2017 Chevy Equinox vs 2017 Toyota RAV4 – Cincinnati, OH

Safety

Safety should be atop your list of priorities as you're searching for a new crossover SUV. Fortunately for customers, both the Equinox and RAV4 offer an array of safety functions that should keep every occupant safe and secure. Engineers were clearly focused on keeping their passengers protected, but they also included a number of functions that should help prevent accidents from even occurring.

In other words, you'll have a tough time finding a pair of safer SUVs.

Chevy Equinox

Chevy’s engineers want to assure that their customers are receiving the utmost protection, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Equinox contains a number of safety functions that will protect them during an accident. The six standard air bags will provide occupants with the necessary amount of cushion during an accident, while the high-strength steel safety cage will assure that passengers won’t suffer any devastating injuries. If a driver does find themselves in a crash, they can even rely on the OnStar Automatic Crash Response System, which will connect the driver with emergency personnel.

Fortunately, the Equinox also includes a number of features that should prevent an accident from occurring in the first place. Technological inclusions like the Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Side Blind Zone Alert will play a crucial role in keeping you and your Equinox out of harm’s way.

Toyota RAV4

The brand’s Star Safety System provides all of the preventative safety features that a driver could possibly be seeking. Technologies like the Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology will go a long way in keeping the RAV4’s occupants out of harm’s way. Meanwhile, technological inclusions like the Blind Spot Monitor and the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert should cut down on those pesky fender benders.

Of course, accidents aren’t completely avoidable, and the RAV4 offers a number of features that should protect passengers during a collision. The comprehensive air bag system will certainly be appreciated. The eight individual units, including driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, front- and second-row Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags, driver knee airbag, and front passenger seat-cushion airbag should provide the necessary amount of cushion during an accident.

Engines

Potential buyers will generally expect premier power from a crossover SUV, and there's no denying that the Equinox's pair of engine options (especially the V6) deliver in this regard. Unfortunately, while the RAV4 is able to pump out an admirable amount of muscle, it's not anything to write home about.

Where both of the vehicles truly shine is fuel efficiency. All of the engine options that accompany both the Equinox and RAV4 have proven incredibly economical, so drivers shouldn't expect to dish out a lot of extra money at the pump.

Chevy Equinox

Do you prefer that your new SUV prioritizes power or efficiency? Well, you’ll be able to find both of these attributes in the Equinox’s pair of engine offerings. The hulking 3.6-liter V6 engine is the option for those seeking muscle, as the unit is capable of pumping out 301 horsepower. As a result of these numbers, drivers can expect to haul up to 3,500 pounds. Drivers can even anticipate excellent acceleration, as the Equinox’s 0-to-60 time is around 6.7 seconds.

For those seeking efficiency, then the alternative 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is likely the proper fit. This system, which is accompanied by a six-speed automatic transmission, includes several fuel-saving technologies like the brand’s “Eco Mode.” As a result, drivers can expect this engine to deliver a 31 mile per gallon highway fuel efficiency.

Toyota RAV4

Customers won’t have as many engine options when they opt for the 2017 Toyota RAV4, as the 2.5-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine (with Dual VVT-i) is included in practically all of the trim offerings. Drivers can generally expect these units to deliver 176 horsepower and 172 pounds-feet of torque, which are certainly admirable numbers. By opting for the 2.5-liter engine with VVT-i, drivers will see that power boosted to 194 horsepower. This latter option can deliver a 32 combined mile per gallon fuel efficiency, while the other engine delivers around 26 miles per gallon.

Of course, it’s worth mentioning that Toyota also offers a hybrid version of the RAV4. This engine provides a boost in power (194 horsepower) and a predictable uptick in fuel efficiency (34 miles per gallon in the city).

Interior

Neither the Equinox or the RAV4 are classified as "luxury vehicles," but you certainly wouldn't know this. Both the inside and outside of these crossover SUVs are loaded with opulent features and amenities, providing the vehicles with a unique combination of classiness and sportiness.

Chevy Equinox

Advanced. Stylish. Classy. These are just several of the adjectives used to describe the 2017 Chevy Equinox, both inside and out. The inside is chock full of technological offerings that will improve the overall ride quality. For instance, the Chevy MyLink system allows drivers to access a number of applications. Whether you’re looking for music or navigation, the infotainment system will certainly provide it. Furthermore, the SUV’s interior is also highlighted by the impressive amount of cargo room. When drivers manipulate the Multi-Flex sliding seats, drivers will have access to an appreciated 63.7-cubic-feet of cargo space.

The outside of the SUV is just as impressive, as Chevy’s engineers included a number of features that will have others gawking at your Equinox. The halogen projector-beam headlamps will alert other drivers of your presence, while the 18-inch aluminum wheels will have others admiring your new ride. Even the chrome-accented dual-port grille and rectangular-shaped dual exhaust provide the sportiness that is often absent from these compact SUVs.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota’s compact SUV also includes a number of interior and exterior amenities. The outside of the RAV4 includes a number of features that improve the sportiness of the ride, including LED headlights and tailights, as well as Daytime Running Lights. The S-Code paint treatment will provide silver accents to the outside of your SUV, while the variety of wheel options will have other drivers admiring your new ride.

The interior capitalizes on comfort. The vehicle was designed to provide a quiet, relaxing ride, so your passengers can easily fall asleep as they sit back in the heated SofTex-trimmed seats. Meanwhile, the power moonroof will allow fresh air to rush into your cabin, satisfying all of the SUV’s occupants. Owners will appreciate the HomeLink technology, allowing them to easily control their garage or home security unit, and they’ll enjoy all of the advantages that are provided by the elaborate infotainment system. Of course, the 60/40 split folding seats are also worth mentioning, as they provide drivers with around 73.4-cubic-feet of cargo room. This should be plenty of space to fit whatever luggage you need to fit.