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| 203 | Torque (lb-ft) | 179 |
| 1,500 | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 1,500 |
| 7 in | Base Infotainment Screen Size | 5 in |
Small SUVs and crossovers have quickly moved to the front of the pack among different vehicle classes. This is because many drivers have come to recognize the versatility of these vehicles, combining the fuel economy and drivability of sedans with the roominess and safety of larger vehicles. Two of the best-selling crossovers on the market today are the Chevy Equinox and the Honda CR-V. In comparing the 2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Honda CR-V, you’ll see that there are many similarities between the two vehicles, but one of them does outshine the other.
Both have plenty of room for up to 5 passengers. The Equinox and CR-V are also front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive. They also come with a large number of standard active safety features, with Chevrolet equipping the 2021 Equinox with Chevy Safety Assist, while Honda has made the Honda Sensing suite standard on all models of the 2021 CR-V. This means that both of these crossovers will make driving safer regardless of which one you choose. Nevertheless, there are a number of differences between the two when you compare pricing, options, performance, roominess, and infotainment systems. This will lead you to see that the 2021 Chevy Equinox is an overall better buy than the 2021 Honda CR-V.
Both the 2021 Chevy Equinox and the 2021 Honda CR-V come with four different trim options. However, Chevrolet also offers two additional special editions of the Equinox, giving drivers a choice of six different models.
The base model is the Equinox L with an MSRP of $23,800.* It rides on 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, and features standard Chevy Safety Assist features, the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch color touchscreen, and keyless open and start. The Equinox LS adds LED daytime running lights and the Teen Driver technology. This will help you have better control over a young driver in your household by allowing you to set restrictions and giving you a report card of your teen's driving habits. The Equinox LS has an MSRP of $26,300.*
The Equinox LT has an MSRP of $27,500* and adds a power driver seat with lumbar control and high-intensity discharge headlights. These provide even brighter illumination at night. The two special editions of the Equinox are the Midnight Edition and the Sport Edition. Both have an MSRP of $30,485* and are built on the Equinox LT platform, adding unique trim details like a black grille, as well as 19-inch gloss black aluminum wheels.
The top trim level is the Equinox Premier, with an MSRP of $31,400.* It features leather-appointed front seats with driver memory, so adjusting between drivers will be easy. The Premier rides on 18-inch bright aluminum wheels and has a hands-free power liftgate to make removing cargo simple.
In contrast, Honda only offers four trims for the 2021 CR-V. The base model is the LX with an MSRP of $25,350.* It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with standard Honda Sensing safety technology features. The Honda CR-V EX adds the HondaLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This model has an MSRP of $27,860.*
The CR-V EX-L features a leather-trimmed interior, a power tailgate, adjustable power seats, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror for an MSRP of $30,450.* The top trim is the CR-V Touring with an MSRP of $33,650.* This model rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and includes a heated steering wheel and wireless phone charger.
As you can see, not only does Chevy offer more different models of the Equinox than the Honda CR-V, it also has a lower price point at each level. For example, the 2021 Honda CR-V LX is a full $1,550 more in MSRP than the 2021 Chevy Equinox L. This continues through each trim level, so you will get more car for your money by choosing the 2021 Chevy Equinox.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox and the 2021 Honda CR-V both feature one engine on all trims. The 2021 Equinox utilizes a 1.5-liter Turbocharged I-4 gas engine. This features a dual overhead cam (DOHC) design with direct injection and variable valve timing to improve engine performance and efficiency. As a result, the Equinox can produce 170 horsepower and generate 203 pound-feet of torque.
The 2021 Honda CR-V is also equipped with a 1.5-liter Turbocharged I-4 engine. The Honda engine also is in a DOHC design. However, Honda opted to boost the horsepower to 190 horsepower at the expense of lower torque, only 179 pound-feet of torque generated by this engine.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox pairs its turbo engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This is electronically controlled with easy to use driver shift control. As a result, you will have excellent control over your engine’s performance. Honda opted for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) instead of an automatic on the 2021 CR-V. The CVT replaces standard engine gear speeds with a constant adjustment by the engine. While this can be slightly more efficient, you lose the control provided by an automatic transmission. Also, many drivers find CVT transmissions to be somewhat clunky, not providing the smooth transition provided by an automatic transmission like the one on the 2021 Equinox.
Chevy has equipped every model of the 2021 Chevy Equinox with a variation of its Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. For example, the Equinox L, LS, and LT come with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system on a 7-inch color touchscreen, while the Premier has the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system with an 8-inch color touchscreen.
The Infotainment 3 system features Bluetooth audio streaming for up to two devices, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The Infotainment 3 Plus system adds voice recognition, Cloud connectivity, and in-vehicle apps to the standard features. SiriusXM satellite radio is also included with a complimentary 3-month trial subscription on all models except the Equinox L. Finally, each Equinox has a 6-speaker audio system so you can enjoy all your favorite music or other entertainment while you are out driving in your vehicle.
In contrast, Honda does not include an infotainment system on all models of the 2021 CR-V. If you want to get such features as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, you will need to get the CR-V EX at a minimum. In addition, the base model CR-V LX has a very small 5-inch touchscreen for its Bluetooth connectivity, making it difficult to use when driving the vehicle. The other CR-V models have a 7-inch touchscreen, like the one on all other models of the 2021 Equinox except the Premier, which has an 8-inch touchscreen. Finally, the CR-V LX has only 4-speakers on its stereo system, as compared to a standard 6-speakers on the Equinox’s audio system.
Clearly, Chevy offers more standard features on the Equinox infotainment system than Honda does on the CR-V. This is especially the case if you choose the base model, as the 2021 Equinox L has the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system while the 2021 Honda CR-V LX does not have a HondaLink system.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox provides more overall passenger space than the 2021 Honda CR-V on all models except the LX. The Equinox has a total of 103.5 cubic feet of passenger space spread out among its two rows of seats, while the CR-V offers only 102.9 cubic feet of space.
The difference can be seen in some key areas of the passenger compartment. For example, the 2021 Equinox has a full 40 inches of headroom in the front row of seats, while the 2021 CR-V has only 38 inches. Similarly, the rear seat of the CR-V may feel pretty cramped with only 49.8 inches of hip room, compared to the spacious 51.7 inches of hip room on the Equinox. While these figures may not seem that large, they can make a real difference during long road trips in your crossover.
If you live or work in Georgia, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford is the best dealership for your next new, used, or certified pre-owned Chevy vehicle. Our sales staff is looking forward to meeting you and showing you why your next vehicle should be a Chevrolet. We feature a full inventory of every Chevy vehicle, including the 2021 Chevy Equinox, one of the safest and most convenient crossover SUVs on the road today.
If you need to finance your purchase, our finance team will help you get a loan or lease at a great rate on terms that fit your budget and lifestyle perfectly. When it comes time for servicing your Chevy, stop into our state-of-the-art service department to receive exceptional care whether you are coming in for a routine oil change or a more complicated repair. Stop by today to check out the 2021 Equinox, and drive out with a crossover that is sure to fit all your needs.
*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.