Chevy Equinox vs Toyota RAV4: Best SUV Showdown
The Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 lead the compact crossover race. Choosing between them is tough but fun.
This comparison dives into prices, designs, performances, and more. It helps you pick the SUV that fits your life.
You’ll learn about the starting prices, unique looks, and how comfy they are inside. We’ll discuss their performance, fuel economy, and safety, too.
These factors are key to making the right choice. Whether you want cool tech features or care more about reliability, this article has the info you need.
Ready to compare the Chevy Equinox vs Toyota RAV4? Let’s uncover which compact crossover is the best for you!
Introduction To SUVs
SUVs are now a top choice among American car buyers. They are popular for their flexible use, big interiors, and usefulness.
The arrival of SUVs shows a big change in what people want from cars. People now prefer bigger vehicles that fit various needs.
Compact SUVs, like the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4, are perfect for families. They offer lots of space for people and stuff.
These cars are great for daily tasks and fun trips on weekends. The SUV market has changed over time because what people want has changed.
Today’s SUVs focus on using less fuel, having the latest tech, and being safe to drive. Buyers want cars that are not just practical but also fun to drive.
Knowing these new trends can help you pick the best compact SUV for you.
Pricing Comparison
Comparing the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 means looking at their prices closely.
Each has different starting prices. And the cost of extra features can change what you end up paying a lot.
Starting Prices For The Chevy Equinox
The Chevy Equinox starts at $35,000 for its RS AWD version. This price makes it a good choice for many looking for a new SUV.
Starting Prices For The Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4’s price begins at $36,885 for the Hybrid XSE AWD model. Its starting cost is a bit more than the Equinox. But adding optional features can push its price to about $41,985.
Cost of Optional Features
Add-on features can really affect how much you pay for these cars. The Equinox could cost an extra $4,025 with added options.
The RAV4’s price can increase even more with these extras. It’s key to think about this when deciding which SUV offers more for your money.
Exterior Design Features
The Chevy Equinox and the Toyota RAV4 look very different from each other. The Equinox has a sporty vibe, while the RAV4 looks rugged and ready for adventures. Let’s check out what makes each one special.
Chevy Equinox’s Sporty Look
The Chevy Equinox has a design that makes it look sporty and bold. It reminds people of the bigger Traverse model.
It has sleek lines and LED headlights for better visibility and style. There’s also an optional black two-tone roof that adds to its cool look.
These features make the Equinox really stand out on the road. It’s designed to grab your attention.
Toyota RAV4’s Rugged Aesthetic
The Toyota RAV4, however, gives off a tough, adventure-ready vibe. It looks a bit like the smaller version of the 4Runner.
With its strong stance and LED lights, it demands to be noticed. This design combines good looks with practicality, showing it’s built for city streets and the trails.
Adding to its appearance, the modern alloy wheels finish off its strong SUV look.
| Feature | Chevy Equinox | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Look | Sporty | Rugged |
| Headlight Design | LED | Full LED |
| Roof Option | Black Two-Tone | N/A |
| Stance | Sleek | Strong |
| Alloy Wheels | Modern | Modern |
Interior Comfort and Features
The Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 are top picks for their interior comfort and features.
They’re designed with plenty of room and comfy seating. This makes them perfect for both families and single drivers.
Comfort Levels in The Chevy Equinox
The Chevy Equinox offers a cozy and stylish cabin. Its seats come with quality faux leather and 8-way power adjustments. This means you can find just the right seating position.
For extra comfort on long drives, you can get optional seat ventilation. It also boasts 39.7 inches of legroom, offering plenty of space for everyone.
Interior Quality of The Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, focuses on luxury with top-notch materials. It has a stunning 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, giving it a modern vibe.
Although it has a bit less room with 37.8 inches of legroom, it makes up for it with an awesome audio system.
This SUV is all about mixing beauty with practicality, ideal for those who love style and usefulness.
Performance and Engine Specs
Choosing between compact SUVs involves looking at their engines. The Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 have different strengths in power and fuel efficiency.
Here, we compare their engines to see which one fits your driving needs better.
Chevy Equinox Engine Options
The Chevy Equinox packs a 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine. It has 175 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic for smooth driving.
The engine is designed for good fuel economy and enough power for everyday use and trips.
Toyota RAV4 Powertrain Overview
The Toyota RAV4 steps up the game with a stronger engine. It has a 2.5L 4-cylinder with 219 horsepower.
The RAV4 also comes in hybrid models for better power and gas mileage. Its powertrain offers fast acceleration and a smooth ride on different types of roads.
Fuel Efficiency
Looking at the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4, you see each has unique perks and things to consider.
Both offer excellent choices for those wanting efficient SUVs. Knowing their mpg can help you choose, especially if you like hybrids.
Equinox Fuel Economy Ratings
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox comes with two options for driving. The front-wheel-drive model has a 1.5-liter engine and gets 27 mpg combined.
It does 26 mpg in cities and 28 mpg on highways. The all-wheel-drive version does slightly less at 26 mpg combined—24 in the city and 29 on highways.
Even with this drop, the Equinox is still a good choice against others.
RAV4 Fuel Efficiency Notes
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is very efficient with its 2.5-liter engine and electric motor. It gets a strong 39 mpg combined, including 41 mpg in cities and 38 mpg on highways.
