2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV vs 2026 Kia Sorento SX
$7,290 less and 3 mpg better vs 106 more hp and 108 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $7,290 price gap, 175 vs 281 hp, 26 vs 23 MPG.
The Equinox ACTIV leads on $7,290 less, 3 MPG better. The Sorento SX leads on 106 more hp, 108 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 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 | 2026 Kia Sorento SX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $35,000 | $42,290 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 29 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,607 lbs | 4,074 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 110.8" |
| Length | 183.2" | 189.6" |
| Width | 74.9" | 74.8" |
| Height | 65.6" | 66.9" |
| 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 2026 Kia Sorento SX?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV starts at $35,000, $7,290 less than the 2026 Kia Sorento SX at $42,290. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $129/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 $7,290 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $211/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Who should choose the 2026 Kia Sorento SX?
The 2026 Kia Sorento SX is the stronger pick when the extra 106 hp matters for your commute or driving style.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV or 2026 Kia Sorento SX?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV rates 26 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV or 2026 Kia Sorento SX?
The 2026 Kia Sorento SX produces 281 hp, 106 more than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV at 175 hp. The 2026 Kia Sorento SX also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 203 lb-ft. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Kia Sorento SX uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV, FWD on the 2026 Kia Sorento SX.
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV bigger than the 2026 Kia Sorento SX?
The 2026 Kia Sorento SX is 6.4″ longer at 189.6″ vs 183.2″. The 2026 Kia Sorento SX has a 3.3″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV and 2026 Kia Sorento SX have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV comes with AWD, while the 2026 Kia Sorento SX uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
The Chevrolet Equinox comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Kia Sorento 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 Sorento trims
- 2026 Kia Sorento SX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
How the Equinox and Sorento Stack Up
Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV ($35,000) and 2026 Kia Sorento SX ($42,290) solve similar problems in different ways. The $7,290 gap adds up to $129/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Powertrain: Equinox vs Sorento
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Kia Sorento SX uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Kia Sorento SX has 106 more hp (281 vs 175). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 Kia Sorento SX adds 108 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 203), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV comes with AWD; the 2026 Kia Sorento SX uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV saves roughly $211/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,055. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2026 Kia Sorento SX weighs 467 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV when you want to keep $7,290 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Kia Sorento SX when the extra 106 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $129/month more, the 2026 Kia Sorento SX needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
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.