2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison
Highlighted Features
2023 RAV4
2023Equinox
Base MSRP
$28,275
$26,600
Engine
2.5L inline 4-cylinder
1.5L inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower
203
175
Adaptive cruise control
Yes
No
Estimated Combined (MPG)
30
28
Whole vehicle warranty months / (miles)
36 / 36000
36 / 36000
Roadside assistance months / (mi)
24 / Unlimited
60 / 60000
Speakers
6
6
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Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2023. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. JATO has been diligent in providing accurate and complete information. However, JATO does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details, see vehicle's "Full Specs" on Toyota.com or contact your Toyota dealer.
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Toyota RAV4 vs. Chevrolet Equinox
Performance
- All trims of the Toyota RAV4 come standard with a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder gasoline engine that puts out 203 horsepower and 184 lb.-feet of torque. On the other hand, a 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine that generates 175 horsepower and 203 lb.-feet of torque is standard on the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox.
- The Toyota RAV4 is also available with a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) powertrain, which consists of a 2.5L Dynamic Force engine, working in tandem with two electric motors to produce a combined power output of 219 system net horsepower. The Chevrolet Equinox does not have an available hybrid model.
- Both the Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Equinox have automatic engine start/stop. It is standard on all Equinox models and available on select RAV4 models. Both compact SUVs also come with automatic transmissions and front and rear disc brakes. The RAV4 comes with an 8-speed Direct Shift AT, while the RAV4 hybrid models come standard with Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) featuring a sequential shift mode and regenerative braking. The Equinox only comes with a 6-speed AT.
- The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Chevrolet Equinox both come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the RAV4 gas models offer both Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and AWD options. Still, only the RAV4 Adventure, Limited (Gas AWD), and TRD Off-Road come standard with Dynamic Torque Vectoring All Wheel Drive (TV-AWD) with Rear Driveline Disconnect.
- The Toyota RAV4’s Rear Driveline Disconnect optimizes fuel consumption by cutting rear axle drive power when AWD isn’t needed, while Torque Vectoring optimizes traction across various road and climate conditions by distributing up to 50% of drive power to the rear wheels and by further distributing power between the left and right wheels. The Chevrolet Equinox does not offer a feature comparable to the RAV4’s sophisticated Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive.
- Built to brave the borderlands, the Toyota RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road come with unique badging and a special rugged design that blends style and functionality. The TRD Off-Road trim comes standard with a TRD-tuned suspension system featuring unique trail-ready shocks and struts with optimized stabilizer bars, 18-in. TRD flow-formed wheels wrapped in Falken® All-Terrain tires, and a TRD-stamped stainless steel front skid plate enhancing its off-road capabilities and appearance. The Chevy Equinox does not have an off-roading trim, nor does it offer add-ons that enhance its off-roading capabilities. It does, however, have a slew of exterior and interior styling options in the sporty RS trim, as well as the Midnight (for the LS) and Redline (for the Premier) special editions.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Chevrolet Equinox
Fuel Economy
- With a gas AWD configuration, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 27 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. The AWD-only Chevrolet Equinox has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined.
- The Toyota RAV4 is also available in an FWD configuration, which has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. The Chevrolet Equinox does not have an FWD model.
- The RAV4 hybrid trims have an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg combined. The Chevrolet Equinox does not offer a hybrid option.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Chevrolet Equinox
Technology
- The RAV4 starts with a 6-speaker audio system and an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and a SiriusXM® 3-month Platinum Plan satellite radio trial. The Chevrolet Equinox starts with a smaller 7-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth®, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, plus a SiriusXM® 3-month satellite radio Platinum Plan trial.
- The top-grade RAV4 Limited comes standard with a 10.5-inch Toyota Audio multimedia system paired with an 11-speaker JBL® audio system with subwoofer and amplifier. The same audio and multimedia systems are available as an upgrade package on the RAV4 XLE Premium and higher. An 8-inch HD color touchscreen is standard on the Chevrolet Equinox Premier and available as an upgrade option only on the LT and RS models. A 7-speaker Bose® premium audio system is not standard on any Equinox model and is only available on the RS and Premier models.
- The Toyota RAV4 Limited comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital Multi-Information Display (MID). This feature is also available as an optional package on the TRD-Off Road model. In contrast, the Chevrolet Equinox LS comes with a standard 3.5-inch diagonal monochromatic Driver Information Center.
