of Equinox and give it a modern, tech-rich feel.
Heated front seats, heated steering wheel: You’ll appreciate these warm features every cold morning. Even better, these come standard in the 2026 Equinox.
All-wheel drive: Choosing this option not only gives you more all-weather assurance, but it also means the Equinox has more torque and an 8-speed automatic transmission vs. a continuously variable transmission in front-wheel-drive (FWD) models.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Equinox models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both compact SUVs bring the latest tech and safety features, offer all-wheel drive, and are powered by 4-cylinder engines.
Pricing
New 2026 Kia Sportage Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (78501)
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,085 |
TBD |
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$31,885 |
TBD |
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$34,385 |
TBD |
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$35,685 |
TBD |
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$37,685 |
TBD |
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$40,985 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Kia Sportage vehicles and New 2026 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Kia Sportage | 2026 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,500 pounds | 800 pounds |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed | Automatic, CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 inches | 107.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches | 183.2 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | N/A |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 65.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 19.3 feet | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.3 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.5 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.6 inches | 55.8 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 74.1 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Thanks to its recent revamp, the Chevrolet Equinox brings bold looks, impressive technology, and some welcome standard amenities. That said, it’s more expensive than the Sportage, only available in three trims, and with just one powertrain. The Sportage has broader appeal thanks to its wider choice of trims and features, not to mention available hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Add to that the Kia’s far more generous warranty and larger cargo space, and we give the edge to the Sportage in this contest. We suggest test-driving both to experience the differences for yourself.
