Chevrolet Equinox Vs. Honda CR-V: A Personal Comparison of Two Compact SUV Titans

I’ve spent countless hours behind the wheel of compact SUVs, navigating city streets, winding highways, and the occasional off-road adventure. When it came time to compare the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Honda CR-V, I approached the task with a keen eye for what makes a vehicle practical, fun, and worth your hard-earned money. My goal is to break down their strengths and weaknesses, share my firsthand experiences, and help you decide which SUV suits your lifestyle. From performance to tech, space to safety, this article lays it all out with a detailed comparison table, pros, cons, and answers to common questions.

Comparison Table: Chevrolet Equinox vs. Honda CR-V (2025 Models)

My Experience With the Chevrolet Equinox

Driving the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox felt like slipping into a familiar pair of jeans—comfortable, straightforward, and unpretentious.

I took it through my usual testing grounds: urban commutes in stop-and-go traffic, a weekend road trip along a scenic highway, and a few gravel paths to see how it handled light off-road duties.

The Equinox’s exterior has a rugged, blocky charm, reminiscent of Chevy’s larger SUVs like the Blazer. It’s not flashy, but it’s confident, with a bold grille and sleek LED headlights that give it a modern edge.

Inside, the cabin surprised me with its spaciousness. The seats are supportive, and the 11.3-inch touchscreen is a standout, offering crisp graphics and intuitive controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, which made syncing my phone a breeze.

The Equinox’s 1.5-liter turbo engine, producing 175 horsepower, felt adequate for daily driving but lacked the punch I craved during highway merges. Its 203 pound-feet of torque, however, gave it a slight edge in low-end grunt, useful for towing small loads or navigating hilly terrain.

The ride is smooth, but I noticed more body roll than I’d like in corners, and the cabin got noisy on rough pavement. Chevy’s Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, worked well, though I found the alerts a bit too eager at times.

Fuel economy was decent at 26/31 MPG (city/highway), but it didn’t wow me compared to competitors. Overall, the Equinox is a solid, budget-friendly choice for those prioritizing value and a no-fuss driving experience, but it left me wanting a bit more refinement.

Pros Of the Chevrolet Equinox

• Affordable starting price: At $29,995, the Equinox undercuts the CR-V by about $1,500, making it a wallet-friendly option for families or first-time SUV buyers. This price gap can cover extras like all-wheel drive or a higher trim without breaking the bank.
• Generous roadside assistance: Chevy offers 60 months or 100,000 miles of roadside assistance, doubling the CR-V’s 36 months or 36,000 miles. This gave me peace of mind, knowing I’d be covered for longer if I ran into trouble like a flat tire or dead battery.
• Large infotainment touchscreen: The 11.3-inch touchscreen is one of the largest in its class, with sharp visuals and responsive menus. I found it easy to navigate, and the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration made streaming music and navigation seamless.
• Torque advantage: The Equinox’s 203 pound-feet of torque beats the CR-V’s 179, offering better low-end power for towing (up to 1,500 pounds with AWD) or climbing steep inclines. I noticed this when hauling a small trailer; the Equinox felt steady and capable.
• Spacious front seating: With 40.9 inches of front legroom and ample headroom, the Equinox feels roomy for taller drivers like me. The seats are plush, and I didn’t feel cramped even after hours on the road.
• Unique safety features: The Safety Alert Seat, which vibrates to warn of hazards, is a clever touch not found in the CR-V. I appreciated this tactile feedback, especially in busy traffic where visual or audio alerts can get lost.
• Customizable trim options: The Equinox offers four trims (LT, RS, Activ, Premier), giving you flexibility to prioritize style, tech, or off-road flair. I liked the rugged look of the Activ trim, which adds all-terrain tires and a unique grille.

