Are you looking for a small SUV but are not sure how to choose between the 2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Honda CR-V? We’ve got you covered. Both models are great options, with plenty of space, great fuel economy, and all-wheel drive capability. However, the Equinox does offer better safety features and just as many tech features for a lower price. Let’s look at how these two models stack up against each other when it gets down to the nitty-gritty.
What They Both Get Right
Let’s start out with what these models have in common. They’re both obviously small SUVs, they both have great tech features, and both models can tow up to 1,500 pounds. Both models also come with 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines that give them enough power while maintaining good fuel economy.
Further, both models have tons of handy tech features. This includes Bluetooth streaming, which means you can use hands-free phone options such as calling and texting. You can also stream your music via Apple CarPlay or Android auto. SiriusXM satellite radio is also available on both models. Finally, they both offer standard driver-assist features.
Why The Equinox Is Better In Terms Of Safety
Both models do include several safety features. However, the Equinox offers additional features that the CR-V does not. For instance, you can add OnStar services to your Equinox, which gives you access to roadside assistance, emergency crash alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation. If worst comes to worst and your Equinox is stolen, you’ll even have access to Stolen Vehicle Assistance, meaning you can track down your vehicle when it really counts.
The 2021 Equinox also has some driver-assist features that the CR-V doesn’t have, like Teen Driver Mode. This system allows guardians to put limits on the Equinox’s speed and audio volumes, and it even allows curfew options so that your teen must return home before a certain set time. Plus, this mode makes it so that the vehicle will not start unless your teen has their seatbelt buckled. Lastly, all of the driving data is placed into a report so that you can see how your teen has been driving. While it’d be nice to be able to trust teenagers to be safe by default, they won’t always act the same when you’re not looking, so this feature is very handy to have when you’ve got young drivers.
Another major perk for the Equinox is that it now comes with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes six main driver-assist features. This safety suite is standard on all 2021 Equinox trims, and it includes features such as Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Braking and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. These driver-assist features work to prevent you from rear-ending vehicles and from accidentally drifting into the other lane. Additional standard features include a Following Distance Indicator, which keeps you from tailgating other vehicles, and Front Pedestrian Braking, which brings the Equinox to a stop if a pedestrian crosses and the driver doesn’t notice.
The Honda CR-V does come with some of these same features, such as Lane Keeping Assist, but overall, the Equinox really tops the CR-V when it comes to safety. However, as far as design goes, we can confidently say that both models are quite robust and boast 5-star overall crash test safety ratings.
Tech Packed Models
Both the 2021 Chevy Equinox and the 2021 Honda CR-V come with tons of fun tech features. These include heated seats, remote start, digital entertainment systems, and much more. However, the Equinox includes memory options for seating and personalized settings. This means that you can set presets for different drivers so that you never have to readjust your seating and mirrors again. Further, the Equinox offers wireless charging for mobile devices, along with more USB ports than the CR-V. Most importantly, you can gain access to a standard Wi-Fi hotspot if you choose the Equinox, but the CR-V does not offer this option at all.
The main point here is that the Equinox offers a bit more tech and for a lower price to boot. Whether you go with one of the lowest trims or the highest trims, it doesn’t matter. The Equinox is still more affordable. Since both models have virtually the same engines and towing capacities, the Equinox is definitely the better deal. It offers better safety and tech features while remaining just as powerful as its competitor.
Why Chevy Is Such a Reliable Brand
Chevy models are known for their longevity and their vast safety features. While most drivers need to trade in after 100,000 miles, Chevy models are known for making it well over 200,000 miles and still doing well. Some have even been known to still stay strong after 1 million miles. When you maintain your Chevy properly through a reliable servicing center, preferably at the dealership you bought it from, you’ll be able to keep it for years to come.
In addition to the brand’s longevity, it’s also a great brand when you’re concerned with safety. In fact, Chevy models as a whole have won multiple safety awards over the years. The Equinox specifically has won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick. It has also won awards for being the most dependable compact SUV.
Other Reasons To Buy The 2021 Chevy Equinox
Aside from commuter friendliness, safety, and tech features, the Equinox also offers some fun aesthetic perks. If you’re interested in making your SUV sporty and eye-catching, you can easily make that happen with the Equinox. And not through aftermarket parts or customizations either. One cool additional perk to this Chevy model lies within its exterior package options.
These special customization editions include the Midnight Edition and the Sport Edition. As you’d likely expect, the Midnight Edition comes with Mosaic Black exterior paint, Jet Black leather seating, 19-inch black wheels, and black surround and accents along with black badging. It’s basically a gothed-out take on the Equinox. Similarly, the Sport Edition comes with any exterior color you choose but has the same black grille with black surround, black accents, and black leather seating. You can also add in a Black Out Package or Chrome Package to get black or chrome accents on your model. These both cover your mirror caps, your grille, your bumpers, and your bowtie emblems.
While the CR-V is stylish by default, it doesn’t offer any additional customization packages. If you’re looking for stylish customization options that you can afford, straight from the factory, look no further than the 2021 Equinox.
Why Choose a Compact SUV Over Larger Options?
The main reason you’ll want to buy a compact SUV is if you want commuter car mileage with more passenger and cargo space. While SUVs are typically sought after for their truck-like strength and added space, the crossover segment is more desirable for its car-like features. While you can’t tow a large boat with an Equinox or a CR-V, you can tow more than you can with a car, and you’ll still have great fuel economy while doing so.
Since these compact crossovers are smaller, you obviously don’t want to drop any more money on them than you have to. That’s yet another reason to choose the 2021 Chevy Equinox over the 2021 Honda CR-V. You can get a more affordable model with just as much strength and better tech and safety features. What is there not to like?
