2022 Chevy Equinox vs 2022 Honda CR-V

• 2022 Chevy Equinox

  

  Starting at

  $26,800^[a]

  2022 Honda CR-V

  

  Starting at

  $25,800

  203	Torque (lb-ft)	179
  8	Screen Size (in)	7
  Std.	Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto	No

  More and more car shoppers have taken to comparing compact SUVs, like the 2022 Chevy Equinox vs 2022 Honda CR-V. These models have shown their versatility, providing drivers with a vehicle that is adept at a number of different roles. Compact SUVs like the Equinox and CR-V make an excellent family car, with key safety features and roomy interiors that can seat up to five passengers. Those spacious interiors can also be easily converted to move cargo just by folding the rear row of seats. These models also make solid commuter vehicles, providing solid fuel economy. They also make a wonderful first car for parents who want their kids to drive a safe vehicle. In fact, the 2022 Chevy Equinox and the 2022 Honda CR-V each received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

  In both cases, Chevy and Honda have built a legacy with these vehicles, which is why they are at the top of their class. Chevy first introduced the Equinox in 2005, and the model is currently in its third generation. The Honda CR-V is even older, first hitting roads back in 1997. The current model is the fifth generation, which has remained largely unchanged since 2017. In fact, the only major change on either vehicle for 2022 is an all-new RS trim for the 2022 Equinox, moving it up to four different trim levels.

• Performance

  

  Engine and Transmission Options

  The 2022 Chevy Equinox and 2022 Honda CR-V both feature a standard engine for all trim levels. Not just that, but the engines they feature are the same size with the same number of cylinders. However, while both the Equinox and Honda CR-V are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 gas engine with direct fuel injection, there are some key differences between the power plants under the hoods of these two compact SUVs.

  The key difference is the emphasis the engineers placed on the output from these engines. In the case of the 2022 Equinox, Chevy decided to favor torque over horsepower. As a result, the Equinox will provide 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, Honda decided to place more emphasis on horsepower over torque with the 2022 CR-V. As a result, the Honda CR-V will outpace the Equinox with 190 horsepower but lags in torque output with 179 lb-ft. This translates into differing performance between these two engines.

  Chevy and Honda also took very different approaches when it came to fitting a transmission to their respective 1.5-liter turbocharged engines. Chevy chose a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission. This will give you solid control over your engine’s performance. In contrast, Honda opted for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with sport mode on the 2022 CR-V. This type of transmission replaces standard gear ratios with a belt that constantly adjusts its effective gearing to match driving conditions. As a result, fuel efficiency is emphasized over acceleration.

  Fuel Economy Figures

  The decision of Honda to go with a CVT on the 2022 CR-V is reflected in the slightly better fuel economy provided by this model over the 2022 Chevy Equinox with its 6-speed automatic transmission. For example, if you choose the CR-V with front-wheel drive, you can expect to get 28 miles per gallon in city driving, 34 miles per gallon on the highway, and 30 miles per gallon combined. This is slightly better than the 26 miles per gallon in the city, 31 miles per gallon on the highway, and 28 miles per gallon combined provided by the 2022 Equinox with front-wheel drive. Similar results are shown by the respective models with available all-wheel drive, with the Honda CR-V providing 29 miles per gallon combined and the Chevy Equinox delivering 27 miles per gallon combined. Nevertheless, both models really won’t hurt you at the gas pump.

• Infotainment Systems

  

  Infotainment Is No Comparison

  Infotainment systems have become a ubiquitous part of today’s automobiles, and Chevrolet and Honda offer capable options on their vehicles. The 2022 Chevy Equinox comes equipped with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System and a 7-inch touchscreen standard, except for the Premier trim, which comes with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System on an 8-inch touchscreen. The systems share features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a 3-month Platinum Trial Subscription to SiriusXM. There is also standard OnStar & Chevrolet Connected Services capability, so you can keep your Equinox connected to the Chevrolet system.

  Honda also has developed a high-quality infotainment system called Display Audio. However, it is not available on the base model 2022 CR-V LX, which has a 5-inch LCD screen with Bluetooth and Pandora, but no other features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and the HondaLink system. If you want to get the Display Audio with these features on a 7-inch touchscreen, you will need to go up a trim to the 2022 Honda CR-V Special Edition. In addition, Honda does not offer an 8-inch touchscreen on the CR-V or wireless versions of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

  Sound System Comparison

  This issue carries over to the stereo system on the 2022 Honda CR-V. The LX trim only has a 160-watt audio system with four speakers. If you want the six-peaker 180-watt audio system, then you will have to move up to the CR-V Special Edition trim. This is not the case with the 2022 Chevy Equinox, which features a standard six-speaker audio system. You can also get an available seven-speaker Bose premium audio system on the RS and Premier trims of the Equinox. Honda only offers its premium audio system as a standard feature on the top trim CR-V Touring. Clearly, Chevy provides you with a more complete package in its infotainment system, as well as greater options and choices for drivers who value having the latest features on their compact SUVs.

• Safety Equipment

  

  Emphasizing Safety

  Chevrolet and Honda have put an emphasis on passenger safety. This is reflected in the 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA for the 2022 Chevy Equinox and 2022 Honda CR-V. It is also shown by the fact that both automakers have made many active driver assistance features standard on their respective compact SUVs.

  The Equinox features a complement of Chevrolet Safety Assist features, while the CR-V sports a large number of standard Honda Sensing safety technologies. A number of these are, in fact, similar. Both models feature a standard emergency braking system, where the vehicle will engage the brakes automatically if the system detects an imminent collision. Chevy refers to this as Automatic Emergency Braking, while Honda calls it Collision Mitigation Braking. In addition, both the Equinox and CR-V feature forward collision warning, which will alert the driver if there is a potential crash with the car in front, allowing you to take evasive action. Both vehicles also have a rear camera to make backing out of a spot safer and easier, as well as a high beam assist system that automatically turns the high beam headlights on and off in areas of low light. Finally, both have a lane-keeping system that will alert you if your vehicle drifts out of lane and uses slight adjustments to steering to get you back into your lane.

  The Equinox Pulls Ahead

  Nevertheless, there are a number of different safety features on each vehicle. For example, the Equinox has a following distance indicator that will let you know if you are getting too close to the vehicle in front of you. The CR-V does not have this feature. Chevy has also given the Equinox the Chevy Teen Driver System. This is a great system to have if you have a young driver in your household. It will allow you to limit the volume on the Chevy Infotainment System, prevent your young driver from disabling any safety features on your Equinox, and require all passengers to be belted in before the vehicle can be put into drive. In addition, the Chevy Teen Driver System will give you a post-trip report on the performance of your young driver, acting as a personal chaperone.

  While the 2022 Honda CR-V contains an excellent array of safety and driver assistance features, it can’t match the comprehensive technologies provided as standard on all models of the 2022 Chevy Equinox.

See the Difference at Blossom Chevrolet