The compact SUV segment has become one of the most popular choices for drivers seeking a balance of space, performance, and affordability. Among the top contenders in this category are the Chevy Equinox and the Honda CR-V. Both of these vehicles have been staples in the compact SUV market for years, offering impressive features and reliability. If you’re considering buying a compact SUV, you may be weighing the pros and cons of the Chevy Equinox and the Honda CR-V. Whether you are looking for a new ride or a certified pre-owned option, visiting a New and Used Honda dealer in Christiansburg, VA can give you a better idea of what fits your needs. In this comparison, we’ll dive into key aspects of both vehicles, helping you determine which one is the right fit for you.
1. Performance: Which Offers Better Power and Efficiency?
When it comes to performance, both the Chevy Equinox and Honda CR-V offer a mix of power, efficiency, and smooth handling.
● Chevy Equinox Performance: Chevy Equinox comes with choice of three engines. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower, making it an ideal option for drivers who want a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. For those looking for more power, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that generates 252 horsepower is available, offering a more engaging driving experience. However, the 1.5-liter engine is generally adequate for most daily driving tasks.
● Honda CR-V Performance: Honda CR-V comes standard with 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower. This engine strikes a good balance between power and fuel efficiency, and the CR-V also comes with a hybrid option, which boosts fuel economy even further. The hybrid engine produces 212 horsepower, giving it an advantage for eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to sacrifice power.
● Winner: While both vehicles offer decent performance, the Chevy Equinox provides a more diverse range of engine options, including a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The Honda CR-V, however, is hard to beat for those who prioritize fuel economy, especially with the availability of a hybrid model.
2. Interior Space: Which Offers More Comfort and Room?
When it comes to family road trips or simply carrying passengers comfortably, interior space is a key factor in choosing the right vehicle.
● Chevy Equinox Interior: Chevy Equinox offers spacious interior with seating for five passengers. With 40.9 inches of front legroom and 39.9 inches in the back, the Equinox provides ample space for adults to sit comfortably in both rows. Cargo space is also generous, with 29.9 cubic feet of room behind the second row, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The cabin features high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system, making it a pleasant space for both short commutes and long road trips.
● Honda CR-V Interior: The Honda CR-V’s interior is just as spacious, with 41.3 inches of front legroom and 40.4 inches in the back. The CR-V also has a roomy cargo area with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The CR-V’s cabin features soft-touch materials and an intuitive infotainment system, making it a comfortable and user-friendly space for all occupants.
● Winner: The Honda CR-V edges out the Chevy Equinox when it comes to interior cargo space, with more room behind the second row of seats.
● Chevy Equinox Technology: The Chevy Equinox comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also has available features such as an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium Bose sound system. For those looking for advanced tech features, the Equinox offers options like a rearview camera, wireless charging, and an enhanced driver assistance system.
● Honda CR-V Technology: The Honda CR-V comes with a 7-inch touchscreen as standard, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. It also has an available 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium sound system. Safety features like Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, are standard across all trims.
● Winner: The Honda CR-V is the winner in this category due to its standard suite of advanced safety features, known as Honda Sensing. While both vehicles offer comparable infotainment options, the CR-V’s commitment to safety and tech integration makes it a more attractive option for tech-savvy buyers.
4. Safety: Which SUV Provides Better Protection?
When it comes to safety, both the Chevy Equinox and Honda CR-V offer a range of features designed to keep you and your passengers protected.
● Chevy Equinox Safety Features: The Chevy Equinox comes with standard safety features like a rearview camera, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offer additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Equinox also has a strong reputation for safety, receiving high marks in crash tests from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
● Honda CR-V Safety Features: The Honda CR-V offers a similar set of safety features as standard, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
● Winner: The Honda CR-V takes the safety crown, as it comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of features on all trims. While the Chevy Equinox offers many of these features as well, the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing gives the CR-V a slight edge in this category.
5. Price and Value: Which Offers Better Bang for Your Buck?
Pricing is often one of the deciding factors when choosing between two vehicles. Let’s take a look at the cost of both the Chevy Equinox and Honda CR-V.
● Chevy Equinox Pricing: The base price of the 2023 Chevy Equinox starts around $26,000, with higher trims like the Premier reaching up to $34,000 or more. The Equinox offers solid value for the price, especially considering its available features and options.
● Honda CR-V Pricing: The 2023 Honda CR-V starts at around $28,000, with higher trims approaching $36,000. The hybrid model is priced higher, starting at around $30,000. While the CR-V is slightly more expensive than the Equinox, it offers superior interior space and standard safety features, which can justify the price difference.
● Winner: The Chevy Equinox offers a slightly better value proposition, especially if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a variety of engine choices. However, the Honda CR-V’s higher price is balanced by its additional standard features and strong reputation for reliability.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Chevy Equinox and the Honda CR-V ultimately depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a wider range of engine options and a more affordable price point, the Equinox might be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize safety features, interior space, and tech integration, the Honda CR-V shines as a top contender. Both vehicles offer impressive performance, spacious interiors, and modern tech, making either a solid option for compact SUV buyers. Whether you choose the Equinox or CR-V, visiting a New and Used Honda dealer in Christiansburg, VA can help you find the perfect model to fit your needs and budget.
