Compare the2026 Chevrolet EquinoxVS 2026 Jeep Cherokee

Both the Equinox and the Cherokee have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Equinox’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Cherokee’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 20 percent more Chevrolet dealers than there are Jeep dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Equinox’s warranty.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Equinox has a standard 760-amp battery. The Cherokee’s 550-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 8 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jeep is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Jeep is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet 3 places higher in reliability than Jeep.

As tested in Motor Trend the Equinox AWD is faster than the Jeep Cherokee:

The Equinox’s standard fuel tank has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Cherokee (14.8 vs. 13.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Equinox AWD’s standard fuel tank has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Cherokee (15.6 vs. 13.7 gallons).

For better traction, the Equinox has larger tires than the Cherokee (235/65R17 vs. 225/65R17).

For better maneuverability, the Equinox’s turning circle is 3.2 feet tighter than the Cherokee’s (37.1 feet vs. 40.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Equinox LT/ACTIV has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Cherokee (8.1 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Equinox to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Equinox RS’ minimum ground clearance is .2 inch higher than on the Cherokee (8.2 vs. 8 inches).

The Chevrolet Equinox may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 850 pounds less than the Jeep Cherokee.

The Equinox is 4.9 inches shorter than the Cherokee, making the Equinox easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Equinox has 2.4 inches more front legroom and .1 inches more front shoulder room than the Cherokee.

The Equinox’s front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Cherokee’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully.

On a hot day the Equinox’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Cherokee can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

When the Equinox ACTIV/RS with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Cherokee’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Equinox has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Cherokee Limited/Overland.

The Equinox is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Cherokee doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Chevrolet Equinox, based on reliability, safety and performance.