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Starting at
Starting at
| 1,500 | Max Towing (lbs) | 1,500 |
| 203 | Torque (lb-ft) | 179 |
| 7/8 | Infotainment Screen (in) | 5/7 |
Compact SUVs are a great alternative for those who want something larger than a sedan but smaller than a full-size SUV. With the Chevy Equinox and Honda CR-V, you have two interesting options when it comes to two very different approaches to the compact SUV design. In the head-to-head comparisons of the 2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Honda CR-V, there are a number of features that SUV shoppers might find enticing from both vehicles.
In the case of the 2021 Chevy Equinox, all tweaks and slight changes that have come with the 2021 model year help improve the already popular design. For the 2021 Honda CR-V, there is the carry-over of popular features that helped solidify the function and performance of the 2020 model year. But when you put these two vehicles against each other, which one comes out on top? Let us help you choose the best SUV for your life.
Both the Honda CR-V and Chevy Equinox come equipped with a single powertrain across their 2021 models. The Honda CR-V is equipped with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, while the Chevy Equinox is also paired with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. The difference in the engines comes down to horsepower and torque output. The Chevy Equinox trumps the CR-V's performance when it comes to torque output, with 203 lb-ft of torque vs the CR-V's 179 lb-ft of torque.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is electronically controlled to get the most out of the 1.5-liter RPMs. The 6-speed also comes with the overdrive feature, perfect for fuel-saving cruise speeds. Additionally, there is a driver shift control mechanism available for those who want to manually control the Equinox's gear shifts to maximize shifting performance. All Chevy Equinox trims come with the 6-speed, and all of them have the overdrive and shift control functions, so you're given the option to have complete control over how well the Equinox handles on the road.
With the Honda CR-V, all of them are equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The good part about continuously variable transmissions is that they have an unlimited range, unlike gear-based transmissions, and consistently adapt to the vehicle's acceleration or momentum.
While it might sound like the variable transmission would be a great alternative to the 6-speed transmission, the problem comes with reliability and off-the-line performance. Since the transmission doesn't have a designated step-ramp for the RPM, it can result in sluggish acceleration compared to traditional transmissions like the 6-speed found in the Equinox. Most continuously variable transmissions work well in small vehicles with small engines, but for larger vehicles, like a midsize SUV, it can prove to be a bit more troublesome than something more dependable like the 6-speed found in the Equinox. There are also a lot of reported issues that consumers have with continuously variable transmissions after the 60,000-mile mark, something that isn’t a frequent problem with automatic transmissions.
Modern vehicles are steeped in all sorts of technological advancements. This rings true in the comparison of the 2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Honda CR-V. Both Chevy and Honda's compact SUVs are equipped with digital color display touchscreens. However, the CR-V's display only goes up to 7-inches, whereas the Equinox scales up to 8-inches, giving you more viewing space and easy-to-touch access for apps, multimedia, and vehicle health information.
In addition to this, the Chevy Equinox comes with a second diagonal multi-color driver information screen at up to 4.2-inches. This houses necessary telemetry and vehicle status information for the driver to easily access without ever having to remove their hands from the steering wheel. All Equinox models have a second driver information display unit, which adds to its technological offerings. This feature is missing from the CR-V, however.
Both the CR-V and Equinox are powered by a suite of software implementations and infotainment accessibility. For the CR-V, this includes the HondaLink system for the upper-end trims, as well as the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which includes voice recognition and Honda's HD digital traffic mapping. Trims that come with this Honda suite are also treated to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
Alternatively, the Chevy Equinox comes equipped with Bluetooth support right out of the gate for every 2021 model year trim. This means you have instant access to wireless connectivity for smart devices, as well as the ability to stream audio content from compatible devices. Additionally, you can also store contact lists into the vehicle's memory or even make calls or send text messages using hands-free connections. This is in addition to 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot support for every Equinox trim, so no matter where you go, there are connectivity options.
What's more is that voice command pass-through and smartphone app control, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, is standard on every Equinox. Unfortunately, the Honda CR-V lacks many standard infotainment features for the base trim, and instead, those features are only available for the higher-end trims. This could easily make it seem less appealing for some people looking to buy an entry-level CR-V.
In the realm of SUVs, safety is paramount. Everyone wants to know that they will be safe driving in an SUV, whether it be a subcompact, mid-sized, or full-size SUV. That being said, both the Chevy Equinox and Honda CR-V take safety extremely seriously. Both SUVs ensure that all 5 passengers are safe and secure with a number of active, passive, and assistive safety technologies.
For the 2021 Honda CR-V, the crossover comes with the Honda Sensing suite for every trim of the model year. This means whether you buy the base trim or the luxury trim, you're guaranteed plenty of safety features. From mitigation systems to road departure warnings, the Honda Sensing suite offers lots of safety aids while traveling on the road. With additional features such as a Collision Mitigation Braking System and a Road Departure Mitigation System, you have a lot of nifty technology working to keep you secure at all times.
The Chevy Equinox also comes with many of the same features as the CR-V, including a Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist. Automatic Emergency Braking also comes standard on all trims of the Equinox, as well as a Following Distance Indicator. Forward Collision Alert and Front Pedestrian Braking also make the cut. Where things diverge for the Equinox is with the availability of added safety features, such as the highway safety kit, which comes equipped with a number of useful items to get your Equinox back on the road quickly and securely.
Another benefit that the Equinox has over the Honda CR-V is the inclusion of the Teen Driver mode. This has been a popular safety feature made available across many General Motors vehicles. With Teen Driver, you can easily set up certain checklists and features for your teen to follow before the vehicle can be mobilized. With the added report card and encouragement of safe driving practices, this gives the Equinox a leg up as a choice vehicle for families with teen drivers.
Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown is the premier dealership for all things Chevrolet and Buick. We have a great line-up of brand new model years featuring cars, trucks, and SUVs from the popular GM brands. You can trade in your current vehicle towards the purchase of a new vehicle right from our lot. You can also talk to our experts from the finance department about how you can apply for financing to get an auto loan or lease deal that works for you.
We have a great collection of used vehicles for shoppers to choose from. This includes newer model years, as well as popular models from some of the top brands on the market. You can also buy some of the highest quality used vehicles from our selection of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. With Certified Pre-Owned, you have access to vehicles with a limited number of miles on them and guaranteed quality, thanks to having gone through a multi-point inspection process. This ensures that you're buying into a level of quality you won't get anywhere else. This is all thanks to the warranties that come with Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, which include powertrain coverage, roadside assistance, and plenty of complimentary services.
Even for shoppers relegated to working with the most limited budgets, we still have vehicles available for you. With our under-$10,000 inventory, you can find a number of vehicles to fit within the most narrow of financial situations. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the Dan Cummins Lease Advantage, which includes zero down and all sales taxes and fees included upfront. So there are no hidden fees, costly extras, or tacked-on expenses you have to worry about. You can learn more about our lease advantages by calling or visiting us today.
*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.