DecodedCarsChevrolet Equinox vs Honda CR-V
2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Honda CR-V — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Honda CR-V is more fuel-efficient: 40 vs 27 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $1,000 a year less in fuel for the Chevrolet Equinox (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Chevrolet Equinox has had fewer recall campaigns (33 vs 60).
The two cars
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 183 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,583 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
The 2026 Honda CR-V is a midsize station wagon offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,635 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
Buying used? The 2023 Equinox and the 2022 CR-V have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 Equinox and the 2018 CR-V.
| 2026 Chevrolet Equinox | 2026 Honda CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Midsize Station Wagons |
| Engines | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 27 MPG | 40 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 26 city | 43 city |
| EV range | 319 mi | – |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $700 | $1,700 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | – | 190 hp |
| Driver-assist features standard | 14 | 14 |
| Length | 183.1 in | 184.6 in |
| Width | 74.8 in | 73.6 in |
| Height | 63.4 in | 66.1 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 3,428 lb | 3,525 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 3 | 2 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 33 | 60 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 88 | 177 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 13,247 | 36,497 |
| Best used year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Year to avoid | 2015 | 2018 |
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if…
- You want an EV with more range (319 miles)
- You put reliability history first (33 vs 60 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Honda CR-V if…
- You want lower fuel bills (40 vs 27 MPG)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
- Long EV rangeUp to 319 miles on a charge (EPA).
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Honda CR-V
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 56% better than the average 2026 midsize station wagon (25.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Chevrolet Equinox specs →Full 2026 Honda CR-V specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →