2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was predominantly body-colored, and the rear design was more assertive, featuring hexagonal shapes and an LED light bar. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful and exuberant touch. Two-tone paint jobs were also available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. Inside, the base model was limited to black, but higher trims offered additional color choices, including sporty options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, with a base price of $33,700, presented a sporty exterior with black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The Sport-L Hybrid, starting at $36,700, offered an upgraded leather-lined interior, while the Sport Touring Hybrid topped the lineup at $39,850. The CR-V's conservative styling featured a technical face resembling an angry robot, though it carried too much visual weight over the front wheels. The best viewing angle was from the rear quarter, where Volvo-adjacent taillights and a tidy design gave it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Sport Touring featured leather seats with orange contrast stitching and numerous quality details. The cabin exuded sophistication, with features like a soft-touch upper dashboard pad and metal mesh hiding the air vents. The CR-V Hybrid's interior was relatively basic compared to its exterior, but it provided a sense of quality in the compact SUV segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, allowing drivers to simply get in and go. It offered one-pedal driving, managed through a standalone regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 for AWD, thanks to its 85-kWh battery. The Equinox EV supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging at 11.5 kW, adding up to 34 miles of range per hour.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The propulsion motor powered the SUV, while the generator/starter motor recharged the battery. The system delivered 204 horsepower to the front or all four wheels. The EPA estimated 37 mpg in combined driving for the CR-V Sport Touring, but our test vehicle returned 32.4 mpg on a mountainous testing loop. The CR-V Hybrid provided a compliant ride quality with predictable handling traits, though the steering effort was unusually heavy even in Normal mode. The brakes performed well during heavy use, and the overall driving experience was easy and enjoyable, though not particularly thrilling.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered heated front seats, steering wheel, and outside mirrors starting at the 2LT trim level. The 3LT trim added power-adjustable passenger seats, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was limited to 3LT and above. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space measured 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 57.2 with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seats. All CR-V Hybrids included a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The CR-V's back seat was roomy and comfortable, with a high bottom cushion and adjustable backrest angle. The Sport Touring's hands-free power rear liftgate revealed a 34.7 cubic foot cargo area, with a maximum of 76.5 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium audio system were reserved for higher trims. The Sport Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was basic, and the CR-V Hybrid featured a walk-away automatic locking feature.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise and enhanced automatic parking assist were available on higher trims.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda Sensing, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Sport-L and Sport Touring added parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking control. The CR-V Hybrid performed well in safety tests, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.