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Starting at
Starting at
| 203 | Torque (lb-ft) | 179 |
| Yes | Teen Driver Technology | No |
| 6-Speed Automatic | Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission |
SUVs have come to dominate the auto industry over the last couple of decades, and smaller options like compact models have been a major part of that. You have so many different compact SUVs available to you, however, that it can be difficult to figure out which one has what you need. We find it helps to focus on just one or two at a time so you can get a better look at what they offer, making it easier to decide which will best meet your needs. Comparing the 2024 Chevy Equinox vs 2024 Honda CR-V, for example, reveals that while both of these models have a lot in common, the Equinox gives you all of these great features at a much lower price.
The engines on these two vehicles, for example, are very similar: the Chevy Equinox features a 1.5L turbo engine with 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, while the Honda CR-V comes with a 1.5L turbo that offers 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. You can see the Honda engine has slightly more horsepower but comes up short in torque—we prefer the greater torque that Chevy delivers, especially for driving on hilly roads and when getting up to speed on the highway. Ultimately, however, you will get pretty similar experiences from either of these vehicles, but the Honda CR-V starts at $29,500 MSRP, while the Equinox can be had for just $26,600 MSRP.[a]
For a difference of nearly $3k, we would expect the Honda CR-V to have a ton of features and options that the Chevy Equinox lacks, but that is simply not the case. Not only do they have similar engines, but you find standard 7-inch infotainment displays in both of these models, along with comparable standard safety features in the Chevy Safety Assist package and the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technology. In fact, you have much more freedom for customization with the Chevy Equinox thanks to special models like the Midnight, Redline, and Sport editions that enhance the looks of your compact SUV. Paying more for the CR-V while missing out on all of these options does not make sense to us, and we know plenty of other drivers who feel the same way.
When shopping for a vehicle, it can be easy to get hung up on a lot of specific details and specs, causing you to overlook the big picture and overall value of a car, truck, or SUV. This can be a mistake, however, since it makes it easier to miss out on something important or end up paying more for a vehicle than you really should. That is one of the reasons we always look at the starting price and features of a vehicle to see the baseline value of it. In this regard, the 2024 Chevy Equinox has a greater value than the Honda CR-V.
Looking at the Honda CR-V, it comes with a standard 1.5L turbo engine with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque; there is a more-powerful hybrid engine available, but unless you are specifically interested in a hybrid model, it is not worth the added cost. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available but not standard, and the CR-V comes with LED headlights, a standard tailgate, and 17-inch wheels. Inside, it has basic climate control, a manually adjustable driver’s seat, and more standard features to create a fine overall driving experience. All of this comes in at a starting price of $29,500 MSRP.[a]
By comparison, the 2024 Chevy Equinox has many similar features, such as a 1.5L turbo engine that delivers 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque; there is no hybrid here, but that is fine with us. Front-wheel drive is standard, with AWD available just like the CR-V, and the Equinox comes with LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and a manual liftgate. Inside the Chevy Equinox, you will find adjustable premium cloth seating, keyless open and start, and single-zone climate control. In many ways, it is quite similar to the CR-V, but the Equinox starts at $26,600 MSRP.[a] That is a much lower starting price for getting many comparable features in a vehicle, making the Chevy model a far better overall value.
One of our favorite things about buying a new vehicle is the freedom to customize it to be what you want in your next ride. This is something that we find incredibly rewarding, and it includes big decisions like choosing an engine and trim level, as well as smaller stuff like the exterior color and special editions. Chevy clearly agrees with us on this since you have a tremendous variety of features and options for the Equinox, letting you create exactly the vehicle you have been looking for—the Honda CR-V has only a handful of such options.
Assuming you are not interested in a hybrid engine, the CR-V is available in just three different trim levels, which is decent but not amazing. Beyond that, eight exterior colors are available for the CR-V, though, to be honest, five are some form of white, black, or gray. There are a few other options available, like getting front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, along with certain things that change with different trims, but beyond that, there is not much freedom of choice with this one.
On the other hand, the Chevy Equinox is all about giving you options and letting you customize your compact SUV to be exactly what you want. Chevy offers four different trims for the Equinox, giving you greater freedom to make it your own; plus, you have eight exterior colors available, including new options for this year: Riptide Blue Metallic and Lakeshore Blue Metallic. Even better, you have numerous special editions available for the Equinox, including the Redline with street styling that includes Black wheels with Red accents and unique exterior details, or the Midnight edition with gloss Black wheels, Black bowtie emblems, and a unique Black grille. This lets you make your Equinox truly your own and get what you want from it.
As you drive your vehicle, one of the main things you are likely to notice is the kind of tech features it lets you utilize. These features are easy to overlook as you shop since they do not always stand out, but they become more noticeable as you enjoy your vehicle and have more time to explore what it can do. Both the Honda CR-V and the Chevy Equinox have a lot in common in terms of the tech features you will find in them, though the Equinox gives you a bit more and does so at a lower price.
Starting with the CR-V, Honda offers it with a 7-inch infotainment display inside as standard—a larger screen is available, but this is the starting point. It comes with a standard four-speaker sound system and push-button start, but other features like heated front seats and a power tailgate are available options. The CR-V comes with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technologies that includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System, a Road Departure Mitigation System, and more. All of this is great, but it also starts at more than $29,000 MSRP.[a]
With the 2024 Chevy Equinox, you get a similar 7-inch infotainment display in the starting model, with an 8-inch screen available. A six-speaker sound system is standard, providing you with better audio than the CR-V, plus you get keyless open and start, numerous USB ports and more, all standard. The Equinox comes with Chevy Safety Assist in every model, which includes a Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, and more. One thing we love is the Teen Driver system that you get with every Equinox, which encourages safe habits for new drivers and provides you with an in-vehicle report card so you can see how your teen is doing. The fact that you get all of this with a starting price of just over $26,000 MSRP reveals how well you benefit from choosing the Equinox and its great features.[a]
Although the Honda CR-V is a fine vehicle, it is ultimately held back by some decisions in its design and the fact that it starts at a significantly higher price than the 2024 Chevy Equinox. Getting sporty and reliable performance, a spacious and beautifully appointed interior, and terrific options for customizing your ride with numerous special editions elevates the Equinox to another level. This is part of why we are so pleased to be able to offer this impressive SUV and the rest of the remarkable Chevy lineup. Whether you already know the Equinox is right for you or you are still considering all your options and trying to find the best pick to meet your needs, we are here to help you explore everything available.
Here at DePaula Chevrolet, we are passionate about providing all of our customers with the highest level of service and ensuring you have an amazing car-buying experience. This comes down to listening to you, responding to your needs, answering your questions, and working tirelessly to help you get the perfect vehicle. No matter what you are looking for—from a small SUV for your daily commute to a larger model to fit a growing family—we are here to help you find it and make sure you drive away completely happy. Call or visit us at DePaula Chevrolet today to learn more and experience everything the Chevy lineup offers.
*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.
