The New Chevy Equinox vs. the Competition
The 2026 Chevy Equinox vs. the Competition: A Refined Take on the Everyday SUV
In a segment overflowing with options, compact SUVs must do more than meet expectations; they must redefine them. The redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Equinox rises confidently to that challenge, introducing a sharper design, smarter tech, and the kind of everyday utility that busy families and modern professionals crave. But how does it fare against established giants like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V? Let's take a closer look at how the all-new Equinox compares and why it may be your next best move.
What's New?: A Fresh Take on Familiar Strength
The 2026 Equinox debuts with a bolder exterior and a thoroughly reimagined interior that pushes this SUV into upscale territory. Chevy's new design language lends the Equinox sculpted lines, aggressive lighting signatures, and an athletic stance that sets it apart visually from its competitors. Inside, the cabin is modernized with premium textures, an available panoramic sunroof, and a clean horizontal dash layout that centers around a best-in-class 11.3-inch touchscreen display, standard across all trims.
Powering the Equinox is a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, delivering lively acceleration paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth transitions on Blythe roads. Available all-wheel drive further expands capability, while estimated fuel economy stands at a competitive 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Chevy Equinox vs. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a household name in the compact SUV world, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The base model offers a 2.5-liter engine with 203 horsepower and up to 35 mpg on the highway. However, the RAV4's aging infotainment system (even with the new updates) and harsher ride quality place it behind the more refined feel of the 2026 Equinox.
Chevy gives the Equinox a tech-forward edge: the aforementioned 11.3-inch touchscreen supports Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available Google Assistant integration, features that Toyota still requires higher trims or packages to access. The Equinox also offers a more intuitive interior layout, with larger digital displays and a cleaner user interface across all models.
Additionally, rear legroom in the Equinox feels more spacious than the RAV4's, and Chevy's cargo area offers a wider opening and flatter load floor, benefits that are obvious the moment you go grocery shopping or haul sports gear near Parker, AZ.
Chevy Equinox vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V remains a benchmark in practicality, and its hybrid variants appeal to fuel-conscious buyers. But while Honda has focused on efficient evolution, Chevrolet has leaned into revolutionary design and standard technology. The CR-V's base engine delivers 190 horsepower, but the hybrid is where it really shines, though at a significantly higher cost. If you're seeking value, the Equinox balances performance and price more elegantly.
Inside, the CR-V offers a clean and spacious layout, but its infotainment system lags behind Chevy's in both size and ease of use. The CR-V's largest touchscreen measures just 9 inches-even in top trims-compared to the Equinox's standard 11.3-inch interface. Chevy also leads with more personalization: trims like RS and ACTIV cater to distinct lifestyles, while Honda's lineup feels more uniform in design.
Equinox's advanced safety suite-Chevy Safety Assist-comes standard and includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and IntelliBeam headlights. While Honda Sensing covers similar ground, adaptive cruise control and parking assist features are more widely accessible across Equinox trims.
Why the Equinox Stands Apart
The new Chevy Equinox doesn't just keep up; it redefines what a modern compact SUV should be. By combining accessible luxury, thoughtful technology, and efficient engineering, Chevrolet has crafted a vehicle that works just as hard for growing families as it does for daily drivers. Its bold styling, refined cabin, and range of personality-driven trims give it an edge in a class where differentiation is rare.
Compared to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Equinox delivers superior standard tech, a more engaging design inside and out, and a pricing structure that rewards drivers who want it all without paying a premium. For those seeking a crossover that is both sensible and exciting near Lake Havasu City, the Equinox is a clear contender, and in many ways, a class leader.
Schedule a Test Drive at Bradley Chevrolet
The 2026 Chevy Equinox is arriving now at Bradley Chevrolet near Bullhead City, and there's no better way to experience its transformation than behind the wheel. If you're curious about the new ACTIV trim, want to test out the latest infotainment features, or simply want to compare space and comfort firsthand, we invite you to schedule your test drive today.
Disclaimer:
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.
1Dealer Discount applied to everyone
1Dealer Discount applied to everyone
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Bradley Chevrolet Of Parker
2500 S Industrial Park Place
Parker, AZ 85344
- Sales: (928) 216-2555
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