2023 Toyota RAV4 Beats the 2023 Chevy Equinox
Compact crossover SUVs are immensely popular these days — and two popular models are the Toyota RAV4 and the Chevrolet Equinox. Find out how they compare in this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Chevy Equinox analysis. With its abundance of advantages, the RAV4 beats the Equinox.
2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Chevrolet Equinox
In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 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.
RAV4 vs. Equinox: Performance and gas mileage
With its more powerful engine options, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 outmuscles the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. Buyers of the RAV4 have a choice of three engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). In comparison, the Equinox only offers one engine option: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower).
The RAV4 also has the advantage for efficiency. The fully gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. Also, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the Equinox has an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg.
RAV4 vs. Equinox: Towing
The 2023 RAV4 can tow more than the 2023 Equinox. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Equinox.
RAV4 vs. Equinox: Off-road capabilities
If you’re aiming for some off-road adventures, then the RAV4 is the better choice for you. Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. However, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance than the Equinox (up to 8.6 vs. 8.0 inches). Also, unlike the Equinox, the RAV4 has off-road-focused models with the TRD Off-Road, Woodland Edition, and Adventure trims.
RAV4 vs. Equinox: Safety
The RAV4 is a safer vehicle than the Equinox. For the previous model year, the RAV4 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, the Equinox didn’t receive any safety award from IIHS.
RAV4 vs. Equinox: Passenger and cargo space
Both crossover SUVs can seat up to five people, but the Equinox provides slightly more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 103.5 cu-ft, compared to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4. However, the RAV4 offers more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft, compared to 63.9 cu-ft for the Equinox.
RAV4 vs. Equinox: Warranty coverage
The RAV4 and Equinox have similar warranty coverage. Both crossover SUVs are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Equinox, the RAV4 offers a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.
RAV4 vs. Equinox: Price
Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 RAV4 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 2023 RAV4, the official price information is not yet available. However, the 2023 RAV4 will probably cost slightly more than the 2022 RAV4. The starting price of the 2022 RAV4 ranges from $26,975 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,625 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim.
2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Chevrolet Equinox: Which crossover SUV is better?
In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Chevy Equinox comparison, the 2023 RAV4 has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, cargo space, and a free maintenance plan. Conversely, the 2023 Equinox has advantages for passenger space and a lower price.
