What is the best year for a Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2023 Equinox is one of the strongest used buys — it landed on the mature end of the third generation with a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, just 82 complaints, and only 5 severe issues on record. The 2021–2024 range is generally solid, with complaint counts dropping sharply from the turbulent 2014–2018 period. Avoid the early 2010–2013 model years if reliability is a priority.

How much does Chevrolet Equinox insurance cost?

The Equinox averages around $2,140/year to insure, or roughly $178/month. That's on the lower end for compact SUVs, partly because it doesn't carry the theft-risk premium of more desirable crossovers. Your actual rate will vary based on trim, model year, location, and driving history — but the Equinox tends to quote well for budget-conscious buyers.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox or Honda CR-V cheaper to maintain?

The CR-V is cheaper to maintain by about $130/year — $407 versus $537 for the Equinox. Over five years that's roughly $650 in savings, and the CR-V also carries a higher reliability score (9 vs 7) and a lower major repair probability (10% vs 18%). If long-term ownership cost is the deciding factor, the CR-V has a clear edge.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Chevrolet Equinox?

It's worth considering. The Equinox's 18% major repair probability is well above the compact segment average of 11%, and its reliability score of 7 trails the class norm. If you're buying a used Equinox outside factory warranty coverage — especially a 2014–2018 model year — a powertrain warranty provides real protection against the repair exposure this model carries. For newer 2022+ models, self-insuring is more defensible.

Is the Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?

The Sorento costs $533/year to maintain — $40 below the three-row segment average of $573. Repair frequency of 29% is well below the class average of 40%. Reliability score of 8 is above the segment average of 7, and major repair probability of 11% is well below the 13% norm. One of the strongest ownership-cost profiles in the three-row class.

What is the best year for a Kia Sorento?

Strongly avoid 2011-2017, which logged complaint counts between 741 and 1,515 annually — tied to engine and powertrain issues across multiple generations. The 2024 Sorento (35 complaints, 10/10 safety, 7 severe) is the best year on record. The 2020-2025 window represents a substantially improved reliability profile, with 2024 as the standout pick.

How much does Kia Sorento insurance cost?

Sorento insurance averages about $2,005/year — roughly $167/month. The lowest insurance rate in the three-row class.

Is the Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander cheaper to maintain?

The Highlander is cheaper to maintain by $44/year — $489 versus $533 for the Sorento. Both carry a reliability score of 8. Repair frequency data isn't available for the Highlander, but on cost and reliability score, the two are closely matched. The Sorento's $44 premium is modest given its improving complaint trajectory.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Kia Sorento?

Major repair probability of 11% and repair frequency of 29% are both well below the three-row class average. For 2020 and newer models, extended warranty isn't needed — the data supports self-insuring. For used buyers in the 2011-2017 range, coverage is strongly recommended given the documented complaint history.

Chevrolet Equinox vs Kia Sorento

Two compact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Chevrolet Equinox if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

Buy the Kia Sorento — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Chevrolet Equinox	Kia Sorento
Annual maintenance	$537	$533winner
5-year total cost	$2,685	$2,665winner
Reliability score	7 / 10	8 / 10winner
Major repair risk (5yr)	18%	11%winner
Cargo space	63.5 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$31,000winner	$32,390
Best years to buy	2021, 2023, 2024	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Chevrolet Equinox	Kia Sorento
RepairPal score	7 / 10	8 / 10winner
NHTSA complaints / 100k	162.1winner	494.7
Years to avoid	2010, 2011, 2013	2011, 2013, 2014
Value retained · 3 yr	76.1%winner	75.6%
Value retained · 5 yr	54.3%winner	51.6%
Value retained · 7 yr	43.2%winner	39.8%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Chevrolet Equinox	Kia Sorento
Engine	40.0%winner	41.0%
Electrical	5.9%winner	7.2%
ADAS	5.2%	5.0%winner
Brakes	4.9%	4.8%winner
Suspension	—winner	0.9%
Steering	2.5%winner	3.5%
Fuel system	4.5%	1.1%winner
Tires/Wheels	1.7%	—winner
Glass/Windows	16.7%	2.1%winner
Airbags	4.4%winner	5.3%
Lighting	—winner	5.2%
Seatbelt	0.6%	—winner

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Chevrolet Equinox	Kia Sorento
Avg annual premium	$2,140	$2,005winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Chevrolet Equinox

$537/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Kia Sorento

$533/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Equinox costs around $537/year to maintain — $16 above the compact segment average of $521. Repair frequency of 31% is essentially at the class average of 30%, but its 18% major repair probability runs well above the segment average of 11%, meaning there's a meaningfully higher chance of facing a costly unscheduled repair in any given year than with class leaders like the CR-V or RAV4.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →