2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Chevy Equinox

When it comes to compact SUVs, few matchups get as much attention as the 2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Chevy Equinox. Both nameplates are household favorites, but choosing the right SUV for your lifestyle requires looking beyond the badge and the hype. That’s where the CR-V pulls ahead, offering more than just transportation. It delivers innovation, comfort, and peace of mind in ways the Equinox can’t quite keep up with despite its best efforts.

Honda’s latest CR-V is engineered for the real world, whether you’re navigating city streets, heading out for a weekend getaway, or tackling your daily commute. With its cutting-edge hybrid technology, spacious and flexible interior, and industry-leading safety features, the 2026 CR-V is built to elevate every drive.

The Equinox, while capable, doesn’t bring the same level of forward-thinking design or long-term dependability. Likewise, Chevrolet ignores the rising demand for hybrid models by only offering the Equinox with a traditional gas powertrain or requiring drivers to spend more for the Equinox EV. There’s no middle ground, and that gives the 2026 CR-V more room to shine.

At Ralph Honda, we see time and time again why drivers who compare these two models end up choosing the CR-V. For 2026, Honda’s Comfortable Runabout Vehicle continues its tenure as the smart, more rewarding choice. Here’s a closer look at how it compares with the 2026 Equinox and why we’re confident you’ll join the Honda legacy with this remarkable SUV.

Let’s address the elephant in the room by starting with the most obvious difference between the 2026 CR-V and 2026 Equinox—performance. The 2026 Equinox has big shoes to fill as the automaker’s long-running SUV. Yet, the Equinox’s single-engine lineup delivers mediocre performance, and that’s not what you deserve.

The 2026 Equinox has a three-trim lineup, each with distinct styling elements and one significant oversight—the need for more excitement behind the wheel. Rather than giving drivers a choice of powertrains, Chevrolet streamlines the Equinox’s powertrain lineup to a 1.5L turbocharged inline-four that produces 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque.

The output seems impressive until you consider rivals like the CR-V and, admittedly, the Equinox’s powertrain history. For example, at one time, the Equinox had a three-engine lineup that included a potent 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and a turbo-diesel inline-four. With rising emissions standards, Chevrolet’s ingenuity falters and gives Honda plenty of room to shine.

The 2026 CR-V rolls off Honda’s production line with a 1.5L turbocharged inline-four under its hood. Small but mighty, the inline-four packs an impressive punch and makes 190 hp, with its continuously variable transmission striking the perfect balance between output and efficiency. Yet, Honda doesn’t stop there.

Honda responds to the rising demand for hybrid models by expanding the CR-V’s powertrain lineup to include its updated hybrid engine. The 2026 Equinox doesn’t offer anything comparable, leaving drivers to opt for the modest gas engine or spend a small fortune on the Equinox EV and dive into an all-electric future, willingly or not.

Honda’s CR-V lineup in 2026 includes four hybrid trims: the Sport Hybrid, all-new TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid. The trims feature Honda’s award-winning two-motor hybrid system, now in its fourth generation. The hybrid powertrain makes the CR-V agile, responsive, and engaging, producing 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of near-instant torque.

While Chevrolet streamlines every aspect of the Equinox in 2026, Honda does the opposite with the CR-V. We see this with the Equinox’s single-engine lineup and small trim family. The 2026 Equinox is available in three trims, and the 2026 CR-V has a seven-trim family. Honda ensures there’s a CR-V for every driver, whether you’re looking for a value-packed base model or a top-tier trim with every feature imaginable.

The 2026 Equinox LT starts the SUV’s three-trim lineup, rolling off the production line with the standard 1.5L turbocharged engine under its hood. With its starting price of $28,700, don’t expect much from the Equinox LT beyond its heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and digital landscape. It’s a base trim in every sense—underpowered and sparsely equipped.

The 2026 CR-V LX tells a different story, beginning with its 190-hp turbocharged engine. Its starting price is slightly higher at $30,920, but the investment in Honda’s stellar reputation for building long-lasting and value-packed vehicles is worthwhile.[a] Why? The entry-level LX is available with Honda’s Real Time AWD, a perfect complement to its engaging heartbeat.

