Drivers seem to love compact SUVs. These smaller models deliver solid performance, exceptional fuel economy, and ease of driving that you just don’t find in many other vehicles. They provide more trunk space and higher ground clearance than compact and midsize sedans, which get stuck in snow easily in areas with seasonal weather differences. Unlike midsize and full-size SUVs, compact SUVs help you save on gasoline in a vehicle that is easy to handle. Two of the most popular compact SUVs are the 2023 Chevy Equinox vs 2023 Honda CR-V. In fact, they are two of the best selling, non-truck models for their respective companies.
Drivers seem to love compact SUVs. These smaller models deliver solid performance, exceptional fuel economy, and ease of driving that you just don’t find in many other vehicles. They provide more trunk space and higher ground clearance than compact and midsize sedans, which get stuck in snow easily in areas with seasonal weather differences. Unlike midsize and full-size SUVs, compact SUVs help you save on gasoline in a vehicle that is easy to handle.
Two of the most popular compact SUVs are the 2023 Chevy Equinox vs 2023 Honda CR-V. In fact, they are two of the best selling, non-truck models for their respective companies.
Honda has been offering the CR-V since 1997, with the 2023 model representing the start of the sixth model generation. In contrast, the Chevy Equinox first appeared in 2005, and is currently in its third generation since 2018. So, we have a 2023 Equinox that has been largely unchanged for five years against an all-new Honda CR-V. One thing that does stand out is that Honda seems to be pushing the hybrid engine option on the CR-V, with two new trims dedicated solely to this alternative energy powertrain. Chevy does not currently offer a hybrid or electric engine option on the Equinox, but plans to introduce an Equinox EV for the 2024 model year. This shows that both automakers plan to keep their respective compact SUV models around for the long haul. We’ll focus on the non-hybrid version of the CR-V here to keep this a fair comparison.
So Much In Common
As you might expect, there are many things in common between these two models. For example, both provide a roomy interior for up to five passengers. Both the CR-V and Equinox offer a total of 103.5 cubic feet of passenger space, although the base model Honda CR-V LX provides 106 cubic feet. The interior dimensions are also quite similar, with the 2023 Equinox providing 40.9 inches of legroom in the front and 39.9 inches in the back, while the 2023 CR-V has 41.3 inches of legroom in the front and 41 inches in the back row. You will also be able to stay connected with either model, as the Equinox has the Chevy Infotainment 3 system on all models, while the CR-V sports the HondaLink system. These combine audio systems with Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility, allowing you to stream your favorite apps, listen to your favorite music, and make hands-free calls and texts.
The two compact SUVs are also offered with a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive, with similar engines. This results in these two vehicles having similar performance profiles. The 2023 Chevy Equinox is equipped with a direct injection 1.5-liter Turbo I-4 gas engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. This has a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with 16 valves feeding its four cylinders. It also features Chevy’s variable valve timing system and automatic stop/start to reduce fuel consumption and improve efficient performance. As a result, the Equinox can produce up to 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
Honda has equipped the 2023 CR-V with a very similar engine, also a 1.5-liter Turbo I-4 gas engine. Unlike the Equinox, however, it features a continuously variable transmission, so there are no set gear speeds. The Honda’s engine also has a DOHC design with 16 valves, as well a Dual Variable Timing Control, which is a type of variable valve timing. This also uses direct fuel injection to deliver 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V gives you an extra 15 more horsepower, but at the cost of 24 lb-ft of torque.
As expected, the two vehicles have very similar performance. Both can get you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an efficient 8.0 seconds, while completing the quarter mile in 16.3 seconds at 85 miles per hour. However, the Equinox is slightly faster than the CR-V with a top speed of 123 miles per hour, compared to 111 miles per hour in the Honda. Meanwhile, the Honda is slightly more fuel efficient than the Chevy, giving you a combined fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon with front-wheel drive, compared to 28 miles per gallon in the Equinox.
Standard Safety Features
Both Chevrolet and Honda have put a premium on passenger safety, with each automaker coming out with a platform of driver assistance technologies. Chevy’s system is known as Safety Assist, while Honda calls its technologies Honda Sensing. Both utilize cameras, radar, and computing to provide drivers with real-time information, warnings, and braking assistance.
