2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Honda CR-V

• 2021 Chevy Equinox

  

  Starting at

  $23,800*

  2021 Honda CR-V

  

  Starting at

  $25,350*

  203	Torque (lb-ft)	179
  7/8"	Infotainment System	5/7"
  1,500	Max Towing (lbs)	1,500

  You’re in the market for an affordable crossover, but your search has brought you to an impasse between two of the most popular models - the Chevy Equinox and the Honda CR-V. What do you do? Choosing a crossover is all about what you need and want in a capable SUV, but it also has a lot to do with what the model offers. Comparing the 2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Honda CR-V gives you a better idea of what the models have to offer and, as you’ll see, why the Chevy easily takes the lead.

  For starters, the 2021 Chevy Equinox is the more affordable of the two, with a starting price of $23,800 compared to the 2021 Honda CR-V that starts at $25,350.* If affordability is the only thing you are looking at, then the decision is an easy one to make. However, if you’re looking further into performance, capability, safety, and connectivity, then it’s worthwhile to dive deeper into the models to see how they rank against one another and what they have to offer and which vehicle is truly the better deal all around.

• Performance

  

  The Equinox Engine

  The 2021 Equinox pulls out slightly ahead of the 2021 CR-V when comparing performance and powertrains. Although both models only offer one engine, there’s a noticeable difference between the engines, their capability, and their efficiency. For example, the 2021 Chevy Equinox comes standard with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission under the hood. This pairing delivers 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, which offers quick acceleration and plenty of pull to make the Equinox easy to handle whether you’re driving a flat straightaway or navigating a winding backroad.

  The CR-V Engine

  The 2021 Honda CR-V doesn’t offer as much pull with its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission that delivers 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This decrease in torque may seem slight, but it can make a world of difference if you’re climbing a hill and need the maximum amount of power.

  Transmissions and Fuel Economy

  Another factor to consider is the Equinox’s six-speed automatic transmission compared to the CR-V’s continuously variable transmission (CVT). Both transmissions make the crossovers responsive and easy to handle while also boosting efficiency. This efficiency pushes the Equinox’s EPA-estimated average to 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway and the CR-V to an average of 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. While there is a slight benefit in fuel economy with the CVT, the drive is not as smooth as it is with the Equinox. The minor difference in fuel economy is worth it for the better driving experience.

• Technology

  

  Stay Connected in the Equinox

  The 2021 Equinox and the 2021 CR-V are equipped with innovative technology that allows you to stay connected to your busy life while keeping your focus on the road. On the 2021 Equinox, this connectivity is centralized in a 7-inch or 8-inch color touchscreen display that offers available navigation. Through the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, you’ll have access to a variety of in-vehicle apps like Amazon Alexa that allow you to use a simple voice command to respond to text messages, make phone calls, add items to your shopping list, and more. You’ll also have access to your smartphone thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

  Chevy extends the Equinox’s technology through Connected Services. Whether you’re checking email, listening to your favorite podcast or playlist, or adding an event to your calendar, you can do it all with ease when you’re in the driver’s seat. You can even turn your smartphone into a mobile command center for the Equinox using the myChevrolet mobile app. Through the app, you can remotely lock and unlock the doors, honk the horn, flash the lights, and start the engine. You’ll also have access to a voice assistant, the owner’s manual, vehicle diagnostics tools, and an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

  While the 2021 Honda CR-V offers comparable technology features, you’ll pay the price to add these features since they’re only available on certain trims. This makes the Equinox a better value and even more affordable. So, what does the CR-V include?

  Stay Connected in the CR-V

  The Honda CR-V comes standard with either a 5-inch or 7-inch touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system. Like the Equinox, you can use the system to sync your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which requires you to upgrade from the base model. The CR-V also includes in-vehicle apps like Pandora and SiriusXM, as well as Bluetooth capability and an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. However, features like Amazon Alexa are noticeably absent from the CR-V’s suite of tools.

  Like the Equinox, you’ll have access to your CR-V in the palm of your hand using HondaLink. Through the app, you can receive in-vehicle notifications, schedule service appointments, and start the engine remotely. However, like many other advanced technology features, access to the HondaLink app requires upgrading to top-tier trims like the CR-V Special Edition.

• Safety

  

  Chevrolet and Honda are both committed to delivering the most advanced safety and driver-assist tools available. These tools are designed to give you confidence when you’re behind the wheel by enhancing your visibility and minimizing any potential for collision. While these tools are extremely similar across most automakers, there are significant differences between what safety features come standard on every model and trim. This is what we find when comparing the 2021 Equinox with the 2021 CR-V.

  Chevy Safety Assist

  Every Equinox in the lineup is equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite. This suite of six advanced safety tools starts with Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking that can bring the Equinox to a full stop or enhance your emergency braking when a collision is imminent. Front Pedestrian Braking works in conjunction with Automatic Emergency Braking to detect pedestrians crossing in front of the Equinox. If a pedestrian is detected, the system will alert you and can automatically provide hard emergency braking to stop the Equinox in its tracks.

  Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning helps keep the Equinox centered in its lane by alerting you with a gentle movement of the steering wheel when you’re unintentionally drifting out of your lane. The Following Distance Indicator is designed to minimize tailgating by notifying you when you’re following too close to the traffic ahead. The Rear Vision Camera gives you a clear view behind the Equinox, while the IntelliBeam Auto High Beam Assist enhances your visibility without blinding oncoming traffic by adjusting the lights as needed. '

  Additional Equinox Safety Features

  You can also add advanced safety and driver-assist tools like Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, High Definition Surround Vision, and a Safety Alert Seat. One feature that sets the Equinox apart from the CR-V is the addition of Chevy’s exclusive Teen Driver Technology. This tool is designed to give you peace of mind when your teen gets behind the wheel by allowing you to set a few parameters that are associated with a particular key fob. When the key fob is in use, the Equinox relies on the Teen Driver system to keep your teen safe by preventing them from shifting into drive without buckling their seat belt. Once your teen returns home, you can access an in-vehicle driving report to learn more about their driving habits and areas that need improvement.

  Honda Sensing

  The 2021 CR-V includes many of the same safety and driver-assist tools as the Equinox, sans the Teen Driver Technology. The CR-V’s safety suite is known as Honda Sensing and, like the Equinox, is standard across the lineup. The suite includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System that works like automatic emergency braking to prevent or minimize the potential for front-end collisions. The Road Departure Mitigation System works like Chevy’s Lane Departure Warning to keep the CR-V on the road, while the Lane Keeping Assist System helps you keep the CR-V centered in its lane. Adaptive Cruise Control takes the guesswork out of cruising the highway by constantly monitoring the flow of traffic to maintain a safe speed and distance.

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