- Both the Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Equinox come standard with Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Chevrolet Equinox has an up to 30-day trial of OnStar® while all models of the Toyota RAV4 come with an up to 30-day/3GB trial of Wi-Fi Connect, which includes an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot as well as Integrated Apple Music® and/or Amazon Music streaming. While a separate subscription to Apple Music or Amazon Music is required, it includes a 1-month trial subscription for Amazon Music. Wi-Fi Connect is dependent on an active 4G network connection.
- Both the Equinox and RAV4 have navigation systems. Navigation on the Toyota RAV4 is available through Drive Connect, a subscription-based service which includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota voice command, and Destination Assist. Drive Connect is dependent on an active 4G network connection.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Chevrolet Equinox
Safety & Convenience
- Both the Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Equinox have an NHTSA safety rating of 5, which is the highest possible rating across all crash tests. Both compact SUVs come standard with airbag systems that include driver and front passenger airbags, seat-mounted airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, a front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags.
- The Toyota RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety SenseTM 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which includes safety and convenience features such as a Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Road Sign Assist (RSA). Additionally, rain-sensing windshield wipers are available on select RAV4 models. The Chevy Equinox also comes with similar safety and convenience features, but adaptive cruise control is only available as an option for the Chevrolet Equinox LT, RS, and Premier. Additionally, the Chevrolet Equinox does not offer rain-sensing wipers on any model.
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) are available on the RAV4 LE and Hybrid LE, and standard on all other models. For the Equinox, it is standard only on the top-trim Premiere and optional on all other models.
- Heated power side mirrors with turn signal indicators are standard on select models of the Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Equinox, but only the Toyota RAV4 Limited comes standard with puddle lights.
- The Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a keyless open feature. The RAV4 features a Smart Key System on all grades except the LE and LE Hybrid. This system includes Push Button Start with Smart Key access on the front doors and rear liftgate. On certain grades the system is expanded to include a power rear liftgate and can be enhanced further with optional Smart Access at all doors.
- Panoramic View Monitor with 360-degree Overhead View in low-speed drive and reverse, and Curb View is available on the RAV4 XLE and higher. For the Chevrolet Equinox, HD Surround Vision is only available for the RS and Premier trims.
Warranty
- All 2023 Toyota RAV4 models come with a comprehensive warranty package that includes a Basic Warranty for 36 months/36,000 miles; a Powertrain Warranty for 60 months/60,000 miles; a Corrosion Perforation Warranty for 60 months/unlimited mileage; and a Restraint Systems Warranty for 60 months/60,000 miles. In addition, the hybrid models of the RAV4 also come with a Hybrid Battery Warranty for 120 months/150,000 miles and a Hybrid System Warranty for 96 months/100,000 miles.
- All models of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox come with a Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty for three years/36,000 miles, a Corrosion Limited Warranty for three years/36,000 miles, a Powertrain Limited Warranty for five years/60,000 miles, and a Rust-Through Warranty for six years/100,000 miles.
- All Toyota RAV4 models also come with ToyotaCare, which covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Equinox comes with a 1-year/1-visit scheduled maintenance plan. Those Chevrolet Equinox owners looking for additional maintenance coverage will need to purchase a Chevrolet maintenance plan.
- All 2023 Toyota RAV4 models also come with 24/7 Roadside Assistance for two years and unlimited mileage. Every RAV4 also comes with up to a 10-year trial of Safety Connect®, which includes Enhanced Roadside Assistance. Safety Connect is 4G network dependent. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Equinox has Roadside Assistance for five years/60,000 miles.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Chevrolet Equinox
Design
- Both the Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Equinox have a seating capacity of 5 people. The RAV4 and Equinox feature 60/40 split reclining fold-flat rear seats with a center armrest and cup holders. The Toyota RAV4 and Equinox also come standard with power windows and a keyless entry system. A cargo tonneau cover is available on the LE and standard on all other RAV4 models. None of the Equinox models come standard with a cargo tonneau cover.
- The Toyota RAV4 is available in 6 gas trims: the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. The Chevrolet Equinox is available in 4 trims: the LS, LT, RS, and Premier. The gas models of the RAV4, except the TRD Off-Road and Adventure (standard AWD only), are available in both FWD and AWD. The Chevy Equinox is available only in AWD.