Cons Of the Chevrolet Equinox

• Underpowered engine: The 1.5-liter turbo’s 175 horsepower felt sluggish during highway passing or quick acceleration. I often wished for more pep, especially when merging onto fast-moving freeways.
• Limited cargo space: With 29.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.5 cubic feet with seats folded, the Equinox trails the CR-V significantly. Packing for a family camping trip was a tight squeeze, forcing me to leave some gear behind.
• No hybrid option: Unlike the CR-V, the Equinox lacks a hybrid powertrain, which limits its fuel efficiency. I averaged 28 MPG combined, but the CR-V’s hybrid option hits 40 MPG, a big difference for long commutes or road trips.
• Cabin noise: On rough roads or at highway speeds, I noticed more road and wind noise than in the CR-V. This made conversations and music less enjoyable, especially on longer drives.
• Lower reliability rating: iSeeCars rates the Equinox at 8.0/10 for reliability, compared to the CR-V’s 9.0/10. While I didn’t experience issues during my test, online owner reviews mention occasional repairs, like transmission cooler leaks, which raised concerns.
• Less refined handling: The Equinox’s steering felt vague, and there was noticeable body roll in corners. It’s fine for casual driving, but I didn’t feel as connected to the road as I did in the CR-V.
• Fewer standard safety features: While Chevy Safety Assist is solid, it lacks features like Traffic Jam Assist or Driver Attention Monitor, which are standard on the CR-V. I missed these in heavy traffic, where they’d have eased the stress.

My Experience With the Honda CR-V

The 2025 Honda CR-V felt like a step up in refinement the moment I slid into the driver’s seat.

Its sleek, modern design—complete with a honeycomb-textured dash and subtle chrome accents—gave the cabin a premium vibe.

I tested it on the same routes as the Equinox, from city errands to a coastal highway drive and a dirt trail to a local campsite. The CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbo engine, delivering 190 horsepower, felt livelier than the Equinox, especially during quick maneuvers or passing slower traffic.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was smooth, though it droned a bit under hard acceleration.

The CR-V’s interior is a highlight, with 41.3 inches of front legroom and 41.0 inches in the rear, making it feel airier than the Equinox. Cargo space is a game-changer—39.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 75.8 cubic feet with seats folded meant I could pack camping gear, groceries, and even a bike without issue.

Honda Sensing, the standard safety suite, impressed me with features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Traffic Jam Assist, which made stop-and-go traffic less taxing.

Fuel economy was another win, especially with the hybrid option hitting 43/36 MPG (city/highway). Even the gas model’s 28/34 MPG outshone the Equinox. However, the base 7.0-inch touchscreen felt small compared to the Equinox’s, and the higher price tag gave me pause. Still, the CR-V’s blend of space, tech, and efficiency made it feel like a more polished choice for daily driving and family adventures.

Pros Of the Honda CR-V

• Superior fuel efficiency: The gas CR-V achieves 28/34 MPG (city/highway), and the hybrid reaches 43/36 MPG. During my week-long test, I saved noticeably on gas compared to the Equinox, especially on long highway stretches.
• Spacious cargo area: With 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with them folded, the CR-V easily handled all my gear. I fit a full camping setup, including a tent and cooler, with room to spare.
• Advanced safety features: Honda Sensing includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring as standard. These made city driving less stressful, especially the Traffic Jam Assist, which handled low-speed traffic smoothly.
• Higher reliability rating: iSeeCars gives the CR-V a 9.0/10 for reliability, and owner reviews praise its longevity. I felt confident in its build quality, with no rattles or quirks during my test.
• Roomy interior: The CR-V offers 41.3 inches of front legroom and 41.0 inches in the rear, plus 104.1 cubic feet of passenger volume. My family of four felt comfortable, even on long drives with kids in the back.
• Hybrid option: The CR-V’s hybrid powertrain, with 204 horsepower, balances power and efficiency. I tested the hybrid and loved its smooth acceleration and fuel savings, which the Equinox can’t match.
• Refined handling: The CR-V’s steering is precise, and its suspension absorbs bumps better than the Equinox. I felt more confident taking corners and navigating uneven roads, making it a more engaging drive.

