2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2025 Honda CR-V

The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, and the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2025 Honda CR-V are two of the leading options. Both offer practicality, fuel efficiency, and modern features, but they cater to different priorities. This in-depth car comparison review by our team at Steve Austin’s Auto Group in Bellefontaine, Ohio, will compare the strengths of the all-new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs. Honda CR-V. Let’s compare cars to determine which SUV ultimately reigns supreme and help you decide which is best for you.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Segment: The Rise of Compact SUVs

Compact SUVs have become incredibly popular thanks to their blend of versatility, fuel efficiency, and car-like handling. They offer more space and practicality than sedans, but they’re still easy to get around in a busy city. Both the Equinox and CR-V have evolved over the years to meet changing consumer demands. They offer advanced technology, improved safety features, and stylish designs.

Exterior Design: A Matter of Taste

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox features a bolder, more modern design. With its strong lines and distinctive front fascias for each trim (LT, ACTIV, and RS), the Equinox stands out. It’s available two-tone roof gives it a sense of raw personality. The new grille and front fascia give a unique and modern look. With the ACTIV and RS models, the Equinox is ready for anything.

The Honda CR-V also has a sleek and refined design that appeals to those who want a more understated look. It has a shorter wheelbase and isn’t as wide as the Equinox but is slightly longer and taller. While it lacks the boldness of the Equinox, it offers a more timeless aesthetic than the Equinox’s head-turning appearance.

Interior Design and Comfort

The Equinox’s modern interior features high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The 2025 Equinox features sophisticated stitching that gives the seating a more premium look and feel. The Honda CR-V’s interior is functional and well built, offering ample space and comfort. The Equinox boasts more passenger volume overall and front headroom than the Honda, but the Honda has more front legroom and shoulder room. There’s more headroom in the back in the Equinox but again more legroom in the Honda. Both vehicles offer comfortable seating for five passengers.

Technology and Connectivity: A Modern Infotainment Experience That Connects to You

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch screen is angled toward the driver and an 11.0-inch diagonal Driver Information Center makes it easier to access key vehicle information, navigation, apps, music, and more. The Equinox also has access to a Wi-Fi hot spot.

The 2025 Honda CR-V has a smaller 7.0-inch infotainment system on the two lower trims. The EX-L adds a 9.0-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CR-V also offers two USB-C ports for passengers in the back and wireless smartphone charging.

Performance and Handling: Efficiency Meets Capability

The 2025 Equinox features a 1.5-liter turbo engine that provides 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but optional all-wheel drive gives traction on demand. This allows for the SUV to be an efficient and capable engine that provides ample power for daily driving while maintaining good fuel economy. It pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and its well-tuned suspension delivers a comfortable and controlled ride. If you want all-wheel drive, you’ll get an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2025 Honda CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It also pairs with a CVT and either front- or all-wheel drive. Each Honda CR-V comes with hill-descent control. Overall, both engines offer impressive performance. It’s up to you whether you prefer potent horsepower or torque.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Peace of Mind on Every Drive

Safety is a top priority for both vehicles. The 2025 CR-V edges ahead with more standard active safety features. All recent models come equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive features, including standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a collision mitigation braking system for peace of mind on Bellefontaine’s roads.

The 2025 Equinox comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes many of the same features. Both models have received excellent ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS rated the CR-V as a Top Safety Pick for 2024, but the Equinox has received higher safety ratings in front crash tests than the CR-V.

Trim Levels and Configurations

The 2025 Equinox has the base LT, ACTIV, and RS trims. The ACTIV is designed for off-road and comes with all-terrain tires and a uniquely tuned suspension. The available two-tone roof adds an edge to the ACTIV, and its roof rails can handle larger gear. The Equinox also offers the RS model, which makes a stylish statement with the all-black Equinox Midnight Edition.

The Honda CR-V is also available in three trims: the base LX, EX, and EX-L. The EX-L is a great choice with its extra features such as a power tailgate and a larger touch screen. If you want a hybrid powertrain, you’ll want to choose the Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring models.

Pricing and Value

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has a starting MSRP of $28,600 for the LT trim. The base LX on the CR-V starts at $30,100. The Equinox increases to $33,000 for the RS, but the Honda is still more expensive at $35,000 for the EX-L. For budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on features and style, the Equinox is a clear winner.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

The 2025 Honda CR-V achieves up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive numbers drop slightly. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox gets up to 26 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models drop to 24 mpg in the city but increase to 29 mpg on the highway. Both models provide competitive fuel efficiency for their size and class.

Final Verdict: What Car Is Better?

The Honda CR-V vs. Chevrolet Equinox are excellent compact SUVs. However, the 2025 Equinox combines bold styling, modern features, and an affordable price, which makes it hard to ignore for budget-conscious buyers. Visit Steve Austin’s Auto Group in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to test-drive the new Equinox today. We can value your trade and provide financing advice should you need it.