Getting More for Less: How the 2024 Chevy Equinox Outperforms the 2024 Honda CR-V

One of the biggest mysteries in life is why people pay more money for similar products. If you were deciding between two boxes of cereal, wouldn’t you choose the one that costs less money? This is the question people need to ask themselves when deciding on a compact SUV. Two of the leading models are the Chevy Equinox and the Honda CR-V. Both have strong pedigrees, with the Equinox in the midst of its third generation since its introduction in 2005 and the CR-V being around a decade longer with six generations under its belt.

Aside from Chevy offering a battery electric vehicle (BEV) version of the Equinox, not much has changed when comparing the 2024 Chevy Equinox vs. 2024 Honda CR-V. Both conventional gas models continue to be industry leaders, offering standard driver assistance features like Chevy Safety Assist on the Equinox and Honda Sensing on the CR-V. They also have surprisingly roomy interiors for up to five passengers and plenty of cargo space accessible by a liftgate. So, how do you differentiate between these two very similar models? It all comes down to differences in pricing and trim options.

At DePaula Chevrolet, we are proud to offer our customers the 2024 Chevy Equinox. This compact SUV is one that drivers from this part of Upstate New York are sure to love. We are a full-service authorized Chevy dealership, giving you an unrivaled choice of new and used Chevy cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Noticeable Differences in Price

The biggest difference between these two models is the price. The MSRP on a base model 2024 Chevy Equinox LS is $26,600. This is significantly lower than the MSRP on the entry-level 2024 Honda CR-V LX, which starts at $29,500. But there is even more to this price difference than meets the eye. The Honda CR-V LX is about the same price as the more advanced Equinox LT, which starts at an MSRP of $29,495. For example, the Equinox LT has heated front seats, something that is only available on the two higher trims of the CR-V. In fact, the pricing and feature differential between these two models continues as you go up the trim levels for each.

The sporty Chevy Equinox RS has an MSRP of $30,950. This model adds things like a power liftgate. The higher-priced CR-V EX has heated front seats for an MSRP of $32,010 but doesn’t have a power tailgate. This is only standard on the EX-L model of the 2024 CR-V. Again, Chevy Equinox gives you more for your money than the Honda CR-V.

Finally, if you look at the fully loaded 2024 Equinox Premier, you get things like heated leather seats and the advanced Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system on an 8-inch touchscreen. It is also the only trim with a hands-free power liftgate, something not offered on a CR-V with a conventional gas engine. This Equinox trim starts at an MSRP of $31,800, less than the base MSRP of the mid-level CR-V EX.

If you are looking at a 2024 CR-V and want things like leather seats, a power tailgate, and a larger touchscreen on your infotainment system, you have to go to the top trim CR-V EX-L with a starting MSRP of $34,660. This is almost $3,000 more for a vehicle that is basically the same as a 2024 Chevy Equinox Premier. The Honda CR-V EX-L is also the only trim of this model that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something that comes standard on every trim of the 2024 Chevy Equinox.

Only the Equinox Offers Special Editions

Honda does not offer any special editions of its 2024 CR-V with a conventional gas engine. This means that other than exterior paint color, there are no other ways to help make your model stand out in a crowded field of compact SUVs. This is not the case with the 2024 Chevy Equinox, which offers three different special editions. If you are looking at the Equinox LS, you can opt for the Midnight or Sport Editions. Each of these adds 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires to your vehicle, along with black Chevy bowtie emblems and a unique grille.

Similarly, folks who decide on the top-of-the-line Equinox Premier can add the Redline Addition option. This gives your Equinox a set of 19-inch black wheels with red accents and black center caps, wrapped with all-season tires. You also get additional exterior accents like black Chevy bowtie emblems highlighted with a red outline, Redline decals on your exterior mirrors, and a specialized grille. Choosing any of these three Special Editions will add a cool look to your very sporty Equinox.

Similar Engines and Performance

One of the key differences between many vehicles is performance. While interior space and safety features may be so similar that they show no real difference, the choice of engine can affect the performance of a model when compared to one in the same category from a different brand. However, when you look at the 2024 Chevy Equinox and the 2024 Honda CR-V, you realize that they are almost identical when it comes to engines and performance.

Both of these models come equipped with a 1.5-liter Turbo I-4 gas engine. Where Chevy decided on a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission, Honda opted for a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Chevy’s six-speed gives it better acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.0 seconds, compared to the 8.3 seconds it takes for the Honda CR-V to get to the same speed. The engines themselves are almost identical. Both are turbocharged and intercooled with a dual overhead camshaft design that provides four valves per cylinder. In addition, both vehicles use their respective automatic stop/start technology to improve efficiency by turning off the engine at a red light or in traffic and then automatically turning it on when you lift your foot off of the brake pedal.

The only real difference between the two engines is in output. The Chevy Equinox uses direct fuel injection to deliver up to 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V can provide up to 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Part of the reason why the Equinox may be able to out-accelerate the CR-V is the added amount of torque produced by its engine. Nevertheless, both models are rated to tow up to 1,500 lbs. This is a nice feature for folks living in this part of the State, as great camping and fishing opportunities are nearby.

One thing to remember with respect to the 2024 Chevy Equinox and the 2024 Honda CR-V is that they are both front-wheel drive models. If you want to get all-wheel drive to help you better handle the snow, sleet, and rain we get up here, you will need to pay extra for this feature regardless of whether you buy an Equinox or a CR-V. However, with the significant price differential between these two models, an all-wheel drive Chevy Equinox will be more affordable and give you more comfort and convenience features than a 2024 Honda CR-V with available Real Time All-Wheel Drive.

Why Pay More for Less? Check Out the 2024 Chevy Equinox Today

The 2024 Chevy Equinox and the 2024 Honda CR-V are two of the most popular compact SUVs available today. The reason for this is that they are both very good models. They deliver solid performance with exceptional fuel economy in a safe and roomy vehicle. But, the Equinox gives you more for less money.

For example, for the price of a midlevel 2024 Honda CR-V EX, you can have more features like an advanced infotainment system with a larger screen, leather seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power liftgate on a fully-loaded 2024 Chevy Equinox Premier and even have a few dollars leftover for a nice meal. Come in today and see why the 2024 Chevy Equinox is the more economical choice to get behind the wheel of a great compact SUV!