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Cons Of the Honda CR-V

• Higher starting price: At $31,495, the CR-V costs about $1,500 more than the Equinox. For budget-conscious buyers like me, this made the decision tougher, especially if you want higher trims or AWD.
• Smaller base touchscreen: The 7.0-inch touchscreen on lower trims feels dated compared to the Equinox’s 11.3-inch display. I found it less intuitive, and the graphics weren’t as sharp.
• Less torque: The CR-V’s 179 pound-feet of torque is lower than the Equinox’s 203, which I noticed when towing a small trailer. It handled the load but felt less effortless than the Equinox.
• CVT drone: The continuously variable transmission, while smooth, produces a noticeable drone under heavy acceleration. This annoyed me during quick merges, though it’s a minor gripe.
• Limited towing capacity: The CR-V’s max towing is 1,500 pounds (AWD), same as the Equinox, but its lower torque made it feel less capable for heavier loads. I’d hesitate to tow frequently with it.
• Noisy on rough roads: While quieter than the Equinox, the CR-V still lets in some road noise on gravel or poorly paved roads. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but I expected better insulation.
• Fewer trim options: The CR-V has three gas trims and three hybrid trims, but the Equinox’s four trims offer more variety. I missed the rugged styling options like the Equinox’s Activ trim.

Comparing Performance and Driving Dynamics

Performance is where these SUVs start to show their personalities. The Equinox’s 1.5-liter turbo engine churns out 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic (AWD) or CVT (FWD). It’s fine for daily commutes—think school drop-offs or grocery runs—but I found it underpowered when passing on highways or climbing steep hills.

The torque advantage helped when I towed a small trailer, but the engine strained under pressure. The Equinox’s handling is competent but not inspiring, with vague steering and noticeable body roll in corners. It’s built for comfort, not sporty driving, and the suspension soaked up bumps decently, though rough roads brought out more cabin noise than I’d like.

The CR-V, with its 190-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo (or 204-hp hybrid option), felt peppier. Its CVT delivers smooth power, though it drones when pushed hard.

I appreciated the CR-V’s sharper steering and better body control, which made winding roads more enjoyable.

The hybrid model was a standout, offering quick acceleration and stellar fuel economy (40 MPG combined).

When I took it on a gravel trail, the CR-V’s hill-descent control kept things steady, and its AWD system (available on both models) felt grippier than the Equinox’s.

However, the CR-V’s lower torque was noticeable when towing, requiring more planning to maintain momentum.

Fuel economy tilts heavily in the CR-V’s favor. The gas model’s 28/34 MPG (city/highway) beats the Equinox’s 26/31, and the hybrid’s 43/36 MPG is a game-changer for long-distance drivers. During my test, I spent less time at the pump with the CR-V, especially on a 200-mile road trip. If efficiency is a priority, the CR-V—especially the hybrid—is the clear winner.

Interior Space and Comfort

Space is a big deal in compact SUVs, and both the Equinox and CR-V deliver solid interiors, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Equinox’s cabin feels spacious up front, with 40.9 inches of legroom and 40.0 inches of headroom. The rear seats, with 39.9 inches of legroom, were fine for my two kids, but taller adults might feel a bit cramped. The seats are comfortable, with good padding, and the materials, while not luxurious, are durable. Cargo space disappointed me—29.8 cubic feet behind the second row meant I had to Tetris my gear carefully for a weekend trip. Folding the seats gave me 63.5 cubic feet, but that’s still less than the CR-V.

The CR-V’s interior is a step above. With 41.3 inches of front legroom and 41.0 inches in the rear, everyone had room to stretch. The 104.1 cubic feet of passenger volume felt airier, and my kids didn’t complain about being squished. The cargo area is a major strength—39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats easily swallowed a stroller, duffel bags, and groceries. With the seats folded, 75.8 cubic feet gave me room for bulkier items like a bike. The CR-V’s seats felt slightly firmer but supportive, and the cabin’s upscale touches, like the honeycomb dash, added a premium feel. However, the base model’s cloth seats felt less plush than the Equinox’s.

Both SUVs offer reclining rear seats, but the CR-V’s extra legroom and cargo space make it the better choice for families or those who haul a lot of stuff. The Equinox’s lower price might offset the space disadvantage for some, but I found the CR-V’s versatility hard to beat.