- The Toyota RAV4 is also available in seven hybrid trims: the Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Woodland Edition, Hybrid XLE Premium, Hybrid SE, Hybrid XSE, and Hybrid Limited. All RAV4 hybrid models come standard with AWD. The Chevrolet Equinox does not have a hybrid model.
- A panoramic moonroof is available on all Chevrolet Equinox models except for the base-grade LS. A power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close is standard on the RAV4 XLE Premium, TRD Off-Road, and Limited and is available as an option for select trims. Additionally, a panoramic glass roof with a front power tilt/slide moonroof is available for the RAV4 Limited, Hybrid Limited, and Hybrid XSE models.
- Softex®-trimmed seats and an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support are available on select RAV4 models, while the Limited models add a two-position memory function and a 4-way power front passenger seat with seatback pocket as standard. On the Equinox, an 8-way power driver seat is available on the LT and standard on all other trims.
- Exterior-wise, the Toyota RAV4 comes standard with LED headlights and taillights. While LED headlamps are standard on all Equinox trims, only the Chevrolet Equinox RS and Premier come standard with LED taillights.
Features & Specifications
- The Toyota RAV4 has an overall length of 180.9 inches, a width of 73 inches, and an overall height of 67 inches. The RAV4 has a wheelbase of 105.9 inches and a ground clearance of 8.1 inches. The XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited have marginally larger dimensions and higher ground clearance (8.6 inches) than other RAV4 trims.
- All trims of the Chevrolet Equinox have an overall length of 183.1 inches, a width of 72.60 inches, and an overall height of 65.4 inches. The Equinox has a wheelbase of 107.3 inches and a ground clearance of 7.9 inches across all trims.
- In the front, the Toyota RAV4 has up to 37.7 inches of head room, 57.8 inches of shoulder room, 54.3 inches of hip room, and 41 inches of legroom. In the back row, it has 39.5 inches of head room, 56.4 inches of shoulder room, 47.7 inches of hip room, and 37.8 inches of legroom.
- The Chevrolet Equinox has 40 inches of head room, 57.2 inches of shoulder room, 54.2 inches of hip room, and 40.9 inches of legroom in the front row. In the back, the Equinox has 38.5 inches of head room, 55.5 inches of shoulder room, 51.7 inches of hip room, and 39.9 inches of legroom.
- The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims of the RAV4 have a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs. The towing capacity of the Equinox is not listed on the Chevrolet website.
- The RAV4 comes with all-season tires and 17- to 19-inch wheels, depending on trim level. The XLE Premium, Limited and Adventure come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels. The Chevrolet Equinox also comes standard with all-season tires and 17- to 19-inch wheels, depending on trim level.
- The RAV4 features the TRD Off-Road trim, which comes standard with 18-inch 6-spoke matte-black TRD flow-formed alloy wheels, TRD-tuned suspension with unique trail-ready shocks and struts, TRD badging, and Falken® All-Terrain tires. The Chevrolet Equinox does not have an off-roading-oriented model but does offer special editions such as the Redline and Midnight editions.
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Toyota RAV4 vs. Chevrolet Equinox
Conclusion
- The Toyota RAV4 packs plenty of power with its 2.5L Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine, which produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb.-feet of torque. The Chevrolet Equinox comes equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine that generates 175 horsepower and 203 lb.-feet of torque. The Toyota RAV4 is also available with a hybrid system, which has a combined system power output of 219 net horsepower. Unfortunately, the Chevrolet Equinox does not come as a hybrid model.
- The Toyota RAV4 Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited (Gas) come standard with Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (TV-AWD) with Rear Driveline Disconnect. TV-AWD is a sophisticated system that optimizes traction by distributing up to 50% of engine power to the rear axle and by further distributing power between the left and right wheels. The Equinox does not have a comparable feature.
- The Toyota RAV4 has higher EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings than the Chevrolet Equinox. With AWD, the Toyota RAV4 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. In contrast, the Equinox has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined.
- The Toyota RAV4 comes with a larger screen, an 8- or 10.5-inch Toyota Multimedia system depending on trim level, as well as an available 11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier. The Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen and a 7-speaker Bose® premium 7-speaker audio system.
- While both the Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Equinox bear an NHTSA overall crash rating of 5, the Toyota RAV4 offers more available and standard safety and driver-assistive features. A mix of standard adaptive cruise control and available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), rain-sensing wipers, and Panoramic View Monitor with 360-degree Overhead View are found in the RAV4 which are either only available on the top-trims of the Equinox or not offered on any trim.