Starting at
Starting at
203 | Torque (lb-ft) | 179 |
7 / 8 | Screen Size (in) | 5 / 7 |
1,500 | Towing Capacity (lbs) | 1,500 |
Compact SUVs are among the most popular body styles in the auto market, featuring the best of driver comfort, safety, and technology right at your fingertips. More spacious than sedans, more agile than pickup trucks, and versatile enough for both families and singles, it’s no wonder why so many drivers are on the hunt for the perfect compact SUV. Compare the 2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Honda CR-V, and you’ll see just what makes each SUV a great buy.
However, one of these vehicles outperforms the other in nearly every category, from price to practical features to enjoy. If you’re shopping for a well-balanced vehicle like one of these, make sure you get to know each one before you visit your local dealership. Take a look at a breakdown of the 2021 Equinox and CR-V, then learn more about where to find a great deal on high-quality SUVs near you.
In terms of performance, one may not expect much from crossover SUVs such as these two. However, both deliver surprisingly agile and responsive driving. That being said, one of these two SUVs definitely feels better to drive.
With the 2021 Chevy Equinox, steering is crisp and agile, making the Equinox feel less like your standard, clunky, and top-heavy SUV, instead feeling lightweight and thrilling to command. Choose the lighter, 17-inch wheels for your Equinox to get a smoother, more balanced ride. For even more power and capability in the 2021 Chevy Equinox, upgrade to the optional, heftier all-wheel drive. You get superior traction in harsh conditions, including rain, ice, and mud, and road control that you can feel translates directly to the steering wheel. When you’re behind the wheel of an Equinox, you control the road; the road doesn’t control you.
Under the hood of the Chevy Equinox, you will find only one engine option, but it is an excellent one. The 2021 Equinox comes with a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine that produces 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. This nimble engine offers up to 1,500 lbs of towing capacity, so you can bring along some extra cargo when needed. This model is compatible with switchable all-wheel drive, so you can adjust your drivetrain based on real-time conditions.
When it comes to the 2021 Honda CR-V, let’s just say you aren’t taking this vehicle home because of its power. However, the 1.5L turbocharged I-4 on this model doesn't feel particularly quick (or capable). It can be slightly sluggish and even dull to drive, just as nearly every year/edition of the CR-V has been flimsy in the performance department. Accelerating in the latest CR-V requires patience, and you’re unlikely to find any thrills taking this clumsy SUV to greater speeds on the highway.
However, the CR-V’s excellent automatic transmission is definitely refined, and the ride at least feels smooth. In fact, some drivers also appreciate the 2021 CR-V for its responsive, sturdy braking. However, if you want a crossover SUV that you’ll actually enjoy driving, even on your daily commute, the 2021 Chevy Equinox is the easy winner, especially when you consider the host of driver assist features like Adaptive Cruise Control that take some of the stress of driving off your mind.
Honda may be famous for its long-lasting and reliable vehicles with low-maintenance powertrains; however, this time, the 2021 CR-V has just about matched the 2021 Chevy Equinox in economy. While there are variations between the engines and drivetrain options that you can select on each vehicle, average figures tested include an attractive 28 MPG city and 34 MPG highway - competitive ratings for gas-engine vehicles.
On the other hand, the Equinox sees ratings of around 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. This model does trail just behind the CR-V's ratings, but it is not enough to really make that much of an impact for you in the long run. Ultimately, both the Equinox and CR-V are well-matched in the fuel economy category, but the former’s lower price tag still means that you save more with the Chevrolet.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox is both comfortable and spacious, despite its compact outward appearance. Its distinctive look is centered around beautifully refined leather accents that you’d normally expect from a luxury vehicle, surrounded by sleek paneling and intuitive driver controls that look sophisticated. Cargo features like an available power liftgate, hidden storage compartments, and easy to manipulate folding seats make transporting cargo a breeze.
Cargo volume may be the 2021 CR-V’s best feature, as it offers best-in-class ratings of 75.8 cubic feet of storage space (with the rear seats folded down). However, the CR-V sacrifices interior comfort for the sake of meeting this top cargo rating. Only the front seats are supportive and comfortable enough for long drives, and in terms of styling, the obviously fake wood accents may put off younger drivers who want a cabin with a more current appeal.
This is the realm of excellence for the crossover SUV, and there are certainly many features to love in both the 2021 Equinox and 2021 CR-V. Start with a host of standard driver assist features in the Equinox, including Automatic Emergency Braking, IntelliBeam Auto High Beam Assist, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning that senses lanes in real-time and provides warnings that alert you when you stray from your course. You also get Forward Collision Alert and Front Pedestrian Braking standard, which scans your surroundings and automatically brakes when your Equinox senses obstacles in your path. The Chevy Safety Assist also includes other available features like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control, both of which help monitor your drive on your behalf.
Convenient and fun tech are also plentiful in the 2021 Equinox, the center of which is the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment device. A 7.0-inch touchscreen or optional 8.0-inch version is your responsive and user-friendly gateway to driver settings, music, and more. Unlike many of its competitors’ infotainment offerings, the Equinox offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility in the base model, enabling you to connect your smartphone right to the device. Stay in touch with your contacts, stream audio from your favorite apps like Apple Podcasts or Samsung Music, and view a streamlined display of your smartphone home screen right in the center of the driver console.
Meanwhile, built-in Amazon Alexa offers compatibility with your other Amazon devices so you can stream Amazon Music playlists, add to your shopping list on the go, check on your smart home devices, and so much more. This outstanding technology turns your vehicle into your very own smart assistant. Other excellent tech features include an available wireless charging pad set into a safe nook, so your smartphone stays safe while you drive, as well as Teen Driver technology that helps keep first-time drivers safe and responsible, even when a parent isn’t chaperoning.
The CR-V has its own set of safety technology to enjoy. Standard driver assist features include a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and theft-prevention smart entry that senses and responds to your key fob automatically. However, when it comes to infotainment, the 2021 CR-V lags behind the competition.
Base models come with a minuscule 5.0-inch screen. Upgrading to get Honda’s actual 7.0-inch infotainment device requires that you pay thousands more for an upper trim package, but sample this system for yourself, and you may see the buyer’s remorse. Its 7.0-inch display isn’t much to celebrate, and the lack of touch responsiveness and auxiliary jacks limits your experience. Despite that, the available 9-speaker audio system is immersive and satisfying.