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Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Tucson

2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Chevrolet Equinox

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS4 – 2Chevrolet Equinox wins 4 of 6 categories
Hyundai Tucson

2026 Hyundai Tucson

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Hyundai Tucson is more fuel-efficient: 38 vs 27 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $1,050 a year less in fuel for the Chevrolet Equinox (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Hyundai Tucson has had fewer recall campaigns (29 vs 33).

The two cars

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 183 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,583 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,468 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

Buying used? The 2023 Equinox and the 2021 Tucson have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 Equinox and the 2016 Tucson.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
EV, Regular Gasoline
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
1.5L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

27 MPG
Best combined MPG
38 MPG
26 city
City / highway MPG (best)
38 city
319 mi
EV range
–
$700
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$1,750

Performance & space

–
Horsepower (most powerful)
187 hp
183.1 in
Length
182.3 in
74.8 in
Width
73.2 in
63.4 in
Height
64.2 in
3,428 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
3,340 lb

Safety & reliability

14
Driver-assist features standard
13
3
Recalls (2026)
6
33
Recalls, all years since 2005
29
89
Owner complaints (latest year)
99

Interest

13,247
Wikipedia views, 30 days
22,259

Buying used

2023
Best used year
2021
2015
Year to avoid
2016

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if…

  • You want an EV with more range (319 miles)

Choose the Hyundai Tucson if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (38 vs 27 MPG)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

  • Long EV rangeUp to 319 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

2026 Hyundai Tucson

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Chevrolet Equinox specs →Full 2026 Hyundai Tucson specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →