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Shopping for a compact SUV in the Plano area means weighing practical features against real-world performance. The 2026 Chevy Equinox and Honda CR-V represent two popular choices in this segment, each bringing distinct strengths to the table. At Huffines Chevrolet Plano, we help customers understand how these models stack up across performance, comfort, and technology to determine which one fits their lifestyle best.
2026 Chevy Equinox vs Honda CR-V: Two Top Compact SUV Contenders
The compact SUV market keeps growing, and these two models show exactly why. The Equinox appeals to shoppers who won't settle for less, delivering standard tech and safety equipment that often costs extra elsewhere. Its modern design and practical cabin work well for daily errands and weekend getaways across North Texas.
Honda's CR-V has built a solid reputation on reliability and efficiency over decades of refinement. Its spacious cabin and attention to detail attract buyers who prioritize long-term ownership costs and maximum utility. Both SUVs handle school runs and highway commutes with competence, but their personalities diverge when you dig into specifications and real-world usability.
Performance and Powertrain Comparison
Engine Options and Power Output
Here's how these compact SUVs compare in power and performance:
|
Feature |
2026 Chevy Equinox |
2026 Honda CR-V |
|
Engine |
Turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder |
1.5L turbo four-cylinder (gas trims); 2.0L hybrid system (hybrid trims) |
|
Horsepower |
175 hp |
190 hp (gas); 204 hp (hybrid) |
|
Torque |
184 lb-ft (FWD); 203 lb-ft (AWD) |
179 lb-ft (gas) |
|
Transmission |
CVT (FWD); 8-speed automatic (AWD) |
CVT (FWD/AWD) |
|
0-60 mph |
8.6 seconds |
8.1 seconds (gas) |
The Equinox's turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder puts out 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in FWD models, bumping up to 203 lb-ft with AWD. This setup prioritizes smooth, consistent power that works well in Dallas-Fort Worth traffic and highway cruising. The turbo responds predictably without lag, making the Equinox feel responsive in typical driving situations.
Here's a key difference: the Equinox pairs its AWD system with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the CR-V uses a CVT across all configurations. Many drivers prefer the traditional automatic's feel and reliability over a CVT. The Equinox also handles towing up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped with AWD, useful for lightweight trailers or weekend recreational gear.
Honda's CR-V produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft in gas models, with hybrid variants reaching 204 hp. That extra power in the gas model shows during highway passing maneuvers. All-wheel drive comes optional on both vehicles, enhancing traction on wet roads. Neither SUV pretends to be an off-road warrior, but both handle gravel roads and winter conditions confidently.
Driving Dynamics and On-Road Feel
The Equinox prioritizes comfort with suspension tuning that absorbs bumps on Plano's varied road surfaces without feeling disconnected. Body roll stays controlled during cornering, but the Equinox makes clear it's built for comfort over sport. The RS trim sharpens handling for those seeking more engagement, while the ACTIV trim features off-road-tuned suspension with all-terrain tires.
Honda gives the CR-V slightly firmer suspension tuning that translates to more connected handling. The steering communicates road texture better than the Equinox without becoming harsh. This sportier setup means the CR-V stays flatter through corners while still delivering comfortable highway cruising. The TrailSport variant adds 18-inch wheels with Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires. Noise insulation proves solid in both vehicles.
Fuel Economy: Which SUV Goes Further on a Tank?
Fuel efficiency matters for budget-minded buyers, especially with Texas-sized commutes:
|
Drivetrain |
2026 Chevy Equinox (City/Hwy MPG) |
2026 Honda CR-V (City/Hwy MPG) |
|
FWD |
26/28 |
28/33 |
|
AWD |
24/29 |
27/31 (gas); 40/34 (hybrid); 38/33 (TrailSport hybrid) |
The Equinox achieves EPA estimates of 26/28 mpg with FWD and 24/29 mpg with AWD. These numbers represent solid performance for a turbocharged engine, and the Equinox doesn't require premium fuel. The larger 14.8-gallon fuel tank (versus 14.0 gallons in the CR-V) extends driving range between fill-ups.
The CR-V delivers better efficiency at 28/34 mpg with FWD and 27/31 mpg with AWD in gas models. The hybrid variants excel at 40/34 mpg, though they command a price premium. That highway advantage adds up for drivers who rack up interstate miles regularly, potentially saving several hundred dollars annually. Still, the Equinox's lower purchase price often offsets this difference.
Interior Space and Comfort
Passenger Room and Seating Comfort
Both SUVs seat five adults with comfortable front seating positions. The Equinox includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard equipment, valuable features during Texas winter mornings. The Drive Mode Selector comes standard, along with a convenient pass-through console.