Technology and Infotainment

Tech is a battleground for compact SUVs, and both vehicles bring solid features, but their approaches differ. The Equinox’s 11.3-inch touchscreen is a showstopper—large, vibrant, and easy to use. I had no trouble pairing my phone for Apple CarPlay or navigating the menus. Standard features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging (on higher trims), and a clear digital gauge cluster. The audio system was decent, though not as crisp as I’d hoped for music-heavy drives. Chevy’s interface feels modern, and the large screen makes everything from maps to music feel immersive.

The CR-V’s base 7.0-inch touchscreen (9.0 inches on higher trims) felt underwhelming next to the Equinox’s. It’s functional, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the smaller size and slightly dated graphics were less engaging. The 9.0-inch upgrade is better but still smaller than Chevy’s. Honda’s interface is intuitive, and I liked the physical knobs for volume and tuning, which the Equinox lacks. Higher trims add wireless charging and a premium audio system, which sounded richer than the Equinox’s. The CR-V also offers a partially digital gauge cluster, but it’s less customizable than Chevy’s.

Where the CR-V pulls ahead is with its standard Honda Sensing suite. Features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Traffic Jam Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring were seamless in traffic, giving me confidence in tricky situations. The Equinox’s Chevy Safety Assist is solid, with automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, but it misses some of the CR-V’s advanced features. The Equinox’s Safety Alert Seat is a unique touch, but I found Honda’s safety tech more comprehensive.

Safety and Reliability

Safety is non-negotiable for me, especially with family in tow. Both SUVs earn a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating, with strong crash-test scores. The CR-V edges out slightly with an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, thanks to its superior headlight performance and standard safety features. Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traffic Jam Assist as standard. I found these features intuitive, especially in heavy traffic, where the CR-V practically drove itself at low speeds.

The Equinox’s Chevy Safety Assist offers Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Following Distance Indicator, but features like Blind Spot Monitoring are only available on higher trims. The Safety Alert Seat’s vibrations were helpful, but I missed the CR-V’s Traffic Jam Assist in gridlock. Both SUVs come with six airbags and standard stability control, but the CR-V’s broader standard safety suite gives it an edge.

Reliability is another area where the CR-V shines. iSeeCars rates it 9.0/10, and owner reviews praise its longevity and low maintenance costs ($407 average annual repair cost). The Equinox scores 8.0/10, with a higher average repair cost ($537) and occasional issues like transmission leaks reported online. During my tests, both felt solid, but the CR-V’s reputation and tighter build quality gave me more confidence for long-term ownership.

Value and Ownership Costs

Price is often the deciding factor, and the Equinox has a clear edge here. Starting at $29,995, it’s about $1,500 cheaper than the CR-V’s $31,495. That savings could cover AWD or a higher trim, making the Equinox appealing for budget-conscious buyers. Chevy’s roadside assistance (60 months/100,000 miles) also outlasts Honda’s (36 months/36,000 miles), adding value for those worried about unexpected breakdowns.

However, the CR-V’s higher resale value (losing 31.1% over five years vs. the Equinox’s 45.2%) means you’ll recoup more when selling. The CR-V’s better fuel economy, especially in hybrid form, also saves money over time. I calculated that the CR-V hybrid could save about $500 annually in fuel costs compared to the Equinox, based on 15,000 miles driven at $3.50 per gallon. Maintenance costs are lower for the CR-V, and Honda’s complimentary scheduled maintenance (1 year/12,000 miles) is a nice perk.

For me, the Equinox’s lower upfront cost was tempting, but the CR-V’s efficiency, reliability, and resale value make it a better long-term investment. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize initial savings or overall ownership costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: For Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V

You’re probably torn between the Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V, and I get it—it’s a tough call. My time with both showed the Equinox is a fantastic value, offering a lower price, a massive touchscreen, and solid torque for towing. It’s perfect if you want a no-frills SUV that gets the job done without emptying your wallet. But the CR-V won me over with its spacious cargo area, superior fuel economy (especially the hybrid), and top-notch reliability. Its polished ride and advanced safety features make it ideal for families or long-term ownership. If budget is your top priority, go Equinox. If you value efficiency, space, and longevity, the CR-V is your best bet.