A number of standard features are common between the two vehicles. For example, both have a frontal collision warning system. This will sound when the system detects an imminent front-end collision, enabling you to take evasive action. It will even provide braking assistance to either avoid the collision or reduce the impact if the crash is unavoidable. Both the Chevy and Honda systems also have specialized pedestrian detection when traveling at lower speeds. This is because the system associates lower speeds with local driving, and higher speeds with highway rides.
There are also a number of differences between the two systems. For example, the Chevy Equinox has a following distance indicator, which lets you know if you are getting too close to the vehicle in front of you. Also, you can get the blind zone alert on any trim of the Equinox, while this feature is not available on the Honda CR-V LX model. This will let you know if there is a vehicle travelling in your blind spot when you go to change lanes. On the other hand, Honda has made adaptive cruise control a standard feature on all models of the 2023 CR-V. This automatically adjusts the speed of your vehicle when using cruise control if a slower vehicle gets in front of you, matching its speed. It then automatically returns to your preset speed when traffic clears.
Both vehicles are among the safest models in the class of compact SUVs. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2023 Chevy Equinox a five-star rating for overall safety. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2023 Honda CR-V a Top Safety Pick+ for small SUVs.
More Options and Choices On the Equinox
One area where the 2023 Chevy Equinox clearly exceeds the 2023 Honda CR-V is options. Chevy offers four different trim levels and two special editions on the Equinox, while Honda only offers three trims of the 2023 CR-V with a gas engine, and no special editions. As a result, you can choose between six different Equinox configurations. Both offer an entry-level trim, the LS on the Equinox and LX on the CR-V. Each also has a top trim, the Premier on the Chevy Equinox and the EX-L on the Honda CR-V. However, the only midlevel trim on the Honda is the EX. Chevy offers the LT and RS on the Equinox, giving you an additional mid-level model to choose from.
In addition, you can get the Equinox in the Redline or Midnight special edition. These give the Equinox specialized looks. The Midnight Edition comes on the RS trim, adds 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, and enough sporty black looks to please even the toughest critic. Meanwhile, the Redline Edition is offered on the Premier trim, and adds 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and specialized red and black accents to your choice of exterior paint color. If you want to get more choices when deciding on your compact SUV, you are likely to find it on a 2023 Chevy Equinox.
The Familiar Beats Out the New
Chevy and Honda have provided drivers with a difficult choice. Both the 2023 Equinox and the all-new 2023 CR-V deliver solid performance, excellent fuel economy, roomy interiors, and plenty of standard safety features. However, the Chevy Equinox gives you more options and choices, allowing you to choose the features you need without having to pay for items you don’t really want. In addition, you can personalize your compact SUV more when you choose a Chevy Equinox. Sometimes the best choices are the hard ones, but choosing the right 2023 Chevy Equinox for you is worth it.
Honda has been offering the CR-V since 1997, with the 2023 model representing the start of the sixth model generation. In contrast, the Chevy Equinox first appeared in 2005, and is currently in its third generation since 2018. So, we have a 2023 Equinox that has been largely unchanged for five years against an all-new Honda CR-V. One thing that does stand out is that Honda seems to be pushing the hybrid engine option on the CR-V, with two new trims dedicated solely to this alternative energy powertrain. Chevy does not currently offer a hybrid or electric engine option on the Equinox, but plans to introduce an Equinox EV for the 2024 model year. This shows that both automakers plan to keep their respective compact SUV models around for the long haul. We’ll focus on the non-hybrid version of the CR-V here to keep this a fair comparison.
So Much In Common
As you might expect, there are many things in common between these two models. For example, both provide a roomy interior for up to five passengers. Both the CR-V and Equinox offer a total of 103.5 cubic feet of passenger space, although the base model Honda CR-V LX provides 106 cubic feet. The interior dimensions are also quite similar, with the 2023 Equinox providing 40.9 inches of legroom in the front and 39.9 inches in the back, while the 2023 CR-V has 41.3 inches of legroom in the front and 41 inches in the back row. You will also be able to stay connected with either model, as the Equinox has the Chevy Infotainment 3 system on all models, while the CR-V sports the HondaLink system. These combine audio systems with Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility, allowing you to stream your favorite apps, listen to your favorite music, and make hands-free calls and texts.
