As the modern vehicle market continues to evolve, there are many features that have become standard across all manufacturers. These are things that all buyers look for when seeking a new vehicle. Infotainment systems are constantly updating, interiors are more comfortable and spacious, and gas mileage is a constant feature being improved with every passing year. These changes become painfully obvious in the SUV market, specifically when comparing the 2021 Chevy Equinox vs the 2021 Honda CR-V. These two vehicles share some aspects and are wildly different in others, making it interesting to compare and contrast them.
These vehicles are both compact SUVs with seating for up to five people, which is the most popular type of passenger vehicle in America. Technically, they are “crossover SUVs,” which means they are built with unibody construction based on a passenger car rather than a pickup truck and results in a more comfortable and efficient ride. However, that is not to say that these two common models are the same. In fact, when it comes to the details of their mechanics and technology, the Equinox and CR-V are quite different vehicles. From their standard infotainment features to their powertrain specifications, there is a clear divide between the pair and a clear winner between them.
Infotainment and Technology
A good infotainment system and smooth technology integration are both necessities for modern vehicle owners. The 2021 Chevy Equinox has a base price of $23,800 and offers plenty of amenities for such a cheap starting point. A seven-inch touchscreen is included standard, with an optional upgrade to eight inches at a higher trim level. The audio system offers six speakers at the base level with a seven-speaker upgrade at another trim level. Four USB ports are included as well as keyless entry and ignition. Perhaps the most important feature included at the base level is a standard 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. This feature is a rarity in the base trims from other manufacturers, and its inclusion in the 2021 Chevy Equinox is impressive.
Other features included in the 2021 Chevy Equinox are in the field of safety. The base-level SUV includes forward collision mitigation, lane departure mitigation, and a rear-seat reminder, among other standard features. The forward collision mitigation warns of an impending collision and can automatically apply the brakes at low speeds to help prevent an accident. Lane departure mitigation warns of a lane departure if the turn signal has not been applied. This feature can also automatically adjust the steering to keep the vehicle in its lane properly. The rear-seat reminder is designed to avoid some of the worst mistakes that can be made, reminding drivers to check the backseats for belongings, valuables, or children rather than have them left in the vehicle. All of these features will give you added peace of mind when out and about on busy roads.
The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, does not include a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot at the base level. Even if you upgrade to the top trim, you will not find an available WiFi hotspot. The base level also only comes with a five-inch LCD radio screen, with the vehicle requiring a trim upgrade to get features as simple as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. What makes this detail even worse is the 2021 Honda CR-V’s base MSRP of $25,350. This means it costs more at the base level but offers fewer features. For a 2021 model to lack smartphone integration is practically unheard of and does the vehicle no favors when it comes to potential buyers.
The Honda CR-V offers a host of safety and driver-assist features but is missing items like a following distance indicator or rear-seat reminder that are offered in the 2021 Chevy Equinox. There is also no teen driver feature, which allows limits to be placed on younger drivers to keep them safe and teach them how to drive responsibly even when there isn’t an adult in the vehicle. While the CR-V certainly has the basics covered when it comes to safety, it is missing many of the more modern features that can be found on the Equinox.
Driving and Handling
The smaller dimensions of the 2021 Chevy Equinox ensure good handling and maneuverability, and the ride is very smooth as well as quiet. Better torque is available with the Equinox as well, measuring an impressive 203 lb-ft. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is paired with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that offers greater control and is easier to repair if needed. The estimated fuel range, which measures how far the vehicle can go on one tank of gas, is rated at 417 miles, which means fewer stops during road trips.
The dimensions of the 2021 Honda CR-V are not overly large, but a few extra inches in different locations all across the board do add up to more awkward handling, and more road noise bleeds into the interior of the vehicle. The torque is also rated at a maximum of only 179 lb-ft, which is significantly worse than the Equinox. The 2021 Honda CR-V has a continuously variable transmission, which has a somewhat numb feeling when accelerating and can be very expensive and difficult to repair or replace if that is ever needed.
The hybrid option of the Honda CR-V doesn’t offer much better numbers. The exterior dimensions are the same, offering the same difficulties with maneuverability. The battery also takes up more space in the back of the SUV, which eats into the available cargo space. The estimated fuel range for the hybrid Honda CR-V is 440 miles on the highway per full tank of fuel. All of this fails to add to the draw of driving a hybrid unless a buyer is just passionate about having a green vehicle. All things considered, there are more minor drawbacks to the Honda CR-V hybrid even when compared to the traditional engine.
2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Honda CR-V: A Clear Winner
The 2021 Honda CR-V offers no smartphone integration whatsoever at the base level. In addition to costing more than the Equinox, there is also a further cost in upgrading to get that cell phone integration. This is without saying anything about the other features Honda doesn’t offer, such as a rear-seat reminder or a teen driver setting. The Honda CR-V is larger, and inches add up fast, making this SUV more difficult to maneuver. The engine has more limited torque, and the CVT further reduces the engagement of the overall driving experience.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox is undoubtedly made for modern drivers. While these two SUVs may not appear all that different on the outside, once you slip behind the wheel, the differences are obvious. Cell phone integration is practically a necessity, and Chevrolet knows this, allowing their buyers to integrate technology easily, even at the base level, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The smaller differences in dimensions between the two vehicles give the Equinox an edge over its competition, with better maneuverability and more torque under the hood. If this vehicle sounds perfect for you, check out your local Chevy dealer today!
