Last updated: 2026-03-04

Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Tucson: Reliability Compared

Chevrolet Equinox reliability comparison

Chevrolet Equinox

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableHyundai Tucson reliability comparison

Hyundai Tucson

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox and the Hyundai Tucson? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Hyundai Tucson currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Tucson Generations Compare?

The Chevrolet Equinox is currently in its third generation, which began in 2018 and received a facelift in 2022. This mature platform suggests it is well-sorted, having had several years to address any initial issues. The fourth generation is set to debut in 2025, indicating that the current model is late in its cycle, often a sweet spot for reliability. In contrast, the Hyundai Tucson lacks detailed generation history, leaving potential buyers without specific insights into its development cycle. When evaluating these vehicles, the Equinox's established platform may offer a reliability advantage due to its longer time on the market.

Verdict

The Hyundai Tucson is more reliable than the Chevrolet Equinox, scoring 73/100 vs 72/100.

The Hyundai Tucson edges out the Chevrolet Equinox in terms of reliability, boasting a higher average reliability score of 83/100 compared to the Equinox's 76/100. Additionally, the Tucson has fewer recalls over nine years, with 23 compared to the Equinox's 32, and it also benefits from lower estimated annual repair costs at $426 versus $537 for the Equinox. While the Equinox has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 3.7 compared to the Tucson's 8.9, the Tucson's superior reliability score and lower repair costs make it a more reliable choice overall. Both vehicles experience issues with the power train and electrical systems, but the Tucson's stronger overall performance makes it the preferred option for those prioritizing reliability.

Key Differences

  1. 1Hyundai Tucson costs $111 less per year to repair
  2. 2Hyundai Tucson has 9 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Hyundai Tucson has 8% lower major repair risk

Category Scoreboard

1Chevrolet Equinox
—
4Hyundai Tucson
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Tucson: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Tucson at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricChevrolet EquinoxHyundai Tucson
Reliability Score72/10073/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls3223
Complaints per 10k Sold3.78.9
Annual Repair Cost$537/yr$426/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk18%10%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins44

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Tucson?

The Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Tucson exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Tucson reporting a higher total number of complaints. The Tucson's most significant issues center around the engine, with 397 complaints, though it has a relatively low crash-linked incidence rate. In contrast, the Equinox's primary concern lies with service brakes, accumulating 250 complaints, and a notable 24 of these are crash-linked, indicating a potential safety risk. Although both models face challenges with their electrical systems, the Tucson also encounters significant issues with its power train, which has 11 crash-linked complaints, suggesting a more severe impact in this area compared to the Equinox.

Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Tucson common problem areas comparison
ComponentChevrolet EquinoxHyundai Tucson
ENGINE0.3Very Low1.9Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.6Very Low1.1Low
POWER TRAIN0.4Very Low1.3Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.4Very Low1.1Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.4Very Low1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.3Very Low0.4Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.1Very Low0.5Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.1Very Low0.3Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.3Very Low—None
STEERING0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM0.1Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE—None0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
WHEELS—None—None
SEAT BELTS—None—None
LANE DEPARTURE—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet Equinox or Hyundai Tucson?

According to independent repair cost data, the Chevrolet Equinox has an annual maintenance and repair cost of $537, while the Hyundai Tucson is less expensive at $426 per year. This means choosing the Tucson could save you $111 annually, equating to a $555 difference over five years. Both vehicles have the same repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year, but the Tucson has a significantly lower major repair risk at 10% compared to the Equinox's 18%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Hyundai Tucson presents a better value due to its lower annual repair costs and decreased likelihood of major repairs. This combination makes it a more economical choice over time.

How Does Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Tucson Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Tucson year-by-year reliability scores
YearChevrolet EquinoxHyundai TucsonEdge
202572/1005R / 288C75/1006R / 251CHyundai Tucson
202476/1002R / 143C77/1004R / 87CHyundai Tucson
202376/1003R / 70C75/1002R / 142CChevrolet Equinox
202271/1005R / 137C66/1003R / 433CChevrolet Equinox
202174/1004R / 75C78/1001R / 58CHyundai Tucson
202070/1004R / 255C73/1001R / 153CHyundai Tucson
201971/1004R / 273C68/1001R / 349CChevrolet Equinox
201869/1005R / 382C68/1001R / 362CChevrolet Equinox
2026(predicted)75/100(predicted)76/100(predicted)Hyundai Tucson

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox scored 76/100 and the 2021 Hyundai Tucson scored 78/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Equinox vs the Hyundai Tucson?

If reliability is your top priority, consider the Hyundai Tucson. With a higher reliability score of 83/100 and fewer recalls at 23, it offers peace of mind for those who want fewer unexpected issues. The Tucson's major repair risk is notably lower at 10%, and it boasts a lower estimated annual repair cost of $426. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious drivers seeking long-term savings. On the other hand, if you prefer a vehicle with fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Equinox might be more appealing. Despite its slightly lower reliability score of 76/100, it has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (3.7 compared to Tucson's 8.9). However, keep in mind that the Equinox has a higher major repair risk at 18% and a slightly higher annual repair cost of $537. Choose the Equinox if you value user satisfaction and are willing to accept a bit more risk in exchange for a potentially smoother ownership experience.

Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Tucson: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Equinox more reliable than the Hyundai Tucson?
Based on our data, the Hyundai Tucson is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Hyundai Tucson?
The Chevrolet Equinox has more recalls (32) compared to the Hyundai Tucson (23). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Hyundai Tucson?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Equinox has a lower complaint rate at 3.7 per 10,000 sold versus 8.9 for the Hyundai Tucson. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Hyundai Tucson?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Hyundai Tucson is cheaper to maintain at $426/year versus $537/year for the Chevrolet Equinox.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox or Hyundai Tucson safer?
Both the Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Tucson received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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