The entry-level CR-V LX sets a higher benchmark in several key areas. It’s equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, full LED headlights, push-button start, and the Honda Sensing Suite of driver-assist technologies. Honda ensures you get more for your money without compromising the quality of the CR-V’s build, its performance, or your experience behind the wheel.

The 2026 Equinox’s trim family continues with the sporty RS and more rugged ACTIV. The Equinox RS is instantly recognizable by its black mirrors, badging, emblem, and moldings. It also sits on 19-inch wheels, with drivers encouraged to add to its aesthetic by opting for the two-tone black roof. Inside, its flat-bottom steering wheel gives it a sporty feel, but its underwhelming powertrain leaves much to be desired.

The Equinox ACTIV tells a similar story, serving as the more adventurous of the family because of its all-terrain tires. However, it’s better suited to the pavement, which is another area where the 2026 CR-V gains an advantage. The all-new CR-V TrailSport Hybrid is meant for more than your weekday commute.

Joining a rich lineup that includes the EX and EX-L alongside hybrid trims like the Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid, the TrailSport Hybrid is an exciting addition to the family. With a 204-hp hybrid powertrain, the TrailSport Hybrid is an all-wheel drive SUV ready for anything. It features a four-mode drive system, exclusive styling elements, all-terrain tires, dual exhaust finishers, full LED headlights, roof rails, and unique interior elements built to keep you comfortable and engaged in any situation and adventure.

The 2026 CR-V showcases Honda’s efforts to keep this crossover relevant with frequent updates that reflect the evolving needs of drivers. The Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, once known for its boxy styling and practical interior, transforms into a sophisticated road warrior in 2026, leaving rivals like the 2026 Equinox in the dust.

Luxury looks vastly different when comparing the 2026 Equinox with the 2026 CR-V. Many assume that Chevrolet offers far more luxury, especially since Honda is revered for its practical and functional interiors. However, that’s not true for the 2026 CR-V, which offers far more premium elements and design details than the Equinox.

The 2026 Equinox doesn’t offer a luxurious trim; instead, there’s the sporty RS and the adventurous ACTIV. The RS features a flat-bottom steering wheel and an available exclusive interior with Torch Red and Santorini Blue interior stitching. Alternatively, the ACIV has Evotex and sueded microfiber seating. So, where can you find genuine luxuries, like plush leather seats and thoughtful interior details?

The 2026 CR-V offers subtle sophistication and elegance across its seven-trim family. Honda equips the EX and higher trims with heated front seats, a one-touch power moonroof, a power driver’s seat, and Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control. Top-tier trims like the EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid offer the most luxuries, courtesy of leather-trimmed seats, a driver memory seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Honda goes above and beyond to add luxury to the CR-V without compromising the practicality that drivers value. Chevrolet misses the mark, with the 2026 Equinox not as spacious or readily configurable to your needs.

For example, the 2026 Equinox offers 29.8 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the backseat, for a total of 63.5 cu.ft. with the back row down. Alternatively, the 2026 CR-V is expertly designed for maximum comfort and functionality, boasting a total capacity of 76.5 cu.ft. with 39.3 cu.ft. behind the second row. Drivers get the best of both worlds with Honda.

The 2026 CR-V and 2026 Equinox feature advanced technologies that improve your experience behind the wheel. These technologies range from seamless connectivity tools like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to driver-assist features that heighten your situational awareness.
The 2026 Equinox showcases Chevrolet’s standard approach to technology. The SUV features an impressive digital landscape with smartphone integration and the brand’s standard Chevy Safety Assist. This suite equips the SUV with essentials, like Automatic Emergency Braking, but forces drivers to spend more on upgrades.

Honda does the opposite with its Honda Sensing Suite, which features a comprehensive Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, and a Lane Keeping Assist System.

After comparing the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Chevy Equinox, the choice becomes clear. While the Equinox offers some appealing features, the CR-V consistently rises above with its advanced hybrid technology, versatile interior design, exceptional safety features, and proven reliability. It’s an SUV expertly designed not just for today but for every mile and adventure ahead.

At Ralph Honda, we’re proud to help drivers discover why the CR-V continues to meet the needs of a wide array of drivers. You deserve to drive an SUV that complements and enhances your life without forcing you to compromise, and we’re confident the 2026 CR-V will do exactly that. It’s time to experience the difference yourself and see why so many drivers are making the switch to Honda’s compact SUV.

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^[a] MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,450 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.