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| 175 | Horsepower (hp) | 190 |
| 203 | Torque (lb-ft) | 179 |
| 3500 | Max Towing (lbs) | 1,500 |
SUVs have plenty to offer drivers, from spacious interiors to top-notch capability. However, large vehicles do have their fair share of drawbacks since they’re harder to fit into garages and parking spaces and use fuel more quickly than smaller vehicles. Compact SUVs provide a great compromise, giving drivers the power and space they need in a more maneuverable design. Because they’re so versatile and convenient, compact SUVs are popular, with plenty of models to choose from. Let’s take a look at two standout options in this segment: the 2023 Chevy Equinox vs 2023 Honda CR-V.
Both models have different trim levels and packages that make them easy to customize, so you can prioritize aspects like style, sportiness, or modern tech. They also have similar engines and work to appeal to the same types of drivers. But while the two vehicles have a lot in common, there are also a number of things that differ. So let’s dive in and see what each one brings to the table.
Both the CR-V and the Equinox have a turbocharged inline-four engine under the hood, but while the CR-V gets up to 179 lb-ft of torque, the Equinox can deliver up to 203 lb-ft. This extra force can come in handy in several situations and is especially important when it comes to towing. If you’re hoping to pull a boat or trailer on a weekend trip, then the Equinox definitely has more to offer. The CR-V can only tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs, even on higher trim levels. The Equinox, on the other hand, allows you to tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped, making it a great choice for road trips and outdoor adventures that require extra equipment.
Honda gave the CR-V a full refresh for the 2023 model year, so the new model is quite different from its predecessor, with updated styling inside and out, plus some mechanical changes like a re-tuned engine, transmission, and all-wheel drive system. The Equinox was already delivering plenty of power, style, and efficiency, so it hasn’t changed dramatically for the new model year. But there are still significant upgrades for 2023, including an upgraded engine that provides more horsepower and a new electronic booster for the brake system.
Front-wheel drive is standard on both the CR-V and the Equinox, with all-wheel drive available as an optional add-on across all trim levels. On either model, opting for AWD will give you extra traction at the expense of fuel economy. Luckily, you can switch to front-wheel drive at the push of the button, and when snow does come around, it’ll be nice to be able to turn on AWD for a little extra confidence.
When it comes to handling, both SUVs have great road manners and smooth rides, but if you’re looking for a little extra control behind the wheel, the Equinox’s transmission can come in handy. While the CR-V has a continuously variable automatic transmission, the Equinox has a six-speed automatic with manual shifting mode. If you don’t know how to switch between different gears for different situations, you can let the vehicle take care of it for you. But if you miss the feeling of driving a stick shift, you have a way to take back control.
When it comes to exterior color options, the CR-V and Equinox are essentially the same. Both offer eight paint colors, including red, blue, black, white, and various shades of gray. If you’re looking for an earth tone, the Equinox does offer a bronze metallic coat as well. In the cabin, both models have standard cloth seats on some trims and leather appointing on others, with light and dark colorways to choose from.
Both SUVs have a sporty option that is not only fun to drive but extra stylish inside and out. The CR-V’s Sport trim comes standard with black cloth upholstery and orange contrast stitching on the seats, shift knob, and steering wheel, with leather coming standard on the higher Sport Touring trim. The Equinox RS has a similar look, with jet-black seats in either cloth or leather with bright red stitching that gives it a sharp contrast. On the exterior, the CR-V Sport comes with 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, bright LED headlamps, and chrome dual exhaust finishers. The Equinox RS features 19-inch Dark Android-painted aluminum wheels, sleek and effective LED headlights, and a unique lower fascia that blends into the face with body-color inserts.
While the 2023 CR-V’s new look is distinctly boxy, the Equinox features a stylish combination of sleek curves and commanding angles that makes it both aerodynamic and easy on the eyes. If you want to make a statement with your vehicle, you can opt for one of the special editions available for the Equinox. These go the extra mile by providing exclusive touches that create a cohesive look.
The Midnight Edition, available on the LS trim, comes with gloss-black aluminum wheels and blackwall tires that match the black Chevy bowtie emblems in the front and back and the unique mold-in-color black grille. The Redline Edition, available on the Premier trim, also features blackwall tires, but the wheels have red accents that provide an eye-catching contrast. Exterior mirrors are emblazoned with Redline decals, and the black Equinox badges are outlined in red. Instead of blending in, black accents like window surround, door handles, bowtie emblems, and a headliner can stand out against your body color of choice. This look is present in the cabin, too, with Black Ice accents throughout the interior.
When it comes to technology, Chevrolet knows that the American consumer is looking for the latest features paired with an easy-to-use setup. The controls on the Equinox are all very intuitive, from its responsive touchscreen to the various physical knobs and buttons built into the dashboard and steering wheel. The CR-V also features a variety of tactile controls, but their placement may take some getting used to before you can operate them easily.
While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability come standard across all trim levels of the Equinox, they’re not included at the base level of the CR-V. The 2023 CR-V does offer a nice touchscreen that’s an inch larger than the one in the Equinox (nine inches rather than eight); however, since the Equinox has available Alexa built-in, it’s easy to access information and change settings by using voice commands instead of using the screen at all. When considering this advantage, the one-inch difference in touchscreen size is not that significant.
Some levels of the CR-V offer a power tailgate that opens at the push of a button and stops at a programmable height so that it never ends up out of reach. While that’s certainly better than dealing with a manual liftgate, Chevy offers a feature that takes things one step further. If your hands are full of groceries, camping equipment, or whatever else you’re loading into the car, reaching for a button can be difficult. But if you have an Equinox equipped with the hands-free liftgate, then you'll just need to have the keyfob in your pocket, and you can simply place your foot under the rear bumper to open the liftgate to its programmed height.
When it comes to safety features, both vehicles are well-stocked with driver-assistance technology, including standard automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. While most warnings are given through visuals and sounds, Chevy offers drivers a new way to be alerted to possible dangers. The Safety Alert Seat, which comes standard on the Premier trim of the Equinox, not only warns you that a potential crash is imminent but immediately lets you know which direction the threat is coming from by vibrating on either the left or right side. This allows you to spring into action sooner instead of needing a second to figure out what the sound is trying to tell you.
Whether you’re interested in the Equinox or any other fine vehicles that Chevrolet offers, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford is here to help. We work with drivers from Gwinnett and Hall Counties and pride ourselves on creating a stress-free experience for everyone who walks through our doors. Whether you’re looking for a new or pre-owned model, we have plenty of quality vehicles that you can choose from, and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have and set you up with a test drive so you can make an informed decision.
Once you’ve found something that suits you, our finance department can help you figure out a payment plan that fits your budget. Whether that’s a loan or a lease, we’ll work with lending institutions throughout Georgia to get you the best package with the lowest interest rates possible. Even after the sale is complete, we’ve still got your back with our certified Chevrolet service department, which can take care of anything from routine maintenance to major repairs or part replacements. So stop by today or give us a call to learn more. No matter what your auto needs are, we have them here at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford.
[a]MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.
*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.