If you're shopping for a small used SUV, then Chevy is a great manufacturer to consider. They make several small SUVs that combine the easy-to-handle dimensions of a car with the increased ride height and occasional rugged abilities of a large SUV. As a used Chevy dealer, we've seen how popular small SUVs are becoming among professionals, small families, and solo drivers. More drivers feel secure in an SUV than in a sedan but aren't willing to give up good fuel economy or easy handling. So, if you're down to the Trax versus the Equinox, we'd love to help you make your decision. Below, we'll cover the highlights of each model so you can figure out which one is right for you.
What Is the Trax?
The Trax is a subcompact SUV with incredible fuel economy, easy-to-manage dimensions, a peppy engine, and a low MSRP. It became available in the US for the first time in 2015 and recently snagged Cars.com's "Best Car of the Year" award for packing so many great features into a small price point.
What Is the Equinox?
The Equinox is a compact SUV with sophisticated styling, a powerful engine, a comfortable cabin, and all-wheel drive capabilities. It made its debut in 2005 and has been celebrated for its safety features, technology, and design. It has some solid towing figures, too, and some generations have multiple engine options, allowing you to pick the best performance for your needs.
The Differences
Now, we'll go into what makes these two SUVs different so you can understand which one might be best for your needs.
Fuel Economy
Both models have great fuel economy, however, the Trax has slightly improved figures compared to the Equinox. By no means will you feel that fuel is costly in either model, and their fuel economies are very close; however, if you do a lot of daily driving, covering tons of miles, that extra one or two MPGs can go a long way. For example, the 2022 Trax gets 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, while the 2022 Equinox gets 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. As you can see, the difference in numbers is not much, so it really depends on your personal needs.
Towing
If you need a vehicle that can tow, that's going to be the Equinox. Some older models (like the 2018 and 2017) can even tow up to 3,500 lbs. So if you snag one of those, you can actually take some pretty sizable vessels with you for your adventures. Newer ones see towing figures closer to 1,500 lbs, which is still enough for a camping pod or a boat. The Equinox isn't really meant to be a super-rugged vehicle but rather to give drivers a nice balance of cosmopolitan looks and comfort with a few weekend adventure-ready features.
Cargo and Passenger Volume
Both of these SUVs are technically small models. However, the Equinox has a bit more passenger and cargo volume. It's the trade-off you make for the larger frame and tiny dip in fuel economy. We tell customers that if they use their vehicle's five-passenger capacity daily or regularly transport adult passengers, they might want the Equinox for its larger volume. However, drivers who mostly drive solo, bring just a front-seat passenger along, or transport small children can do fine with the Trax. So, just ask yourself who sits in your vehicle frequently.
Cargo volume goes up a bit in the Equinox, too, making it good for those who need to transport more stuff. So, if you have to move lots of boxes, equipment, or other goods for your work, your kids' school, or hobbies, consider Equinox. Sticking with the 2022 models as an example, the Equinox can give you up to 63.9 cu.ft. of space, while the Trax offers 48.4 cu.ft. If driving the most compact SUV available is your priority, and you don't transport much cargo, the Trax should meet your needs.
Engine Options
Depending on what model year you shop, you'll encounter some interesting engine options. More recent Equinox models offer a turbocharged 1.5L engine that can offer you 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 and 2022 Chevy Trax offer 155 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Overall, the Equinox is going to have a slightly larger engine than the Trax, with a little more horsepower. So, if you like your demands for acceleration to be met quickly, you'll like the Equinox.
Price
The great thing about these models is that they both boast wallet-friendly MSRPs, even when brand new. So when you shop for used ones, you can see some serious savings. We confidently recommend a used Equinox or Trax to anyone who is watching their spending. With the newer ones both sitting at well below $30,000, older models can boast ultra-low price tags.
Styling
No matter what generation you shop for, you'll definitely notice that the Trax and Equinox look very different. The Trax has a very youthful, almost playful appearance. It has a compressed profile and a sort of boxy frame. Meanwhile, the Equinox is more elongated and has striking bodylines. All in all, the Equinox looks more "grownup" and more metropolitan than the Trax. For drivers looking for an SUV that balances its compact design with a sense of sportiness, you'll want to get behind the wheel of the Trax.
We'll Help You Discover Which Pre-Owned Model Best Fits Your Needs
If you're interested in either of these options, we'd love to show you everything they offer. We keep a well-stocked inventory of used Chevy SUVs, including the compact Trax and Equinox. Our sales team consists of experts on every trim and generation of these two models. So just tell them a bit about what you're looking for and how you drive your vehicle, and they'll know just what model will fit your needs. We're rolling in new inventory daily and working hard to keep a diverse range of options for every driving style and budget.
If you still aren't sure which of these models will fit your needs, we're here to answer all of your questions and take you on test drives so you feel comfortable in your decision. We know that Chevy vehicles are built to last, so we feel confident that whichever used SUV you buy with us, you'll enjoy it for many years and miles ahead. Feel free to explore our used inventory online before visiting us. There, you can shop by payment, vehicle condition, mileage, and tons of other features to ensure you find a model that meets your exact specifications. When you're ready for your next great used SUV, we're here to provide you with expert insight, friendly service, and a huge inventory.
In addition to our exceptional service, our finance team is here to work closely with you to create a payment plan that best fits your budget, while our service department will be here for you after you roll off our lot in your new-to-you SUV. This includes everything from oil changes to brake replacements, ensuring that your SUV runs beautifully. Whether the Trax has caught your eye or you're considering the popular Equinox, we're here to help you get behind the wheel of an affordable used Chevy SUV.