The two compact SUVs are also offered with a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive, with similar engines. This results in these two vehicles having similar performance profiles. The 2023 Chevy Equinox is equipped with a direct injection 1.5-liter Turbo I-4 gas engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. This has a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with 16 valves feeding its four cylinders. It also features Chevy’s variable valve timing system and automatic stop/start to reduce fuel consumption and improve efficient performance. As a result, the Equinox can produce up to 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
Honda has equipped the 2023 CR-V with a very similar engine, also a 1.5-liter Turbo I-4 gas engine. Unlike the Equinox, however, it features a continuously variable transmission, so there are no set gear speeds. The Honda’s engine also has a DOHC design with 16 valves, as well a Dual Variable Timing Control, which is a type of variable valve timing. This also uses direct fuel injection to deliver 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The CR-V gives you an extra 15 more horsepower, but at the cost of 24 lb-ft of torque.
As expected, the two vehicles have very similar performance. Both can get you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an efficient 8.0 seconds, while completing the quarter mile in 16.3 seconds at 85 miles per hour. However, the Equinox is slightly faster than the CR-V with a top speed of 123 miles per hour, compared to 111 miles per hour in the Honda. Meanwhile, the Honda is slightly more fuel efficient than the Chevy, giving you a combined fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon with front-wheel drive, compared to 28 miles per gallon in the Equinox.
Standard Safety Features
Both Chevrolet and Honda have put a premium on passenger safety, with each automaker coming out with a platform of driver assistance technologies. Chevy’s system is known as Safety Assist, while Honda calls its technologies Honda Sensing. Both utilize cameras, radar, and computing to provide drivers with real-time information, warnings, and braking assistance.
A number of standard features are common between the two vehicles. For example, both have a frontal collision warning system. This will sound when the system detects an imminent front-end collision, enabling you to take evasive action. It will even provide braking assistance to either avoid the collision or reduce the impact if the crash is unavoidable. Both the Chevy and Honda systems also have specialized pedestrian detection when traveling at lower speeds. This is because the system associates lower speeds with local driving, and higher speeds with highway rides.
There are also a number of differences between the two systems. For example, the Chevy Equinox has a following distance indicator, which lets you know if you are getting too close to the vehicle in front of you. Also, you can get the blind zone alert on any trim of the Equinox, while this feature is not available on the Honda CR-V LX model. This will let you know if there is a vehicle travelling in your blind spot when you go to change lanes. On the other hand, Honda has made adaptive cruise control a standard feature on all models of the 2023 CR-V. This automatically adjusts the speed of your vehicle when using cruise control if a slower vehicle gets in front of you, matching its speed. It then automatically returns to your preset speed when traffic clears.
Both vehicles are among the safest models in the class of compact SUVs. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2023 Chevy Equinox a five-star rating for overall safety. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2023 Honda CR-V a Top Safety Pick+ for small SUVs.
More Options and Choices On the Equinox
One area where the 2023 Chevy Equinox clearly exceeds the 2023 Honda CR-V is options. Chevy offers four different trim levels and two special editions on the Equinox, while Honda only offers three trims of the 2023 CR-V with a gas engine, and no special editions. As a result, you can choose between six different Equinox configurations. Both offer an entry-level trim, the LS on the Equinox and LX on the CR-V. Each also has a top trim, the Premier on the Chevy Equinox and the EX-L on the Honda CR-V. However, the only midlevel trim on the Honda is the EX. Chevy offers the LT and RS on the Equinox, giving you an additional mid-level model to choose from.
In addition, you can get the Equinox in the Redline or Midnight special edition. These give the Equinox specialized looks. The Midnight Edition comes on the RS trim, adds 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, and enough sporty black looks to please even the toughest critic. Meanwhile, the Redline Edition is offered on the Premier trim, and adds 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and specialized red and black accents to your choice of exterior paint color. If you want to get more choices when deciding on your compact SUV, you are likely to find it on a 2023 Chevy Equinox.
The Familiar Beats Out the New
Chevy and Honda have provided drivers with a difficult choice. Both the 2023 Equinox and the all-new 2023 CR-V deliver solid performance, excellent fuel economy, roomy interiors, and plenty of standard safety features. However, the Chevy Equinox gives you more options and choices, allowing you to choose the features you need without having to pay for items you don’t really want. In addition, you can personalize your compact SUV more when you choose a Chevy Equinox. Sometimes the best choices are the hard ones, but choosing the right 2023 Chevy Equinox for you is worth it.
