Chevrolet Equinox vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured an appealing albeit understated design. It lacked the edginess of its Korean and Japanese rivals but offered a chunkier, yet refined front-end that balanced out the visual weight of the grille effectively. Different colors such as the new Sterling Gray Metallic added class to its appearance. Inside, the Premier trim we tested had pleasing two-tone leather upholstery, though the cabin overall seemed slightly antiquated compared to newer competitors. A traditional PRNDL gear shifter added a touch of simplicity and nostalgia to the interior's functionality.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid flaunted a more robust and angular design, drawing stylistic influences from Toyota's truck lineup which gave it a muscular stance. Interior design echoed this angularity without feeling cluttered. Material quality was average with mixed uses of hard plastics and padded surfaces, but build quality was solid throughout. The RAV4's dash layout included plenty of tactile buttons that were easily accessible, enhancing the user experience.

Under the hood, the Chevrolet Equinox operated with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out 175 horsepower. Its performance was adequate for city driving but strained under faster highway conditions. The six-speed automatic transmission seemed outdated compared to more modern variants in competitors.

Conversely, the RAV4 Hybrid impressed with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine plus an electric motor setup, pushing out a combined 219 horsepower. Paired with a CVT and an AWD system driven by a second electric motor, the RAV4 Hybrid managed acceleration smoothly, propelling from 0 to 60 mph nearly a full second faster than the Equinox.

The Chevrolet Equinox offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with them folded. Although not class-leading, these figures were respectable and typical for the segment. Passenger space was generous throughout, contributing to a comfortable ride.

In contrast, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided slightly more utility with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly topping its class, and maintaining this space despite housing a hybrid battery system. Rear seat comfort was adequate though some passengers might find the seating position a bit low.

Technology in the Equinox included a straightforward infotainment system, which won points for ease of use. However, the smaller screen sizes compared unfavorably to the competition. Wireless connectivity and optional upgrades like a surround-view camera system were notable.

Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid boasted a robust new infotainment system with sharper graphics and a more user-friendly interface. Even its base infotainment display was competitive, and the full suite of connectivity options including a Wi-Fi hotspot and over-the-air updates enhanced its appeal significantly.

The 2023 Equinox came loaded with essential driver assistance features, yet it lagged in crash test scores from IIHS. NHTSA ratings were strong with five stars overall, but the IIHS results highlighted some safety concerns.

The RAV4 Hybrid excelled in safety, garnering top marks from both NHTSA and IIHS. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 brought an impressive array of features including advanced pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control.