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Honda gave the CR-V a complete overhaul, making it a more competitive choice against other compact crossover SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Equinox. See how the two models measure up in this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Chevy Equinox comparison. With its wide array of advantages, the CR-V beats the Equinox.

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Chevrolet Equinox

Front angle view of blue 2023 Honda CR-V crossover SUV
Obsidian Blue Pearl 2023 Honda CR-V | Honda

In this 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Chevy Equinox comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

CR-V vs. Equinox: Performance and gas mileage

Front angle view of Cherry Red Tintcoat 2023 Chevy Equinox crossover SUV
Cherry Red Tintcoat 2023 Chevy Equinox | Chevrolet

On the performance front, the 2023 Honda CR-V outmuscles the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox with its more powerful engine options. It offers a choice of two engines: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 horsepower) and a hybrid (204 horsepower). 

In comparison, the Equinox only offers one engine option: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower).

For efficiency, the CR-V has the advantage. The estimated fuel economy figures are not yet available for the 2023 CR-V, but they are expected either to be equal to or higher than for the 2022 CR-V. The fully gas-powered 2022 CR-V has an estimated gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg, while the 2022 CR-V Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 38 combined mpg.

In comparison, the Equinox has an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg.

CR-V vs. Equinox: Towing

The 2023 CR-V and 2023 Equinox are evenly matched for towing. Both crossover SUVs have a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

CR-V vs. Equinox: Off-road capabilities

For off-road capabilities, the CR-V has a slight edge. Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. However, the CR-V has marginally higher ground clearance than the Equinox for driving over rugged terrain (up to 8.2 vs. 8.0 inches).

CR-V vs. Equinox: Safety

Given its history, the CR-V has the advantage for safety. For the previous model year, the CR-V earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, the Equinox didn’t receive any safety award from IIHS.

CR-V vs. Equinox: Passenger and cargo space

The CR-V is bigger than the Equinox, which results in more interior space. It has 41.3/41.0 inches of front/rear legroom, compared to 40.9/39.9 inches for the Equinox. The CR-V also offers much more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cu-ft, compared to 63.9 cu-ft for the Equinox.

CR-V vs. Equinox: Warranty coverage

The CR-V and Equinox have similar warranty coverage, with the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Equinox, the CR-V has a free maintenance plan, with two years or 24,000 miles of coverage.

CR-V vs. Equinox: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 CR-V or the 2023 Equinox? The starting price of the 2023 Equinox ranges from $26,300 MSRP for the LS trim up to $31,500 MSRP for the Premier trim.

For the CR-V, the official price information is not yet available for the 2023 model year. However, the 2023 CR-V will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 CR-V. The starting price of the 2022 CR-V ranges from $26,800 MSRP for the LX trim up to $37,800 MSRP for the CR-V Hybrid Touring trim.

2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Chevy Equinox: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Chevrolet Equinox comparison, the 2023 CR-V has many advantages. This includes advantages for performance, gas mileage, passenger and cargo space, and a free maintenance plan.

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