2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV vs 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige
On paper, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV wins on $1,790 less, 25 more lb-ft torque. The 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $1,790 price gap, 175 vs 187 hp, 26 vs 25 MPG.
The Equinox ACTIV leads on $1,790 less, 25 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV | 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $35,000 | $36,790 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 14.3 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,607 lbs | 3,809 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 108.5" |
| Length | 183.2" | 183.5" |
| Width | 74.9" | 73.4" |
| Height | 65.6" | 66.3" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV and 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV starts at $35,000, $1,790 less than the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige at $36,790. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $32/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,790 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $65/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige?
The 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige is the stronger pick when you prefer the Kia approach to the compact SUV segment.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV or 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV rates 26 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV or 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige?
The 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige produces 187 hp, 12 more than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV at 175 hp. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV also leads in torque at 203 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige uses a 2.5L I4.
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV bigger than the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige?
The 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige is 0.3″ longer at 183.5″ vs 183.2″. The 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige has a 1.0″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Chevrolet Equinox comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Kia Sportage offers 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Equinox trims, Kia trims, Kia Sportage trims
How the Equinox and Sportage Stack Up
Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV ($35,000) and 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige ($36,790) solve similar problems in different ways. The $1,790 gap is about $32/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Powertrain: Equinox vs Sportage
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige uses a 2.5L I4. The 12 hp difference (187 vs 175) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV saves roughly $65/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $325.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV when you want to keep $1,790 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige when you prefer the Kia approach to the compact SUV segment. At $32/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or Kia or any dealership.