If you haven’t jumped on the SUV craze yet, now just might be your chance. The SUV market is flooded with an assortment of makes and models, all fighting to be named top dog. Epic match-ups, like the 2024 Chevy Equinox vs 2024 Honda CR-V, provide a glimpse into what is in store when you choose to explore the vast dominion of SUVs.
With so many entries to consider, the world of the SUV is at your feet. Of course, this also can have its downside as you have to filter through these seemingly endless options to find an SUV ripe for the picking. But don’t fret, because thanks to this lovely thing called the internet, you have access to all of the information you could possibly need to make a decision. The Equinox and the CR-V might appear to be somewhat similar, but in the end, one will emerge victorious.
The Chevy Equinox was introduced about twenty years ago, coming into the SUV segment at the beginning of its blossoming. A superb mix of utility styling and family practicality, the Equinox was a general success. The story of the Honda CR-V echoes that of the Equinox, with the CR-V rolling out only a few short years prior to the Equinox. The CR-V was well-equipped and provided many of the features necessary to make a successful SUV. As time has passed, both brands have continued to experience relative success in these markets.
Same Breed, Different Horse
Despite appearing quite similar in style and design, the Equinox and CR-V are rather different from each other. While both SUVs are equipped with a four-cylinder turbo engine, the similarities of the two end at the transmission. The Honda is designed using a CVT, otherwise known as a continuously variable transmission. CVTs have their benefits, such as improved fuel efficiency and shiftless gear changes, making them a great choice to use.
On the other hand, if you were to ask any car enthusiast, they would most likely say that the benefits of an automatic transmission outweigh that of a CVT. You might be asking, why? Well, here’s the answer. Although the CVT has the potential to provide improved fuel efficiency, an automatic pretty much guarantees an improved driving experience.
A CVT does not have gears like an automatic or manual transmission, so it doesn’t move through set gears, which in turn removes that connection that can be made between driver and vehicle. This may not seem like a big deal to non-gearheads, but it can be. Without that sensation of shifting, drivers can feel less in control and disconnected from what is happening with the vehicle. You don’t have to be a car nut to understand the importance of control in your vehicle.
If that doesn’t sway you, it should also be noted that CVTs have a shorter life expectancy than the traditional automatic transmission. They can wear down quicker due to the design, and they can be more costly to repair. They can also be more difficult to maintain and repair, making it more difficult to find someone with the proper knowledge to keep your vehicle running properly.
Another notch in the Equinox belt is its Start/Stop Technology. It’s true that the CVT can offer improved gas mileage, but that doesn’t mean the Equinox is a gas guzzler due to its automatic transmission. Start/Stop tech silently turns on and off the engine to save fuel without you having to do a thing. For those who aren’t a big fan of such tech, don’t worry; there is a way to turn it off, but why would you?
Space And Maneuverability
The Honda CR-V boasts a beefed-up wheelbase, which in turn provides improved ride comfort. However, when comparing measurements, the Equinox actually has a wider wheelbase than that of the CR-V. Furthermore, the Equinox also sports more ground clearance than the CR-V, providing better road absorption and a more enjoyable handling experience.
Despite the more impressive wheelbase and ground clearance coming from the Equinox, the CR-V is actually slightly longer. It’s not by much, but when comparing the two side by side, the Equinox has a more appealing style, with the CR-V featuring an overly pronounced front end. It’s also worth considering maneuverability; with a slightly smaller overall length and solid wheelbase, the Equinox handles like a dream. The CR-V receives positive reviews here, but sometimes, we want a vehicle that feels spacious without taking up so much space.
The Price Of Success
Cost is not everything, but value definitely makes a difference. We always want to feel like we are getting our money’s worth, so finding a vehicle that provides plenty of features for a reasonable price is a win-win. In the case of the 2024 Chevy Equinox vs the 2024 Honda CR-V, both are reasonably priced and well-equipped; however, the Chevy manages this a bit more successfully.
Both vehicles come standard with luxury features on their top trims, which include heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, providing extra comfort for cold mornings and late nights. Power adjustable seating is another common factor between these two SUVs, both offering lumbar control and memory recall functions. Leather-trimmed interiors adorn both top trims on the Chevy and the Honda, providing a more upscale feel.
Wireless phone charging can be enjoyed on both trim options, which is a nice addition. Other features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are given a glow-up with wireless connectivity for simple streaming; however, the Honda only offers this on their top trim, while the Chevy includes it as standard on all trim levels. This is the same situation for the included Wi-Fi hotspot capability, which comes standard on the top trim of the Honda but comes standard across all Chevy Equinox trim levels, giving it a boost above its competitor.
The top-of-the-line Equinox slides in right under 35K, while the top trim on the Honda scrambles in right under 40K. Similar features but an inflated price on the Honda gives the Chevy a major edge. It’s nice to get so many high-end features without pushing that high-end price. For budget-minded drivers, the Equinox is worth considering.
The Equinox Offers a Edge Over the CR-V
Matching two great vehicles is not always fun, especially when both come from a long line of impressive feats. Chevrolet and Honda have both been major players in the automotive field, making vast improvements and impressions on the market. Their contributions are priceless, but that doesn’t change the fact that growth requires competition, and in the SUV market, there is loads of it.
The Chevy Equinox has been one of the top-selling nameplates for Chevrolet, and it is easy to see why. On the flip side, the CR-V has been killing it, racking in positive reviews. To decide between one or the other could be extremely difficult, but when push comes to shove, the 2024 Chevy Equinox has what it takes to go that extra mile and make sure you have fun while doing it. So, if you are in the market for a comfortable, practical, and good-looking SUV, then consider the Equinox for the long haul.