The CR-V provides noticeably more rear-seat legroom, making the second row more comfortable for taller passengers on extended trips. Front passengers enjoy similar comfort to the Equinox, with supportive seats and good visibility. The CR-V's cabin feels airier thanks to larger windows and a higher roofline. Climate control keeps both cabins comfortable, with dual-zone automatic systems available on higher trims.
Cargo Capacity and Versatility
The Equinox provides 63.5 cubic feet of space with rear seats folded, enough for most grocery runs, sports equipment, and weekend camping gear. The cargo floor sits at a convenient height for loading, and underfloor storage compartments hide smaller valuables.
Honda gives the CR-V 76.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. That 13-cubic-foot difference makes the CR-V better suited for families who regularly haul large items or take extended trips. Both vehicles feature 60/40 split-folding rear seats that allow mixing passengers and cargo.
Technology, Infotainment, and Safety Features
Infotainment Systems and Connectivity
The technology comparison reveals significant Equinox advantages:
|
Feature |
2026 Chevy Equinox |
2026 Honda CR-V |
|
Infotainment Screen |
11.3-inch diagonal touchscreen |
Central display (size unspecified) |
|
Driver Display |
11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center |
Standard |
|
Visibility Tech |
HD Surround Vision, Rear Camera Mirror |
Not offered |
The Equinox stands out with its 11.3-inch touchscreen, one of the larger displays in this class. The interface feels intuitive with logical menu structures. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the system responds quickly to inputs. Voice commands work reliably for navigation and music selection. The 11-inch Driver Information Center provides excellent visibility.
Only the Equinox offers HD Surround Vision and the innovative Rear Camera Mirror, which uses a camera feed to eliminate blind spots from rear pillars and headrests. These visibility technologies prove especially useful when navigating crowded Plano shopping centers and tight parking spaces.
The CR-V offers a capable touchscreen with straightforward functionality and includes physical knobs for volume. The Equinox includes more standard technology across trim levels. Amazon Alexa integration, OnStar connectivity, and available Wi-Fi hotspot functionality give the Equinox an edge for tech-focused buyers.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance Technology
Safety technology is where the Equinox delivers exceptional value. Chevrolet Safety Assist comes standard across all trims, bundling automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-keeping assist, following distance indicator, and automatic high beams. We also include safety alert seat, rear parking assistance, rear cross-traffic braking, blind spot steering assist, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment. Having these features standard means every buyer gets advanced safety protection regardless of budget.
Honda bundles similar technology in its Honda Sensing suite, but the CR-V lacks parking sensors and rear cross-traffic braking on base trims. Both vehicles perform well in crash testing, earning top safety ratings. While both offer comprehensive protection, the Equinox's standard equipment makes it more accessible to safety-minded buyers.
The Equinox also includes Chevrolet's 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance program, providing added peace of mind for long-term ownership.
Which Compact SUV Should You Choose?
The decision ultimately comes down to your priorities. The Equinox makes sense for buyers who want maximum features without stretching their budget. Its generous standard equipment, larger touchscreen, exclusive visibility technologies like HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror, comprehensive safety suite, and superior transmission choice with AWD (8-speed automatic vs. CVT) deliver exceptional value. The comfortable ride quality and heated seats as standard suit families who prioritize practicality.
The CR-V appeals to buyers willing to pay more for superior fuel economy and extra interior space. Its additional cargo capacity proves valuable for active families, and Honda's reputation for long-term reliability gives confidence for ownership past 100,000 miles.
Your decision should reflect how you'll use the vehicle daily. We encourage test driving both models to experience the differences firsthand.
Test Drive the 2026 Chevy Equinox at Huffines Chevrolet Plano
Reading specifications only tells part of the story. The real test comes behind the wheel, experiencing how the Equinox handles your North Texas commute and fits your lifestyle. We invite you to explore our Equinox inventory and schedule a test drive at Huffines Chevrolet Plano. Our team can walk you through its features, demonstrate the technology, and discuss current offers and specials that fit your budget.
As a family-owned dealership since 1924, we've earned recognition as Consumers Choice Auto Dealership Group of the Year and a Top 100 Places to Work in Dallas-Fort Worth. Located at 1001 Coit Rd in Plano, we're open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 8 PM. Call us at (888) 705-5980 to get started.
The 2026 Chevy Equinox represents a compelling choice for drivers seeking modern technology and comprehensive safety features at an accessible price point. Whether you're navigating busy Plano streets or embarking on weekend adventures, the Equinox combines comfort, capability, and value in a package designed for today's practical buyers.