2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, especially in its Premier trim, presented a sophisticated appearance with its clean design and absence of exaggerated SUV styling cues. The test vehicle, priced at $40,040, included a powerful engine, AWD, and a panoramic sunroof, among other features. Despite its high price, Chevrolet often offered significant rebates, making it more accessible. The Equinox Premier stood out with its 19-inch wheels, gray contrast cladding, and chrome detailing, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the cabin featured Jet Black and Brandy leather, a panoramic sunroof, and metallic accents, giving it an upscale look. However, the presence of hard plastic detracted from the overall premium feel, especially given the price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more understated, blending in with other compact crossovers. While it lacked distinctive styling, it offered a few unique details like the grille and chromed plastic features. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant options limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with wood panels and chrome available in higher trims. The CR-V's seats had a modern, angular design, but competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling. Despite this, the CR-V's design was functional, focusing on comfort and practicality.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered two engine options. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivered 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It provided adequate performance for most drivers, though fuel economy fell short of EPA ratings, averaging 24.3 mpg with AWD. For those seeking better performance, the 2.0-liter turbo engine was a more powerful choice, producing 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offered lively acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy also lagged behind EPA estimates, averaging 22.1 mpg. The Equinox's ride quality was firm, with noticeable road and wind noise, but it handled well on winding roads, offering a connected driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims. It provided smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maintained constant engine revs, offering a less engaging driving experience compared to competitors with conventional transmissions. The CR-V came standard with FWD, with AWD available as an option. Its unitized body structure and suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality. While not designed for thrilling performance, the CR-V offered predictable cornering and a comfortable ride, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered a comfortable interior with options for cloth or leather upholstery. The Premier trim featured heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sliding rear seat to maximize passenger or cargo space. Rear legroom was generous, accommodating two adults comfortably, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports available. However, cargo volume was less than some competitors, with 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Equinox provided ample storage throughout the cabin, including a large center console storage bin and various bins and cubbies.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible via a manual tailgate on lower trims, with power and hands-free options available on higher trims. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five passengers, with options for cloth or leather upholstery and additional features like wood panels and chrome accents on higher trims. The CR-V's spacious interior and versatile cargo area made it a practical choice for families and those needing ample storage.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered a range of infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Chevrolet Connected Access services. Upgrades included a high-definition display, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The Equinox's technology was intuitive and easy to use, with options for wireless smartphone charging and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. From the EX trim onward, the CR-V included Sirius XM and HD radio, with navigation available on the Touring trim. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second row, and a wireless phone charger on the Touring trim.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. Additional safety features were available depending on the trim, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Equinox earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. The Honda Sensing system, standard on all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind-spot monitoring, which was available on higher trims. Honda's commitment to making advanced safety features standard across all trims set the CR-V apart from many competitors.