New & Used: 9673 Kings Auto Mall Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249
Used: 435 E Galbraith Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45215
Sales:
(513) 741-1111
Service:
(513) 697-5200
Starting at
Starting at
| 3 | Available Engines | 1 |
| 137-252 HP | Horsepower | 203 HP |
| 203-260 lb-ft | Torque | 184 lb-ft |
What features would you prioritize in a search for a crossover SUV? Spaciousness and luxury, maybe? In-cabin technologies? Cargo space, perhaps? What about versatility? Fuel economy? Or maybe, like so many other prospective buyers, your choices are predetermined by the all-powerful price tag. Whatever your areas of focus are (and let’s be honest, they’re likely to be a little bit of ‘all of the above’) there’s a good chance you’ll find the perfect fit. Why? Because the entire industry is restructuring around the crossover SUV segment in an effort by automakers to offer the most competitive products at every trim level and price point. In other words, the selection is better than ever. But, if we’re being honest, it also makes the comparison of one model versus another more challenging since it’s harder to discern the key attributes of one from that of another. And with that in mind, let’s compare the 2019 Chevy Equinox vs 2019 Toyota RAV4 to see if we can determine which one comes out on top.
In terms of size, the Chevy Equinox just manages to edge out the Trax which stands as the most diminutive of Chevy’s crossover offerings. Currently priced to start at $23,800 MSRP the Equinox was classified as a midsize offering when it was first introduced for the 2005 model year. Now in its third generation, the Equinox is highly regarded having earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and J.D. Power’s pick for “Most Dependable Compact SUV”. Served up in a total of eight trim levels (L, LS, three variants of the LT and three more for the Premiere) the Equinox can be configured as with either front or all-wheel drive. It can also come with one of three powertrains, each of which we’ll take a closer look at.
As with the Equinox, the RAV4 only outranks the C-HR in terms of its physical footprint and accessibility of pricing. Available in both standard and Hybrid variants, the RAV-4 is priced to start around $25,500 for the former and $27,385 for the latter. A seasoned veteran with a quarter-century under its belt, the RAV4 (now in its fifth generation) comes in your choice of five trim levels (LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure and Limited). Available in both front and all-wheel drive the RAV4 comes powered by a single choice of engines, tweaked slightly across trim levels. It too earns a 5-star Safety Rating from IIHS and enjoys ‘Best Resale Value’ status from Kelley Blue Book.
That said, both the Equinox and RAV4 make an impactful first impression. But the Equinox manages to edge out the RAV4, earning top marks in terms of favorable pricing, number of trim levels and variety of powertrains. And with that in mind, we’ll rule the Equinox an early favorite (1:0 Chevy).
Noting that both the Equinox and RAV4 can be configured for all-wheel drive, any discussion of performance shifts over to power ratings and overall handling quite easily.
As previously noted, the Chevy Equinox comes with one of three available powertrains. The first, a 1.5-liter direct-injected, turbocharged four-cylinder featuring a dual overhead cam design and variable valve timing. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmis
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