Its all-wheel drive is standard and helps its efficiency. This is a small improvement over last year, with a 1 mpg increase.
| Vehicle | Drivetrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Equinox | FWD | 26 | 28 | 27 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | AWD | 24 | 29 | 26 |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | AWD | 41 | 38 | 39 |
The Chevy Equinox has good fuel economy, but the RAV4 Hybrid is better. It’s great for those who want the most mpg and hybrid power in their vehicle.
Reliability and Resale Value
When you buy a car, knowing it’s reliable and keeps its value is key. You’re looking for a car that won’t let you down and will be worth good money later.
The Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 each have their perks in reliability and how well they hold their value.
Reliability Ratings For The Chevy Equinox
The Chevy Equinox is known for its solid reliability, standing strong against competitors.
Owners find it trustworthy, helping it keep a good resale value, around 54.7%, after five years. This shows the Equinox is a smart choice for those thinking ahead.
Toyota RAV4 Reliability Overview
Toyota’s commitment to making dependable cars is seen in the RAV4. It’s often at the top in reliability scores.
With a resale value of about 64.5%, it proves to be a durable car that people respect. This makes the RAV4 a great option for buyers wanting a lasting investment.
Safety Features and Ratings
Choosing a reliable SUV? Safety features are key. The Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 have advanced active safety systems.
They shine in the competitive SUV market. Look at their safety features and see how their ratings show their safety.
Active Safety Features in The Equinox
The Chevy Equinox has many active safety features. Highlights include:
- Emergency braking which can help prevent collisions.
- Lane-keeping assistance to ensure you stay in your lane.
- Adaptive cruise control that maintains a safe following distance.
These systems boost driver confidence. This makes the Equinox a great pick for safety-minded families.
Safety Ratings For The RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 stands out in safety tests. It performs well in crash tests by many agencies. Its safety ratings are impressive:
- Advanced safety technology integrated into the structure of the vehicle.
- High ratings in essential crash safety categories.
The RAV4 is known for keeping you safe. It brings peace of mind to drivers and passengers.
Technology and Infotainment Systems
Technology is key in making driving more enjoyable in new SUVs. When we look at the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4, we see big differences.
These differences in tech and infotainment systems can help you choose the right SUV.
Chevy Equinox Technology Offerings
The Chevy Equinox shines with its tech features. It has a large 11.3-inch screen that controls entertainment and settings.
The system lets you use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without wires. This makes it easy to use your phone for maps, music, and calls while driving.
Toyota RAV4 Infotainment Features
The Toyota RAV4 has a slightly smaller 10.5-inch screen but comes with an 11-speaker JBL system. This setup improves sound quality for a better drive.
Yet, the RAV4 doesn’t have as many apps as the Equinox. This might matter to people who want the latest tech in their SUV.
| Feature | Chevy Equinox | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 11.3 inches | 10.5 inches |
| Smartphone Integration | Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | Standard Apps |
| Audio System | Standard audio system | 11-speaker JBL premium system |
| App Ecosystem | Extensive | Limited |
Chevy Equinox vs Toyota RAV4: A Feature Comparison
Looking at the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4, we see they fit different needs. The Equinox boasts cutting-edge tech and good pricing.
It’s great for those who love a bargain but also want comfort and tech. It offers a roomy inside and easy-to-use infotainment systems.
The RAV4, however, shines in its performance and gas mileage. It’s pricier, but it holds its value well. This is key for many people when buying a car.
It’s designed tough and ready for off-road adventures, perfect for the outdoor lover.
When comparing, the Equinox is all about tech and comfort. The RAV4 focuses on driving and efficiency.
This difference highlights how they cater to different tastes, whether you’re into the latest gadgets or thrilling drives.
Conclusion
In summary, the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 are top picks in the SUV world, meeting different desires.
The Equinox shines with its easy-to-use tech, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi. Its safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, also stand out.
If you’re looking at fuel efficiency and holding value, think RAV4. It offers great mileage, up to 35 mpg on the highway, and even a hybrid option for even more efficiency.
Its strong resale value, losing just 28.7% in five years, means it’s a good financial choice too.
Choosing the right SUV depends on what matters to you. Both options have their perks, from tech to saving money in the long run.
Think about what’s important for your lifestyle, and that will guide you to the perfect SUV for your adventures.
FAQs
What is the starting price of the Chevy Equinox?
The Chevy Equinox starts at about ,000 for the RS AWD model.
How does the price of the Toyota RAV4 compare to the Chevy Equinox?
The Toyota RAV4 starts at roughly ,885, a bit more than the Equinox.
What type of engine does the Chevy Equinox have?
The Chevy Equinox boasts a 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower.
Does the Toyota RAV4 offer a hybrid version?
Yes, the Toyota RAV4 has a hybrid with a 2.5L 4-cylinder and electric motor, making 219 horsepower.
What are the fuel economy ratings for the Chevy Equinox?
The Chevy Equinox gets 26 MPG combined.
How does the fuel efficiency of the RAV4 compare to the Equinox?
The RAV4, especially the hybrid, gets an impressive 40 MPG combined.
What safety features are included in the Chevy Equinox?
The Chevy Equinox includes safety tech like emergency braking, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise.
What technology features can I expect in the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 comes with an 11-speaker JBL system and a 10.5-inch display.
