Honda Cr-v Vs Chevrolet Equinox: Which Compact Suv Reigns Supreme In 2023?

The Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, offering a blend of versatility, efficiency, and affordability. Whether you’re a family looking for a spacious and comfortable ride or an adventurer seeking a vehicle that can handle rough terrain, these two SUVs are worth considering. In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox, helping you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs and preferences better.

Performance and Efficiency: Fuel Economy, Power, and Handling

1. Fuel Economy: The Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox offer comparable fuel economy. The CR-V delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, while the Equinox returns 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.

2. Power and Acceleration: The Honda CR-V produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, while the Chevrolet Equinox generates 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V’s more potent engine provides slightly better acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds compared to the Equinox’s 9.1 seconds.

3. Handling and Ride Quality: Both the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox offer composed handling and a comfortable ride. The CR-V’s independent rear suspension provides a smooth ride over rough roads, while the Equinox’s MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension deliver a slightly sportier feel.

Interior and Comfort: Space, Features, and Refinement

1. Interior Space: The Honda CR-V offers more interior space than the Chevrolet Equinox. It has 105.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Equinox offers 98.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

2. Features and Amenities: Both the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox offer a range of features and amenities to enhance comfort and convenience. Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels add features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

3. Refinement and Noise Levels: The Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox offer comparable levels of refinement and noise isolation. Both vehicles have well-insulated cabins that effectively block out road noise and wind noise, creating a quiet and comfortable interior environment.

Safety and Reliability: Crash Ratings, Driver Assistance Features, and Ownership Costs

1. Crash Ratings: The Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox have both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles earned five-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA and were named Top Safety Picks+ by the IIHS.

2. Driver Assistance Features: The Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox offer a suite of driver assistance features to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

3. Ownership Costs: The Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox have comparable ownership costs. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average five-year cost to own a Honda CR-V is $31,290, while the average five-year cost to own a Chevrolet Equinox is $32,080. These costs include depreciation, maintenance, repairs, and fuel.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs

The Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and affordability. The CR-V stands out with its more spacious interior, better fuel economy, and slightly more powerful engine. The Equinox counters with its more affordable pricing, sportier handling, and more extensive warranty coverage. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, efficiency, and a refined ride, the Honda CR-V is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with sportier handling and a longer warranty, the Chevrolet Equinox is worth considering.

Alternatives to the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox

If you’re still undecided between the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox or want to explore other options, here are a few alternatives worth considering:

• Toyota RAV4: The Toyota RAV4 is another popular compact SUV that offers a spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, and a range of advanced safety features.

• Mazda CX-5: The Mazda CX-5 is known for its sporty handling, stylish design, and upscale interior. It also offers a variety of advanced technology features.

• Hyundai Tucson: The Hyundai Tucson is a value-packed compact SUV that offers a spacious interior, a long list of standard features, and a generous warranty.

• Kia Sportage: The Kia Sportage is a stylish and versatile compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a competitive warranty.

Information You Need to Know

1. Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Honda CR-V or Chevrolet Equinox?

• The Honda CR-V has slightly better fuel economy than the Chevrolet Equinox, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway compared to the Equinox’s 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

2. Which SUV has more interior space, the Honda CR-V or Chevrolet Equinox?

• The Honda CR-V has more interior space than the Chevrolet Equinox, with 105.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats compared to the Equinox’s 98.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

3. Which SUV has a better safety rating, the Honda CR-V or Chevrolet Equinox?

• The Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox have both received excellent safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning five-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA and Top Safety Picks+ awards from the IIHS.

4. Which SUV has a longer warranty, the Honda CR-V or Chevrolet Equinox?

• The Chevrolet Equinox has a longer warranty than the Honda CR-V, with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty compared to the CR-V’s three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.