The compact crossover SUV market might just be the most popular and diverse in the industry. While there are plenty of other segments and classifications, compact SUVs make up roughly 20% of annual automobile sales, which is a lot! Two of the most popular entries into that segment include our very own 2026 Chevy Equinox as well as the reputable Honda CR-V. Today we’re going to compare these two vehicles to one another, looking at their powertrains, cabins, safety features, and trim levels. If you’re trying to decide between the two, this should certainly help!
Performance & Powertrain Options
The 2026 Chevy Equinox is powered by a standard 1.5L turbocharged engine, capable of generating 175 horsepower alongside 184 pound-feet of torque. The Equinox is available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), or all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission (8AT). AWD models actually boost torque output slightly to 203 lb-ft.
The 2026 Honda CR-V comes with a similar standard 1.5L turbocharged engine, producing a slightly superior 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. of torque. It is also offered in either FWD or AWD, but either option features a CVT. You can also upgrade to a 2.0L four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, which boosts performance to 204 hp while enhancing efficiency.
Both models have their advantages here. The CR-V obviously offers slightly better performance, plus the benefit of a hybrid option, but the Equinox does offer a traditional transmission option which some drivers might prefer.
Interior Cabin Technologies
Moving into the cabin, you’ll start to notice more differentiators between the two compact crossovers. For example, the Equinox features a standard 11.3” infotainment display along with an 11” configurable Driver Information Center. The system features Google built-in compatibility – which provides direct access to things like Google Maps, Assistant, and Play apps – as well as Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The CR-V, on the other hand, only offers a 7” infotainment display and 7” digital instrument cluster, though the infotainment screen can be upgraded to 9”. Only traditional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but higher trim levels can be upgraded to the wireless versions.
If screen size and infotainment capabilities are important to you, then the choice is pretty clear here.
Trim Level Options & Design
The Chevy Equinox is available in three wholly unique trim levels. The standard trim, LT, is your regular everyday driver. The next step up is RS, which is a sporty, street-inspired trim featuring blacked-out emblems, a mesh grille, and available 20” wheels. Then lastly you have the ACTIV, which is an off-road model featuring all-terrain tires, tuned suspension, Evotex and microfiber seating, and an available two-tone roof.
The Honda CR-V, on the other hand, offers six trim levels — three for the traditional gas engine (LX, EX, EX-L), three for the hybrid powertrain (Sport, Sport-L, Sport Touring). They don’t have unique identities beyond that, but each of the Sport trim levels includes gloss-black wheels and dual exhaust finishers.
Standard Safety Features
It’s 2026, so both manufacturers prioritize safety with comprehensive driver-assistive features standard on each model. Here is a taste of what each brand has to offer:
- Chevy Equinox
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Honda CR-V
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
Find Your 2026 Chevy Equinox at Jim Glover Chevrolet
Hopefully, this information has helped you decide between the two models. If you find yourself interested in a 2026 Chevy Equinox of your own, be sure to check out what’s available in our online inventory. We’d love to have you in for a test drive of one of our models, or we can always help you through the process of ordering a new model to your exact specifications. Be sure to give us a call with any questions, we can’t wait to hear from you!