Last updated: 2026-03-04

Chevrolet Equinox vs GMC Terrain: Reliability Compared

Chevrolet Equinox reliability comparison

Chevrolet Equinox

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good
VS
GMC Terrain reliability comparison

GMC Terrain

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain? 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. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain Generations Compare?

The Chevrolet Equinox is currently in its third generation, which started in 2018 and received a facelift in 2022. This generation is nearing the end of its cycle, with a new model expected in 2025. Mature platforms like this often have well-sorted reliability, as most issues have been addressed over time. The GMC Terrain, sharing a similar timeline, is also in its second generation, which began in 2018 and received a refresh in 2022. With both models set to transition to new generations in 2025, potential first-year issues may arise with the upcoming redesigns, whereas the current models are likely more refined and reliable.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain are evenly matched with a reliability score of 72/100.

The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain share a similar reliability profile, each with an average reliability score of 76 out of 100. However, the Equinox has a slightly lower owner complaint rate at 3.7 per 10,000 sold compared to the Terrain's 4.8, despite having more recalls over nine years (32 for Equinox vs. 19 for Terrain). The Equinox also benefits from a marginally lower estimated annual repair cost at $537, compared to the Terrain's $558. While both vehicles exhibit common issues with service brakes, electrical systems, and power trains, the differences in recall history and repair costs make the Equinox a slightly more appealing choice for those prioritizing reliability.

Key Differences

  1. 1Chevrolet Equinox costs $21 less per year to repair
  2. 2GMC Terrain has 13 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Chevrolet Equinox has 1.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

2Chevrolet Equinox
—
2GMC Terrain
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair Risk

Chevrolet Equinox vs GMC Terrain: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Equinox vs GMC Terrain at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricChevrolet EquinoxGMC Terrain
Reliability Score72/10072/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls3219
Complaints per 10k Sold3.74.8
Annual Repair Cost$537/yr$558/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk18%17%
Year Wins4 (1 tied)3 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain?

The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain exhibit distinct problem profiles despite sharing some common issues. The Equinox has a notably higher volume of complaints, particularly in the service brakes category with 250 reports, including 24 linked to crashes, indicating a significant safety concern. In contrast, the GMC Terrain's highest complaint category is also service brakes, but with fewer total complaints (146) and crash-linked incidents (8). While both vehicles report issues with the power train and electrical systems, the Equinox presents a broader range of problem categories, including visibility/wiper and steering, suggesting a more diverse set of reliability challenges compared to the Terrain.

Chevrolet Equinox vs GMC Terrain common problem areas comparison
ComponentChevrolet EquinoxGMC Terrain
SERVICE BRAKES0.6Very Low1Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.4Very Low1Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.4Very Low0.6Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.4Very Low0.5Very Low
ENGINE0.3Very Low0.4Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.3Very Low0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.3Very Low—None
STEERING0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.1Very Low—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
WHEELS—None—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None—None
STRUCTURE—None—None
SEAT BELTS—None—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None—None
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)—None—None
SEATS—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 GMC Terrain?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Chevrolet Equinox has an annual repair cost of $537, slightly lower than the GMC Terrain's $558, translating to a $21 annual difference or $105 over five years. Both models share a repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year, indicating similar reliability in terms of needing professional attention. However, the Equinox has a marginally higher major repair risk at 18% compared to the Terrain's 17%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Equinox offers a slight edge in annual repair savings, but the Terrain's lower major repair risk might provide more peace of mind in the long run.

How Does Chevrolet Equinox vs GMC Terrain Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Equinox vs GMC Terrain year-by-year reliability scores
YearChevrolet EquinoxGMC TerrainEdge
202572/1005R / 288C78/1000R / 8CGMC Terrain
202476/1002R / 143C77/1001R / 29CGMC Terrain
202376/1003R / 70C75/1002R / 21CChevrolet Equinox
202271/1005R / 137C72/1004R / 65CGMC Terrain
202174/1004R / 75C74/1002R / 28CTie
202070/1004R / 255C68/1002R / 160CChevrolet Equinox
201971/1004R / 273C68/1003R / 163CChevrolet Equinox
201869/1005R / 382C66/1005R / 201CChevrolet Equinox
2026(predicted)75/100(predicted)77/100(predicted)GMC Terrain

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox scored 76/100 and the 2025 GMC Terrain scored 78/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Equinox vs the GMC Terrain?

If you prioritize a lower number of recalls and slightly reduced risk of major repairs, the GMC Terrain might be the better choice for you. It has fewer recalls at 19 compared to the Chevrolet Equinox's 32, and a marginally lower major repair risk of 17%. However, keep in mind that owner complaints are slightly higher for the Terrain, with 4.8 per 10,000 sold. On the other hand, if minimizing annual repair costs is more important, consider the Chevrolet Equinox. It offers a lower estimated annual repair cost of $537 compared to the Terrain's $558. Additionally, it has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 3.7, which might indicate a more satisfying ownership experience overall. Both models share a similar repair frequency, so your decision could hinge on these subtle differences in cost and customer satisfaction.

Chevrolet Equinox vs GMC Terrain: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Equinox more reliable than the GMC Terrain?
They're very close — both average 72/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Equinox or the GMC Terrain?
The Chevrolet Equinox has more recalls (32) compared to the GMC Terrain (19). 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 GMC Terrain?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Equinox has a lower complaint rate at 3.7 per 10,000 sold versus 4.8 for the GMC Terrain. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Equinox or the GMC Terrain?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Chevrolet Equinox is cheaper to maintain at $537/year versus $558/year for the GMC Terrain.

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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