2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs the Competition

The Honda CR-V has been on the US market for 28 years. Its current sixth-generation model was introduced for the 2023 model year.
It is available with FWD and AWD, as well as conventional gas and hybrid drivetrains. We compare the non-electrified version to the Equinox.

• The Equinox has a lower overall price range, with a starting MSRP of $29,995, while the CR-V starts $1,500 higher at $31,495.
• For 2026, the base CR-V’s center touchscreen has grown from 7 to 9 inches, with upper models featuring a 10.2-inch screen.  The Equinox is equipped with an 11.3” screen on all models.
• Both the Equinox and CR-V are powered by turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 engines. The two models trade power advantages, with the Equinox
  having 175 hp compared to the CR-V’s 190, yet the Equinox has 203 lb-ft of peak torque (with AWD) to the Honda’s 179. FWD Equinox models still have an advantage at 184 lb-ft.
• All CR-Vs use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The FWD Equinox does as well, while the AWD model uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• The CR-V has higher mileage of 28 city, 34 highway for an FWD model than the FWD Equinox’s 26/28, but this is offset by the CR-V
  recommending premium 91 octane fuel, while the Equinox only requires regular 87 octane.
• Front headroom is the same at 40.0 inches for both models. The Equinox provides an extra inch of headroom for rear passengers, while the CR-V
  offers a little over an inch more rear legroom. The shoulder and hip rooms are all within an inch of one another.
• Both models come standard with a suite of safety and driver assistance technologies.
• The Equinox’s Google Built-in operating system features standard Google Maps navigation across the model line.  The CR-V requires much higher models for built-in navigation.
• The Equinox offers significantly better Roadside Assistance coverage of five years or 60,000 miles compared to three years or 36,000 miles for the CR-V.

The entire compact crossover category was created by Toyota when it introduced the car-based RAV4 in 1994, and it has since become the best-selling model in the category. The RAV4 introduced its sixth design generation for 2026, with the biggest news being that all models now have a hybrid drivetrain, with some available as plug-in hybrids. This comparison is against the more price-comparable non-plug-in models.

• The Equinox starting MSRP of  $28,800 is about $3,800 less than the RAV4’s starting MSRP of $31,900.
• The Equinox is about two inches wider (74.9 vs. 73.0 inches), which pays off in more front shoulder room (57.7 vs. 57.0 inches).
• The Equinox has a longer wheelbase ( 107.5 vs 105.9 inches) for a more stable highway ride.
• The Equinox offers a bit more passenger space at 103.5 cubic feet compared to 98.9 for the RAV4.
• Tall drivers or front passengers will appreciate the two more inches of headroom.
• Rear passengers will enjoy over two more inches of legroom in the Equinox (39.9 vs. 37.8 inches).
• The Equinox has a standard 11.3-inch center touchscreen, compared to the base RAV4’s standard 10.5-inch screen.
• The Equinox’s Google Built-in operating system features standard Google Maps navigation across the model line.  The RAV4 requires a higher trim level for built-in navigation.
• Both models come standard with a suite of safety and driver assistance technologies.

The Nissan Rogue debuted in 2008 and is now in its third generation. It is currently Nissan’s best-selling model. Its size closely resembles that of the Escape, and it is the only other vehicle in its class to feature a 3-cylinder engine, which, like the Equinox, is a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. The Rogue received a mid-cycle update for 2026, adding a plug-in hybrid option and an off-road-focused Rock Creek trim, along with various other features and visual updates. This comparison will focus on non-electrified models.

• Both models share the same 1.5-liter displacement and turbocharging, but the Rogue engine has three cylinders rather than four in the Equinox, resulting in more vibration.
• All Rogue models use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The FWD Equinox does as well, while the AWD model uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• Rear passengers will enjoy more rear legroom in the Equinox vs. the Rogue (39.9 vs. 38.5 inches).
• The Equinox has a longer wheelbase (107.5 vs 106.5 inches) for a more stable highway ride.
• All Rogues use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The FWD Equinox does as well, while the AWD model uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• The Equinox offers standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, whereas the Rogue requires a wired connection until you reach higher trims.
• The Equinox’s Google Built-in operating system features standard Google Maps navigation across the model line.  The Rogue requires much higher models for built-in navigation.
• The Equinox has a standard 11.3-inch center touchscreen, compared to the base Rogue’s standard 8-inch screen

Like the Equinox, 2004 was the first year for the Hyundai Tucson.  The model is now four years into its fourth design generation and has become Hyundai’s best-selling model in the U.S.  Like the CR-V, it is one of the largest models in the segment.  It is available with conventional gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, though only the non-electrified versions will be covered in this comparison.

• The Tucson’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-4 and Equinox’s turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 trade power advantages, with the Tucson having more horsepower 175 vs. 187), while the Equinox has more torque in FWD (184 vs. 178 lb-ft) and AWD (203 vs. 178 lb-ft) drivetrains.
• The Equinox has a larger fuel capacity than the Tucson’s 14.3-gallon tank, with 14.8 gallons for FWD models and 15.6 gallons for AWD.
• Cold-weather features like heated outside mirrors, heated steering wheel, heated seats, and keyless entry are all standard on the Equinox but are optional on the Tucson.
• The Equinox has a tighter turning circle of 37.1 feet compared to 38.6 for the Tucson.
• The Equinox’s Google Built-in operating system features standard Google Maps navigation across the model line.  The Tucson requires much higher models for built-in navigation.