2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Toyota RAV4
As you think about your next compact SUV, be aware that this is a packed market with a lot of options. Two models that rise to the top of the list are the Chevrolet Equinox and the Toyota RAV4. Both models have a lot to offer when you’re wielding your way through heavy city traffic in Union City, Fayetteville, or College Park. When you’re ready, you can visit ALM Chevrolet South to see the new Chevy Equinox in person.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox |
 2026 Toyota RAV4 |
MSRP |
|
| $28,800 | $33,350 |
City/Highway MPG |
|
| 26 city / 28 hwy | 48 city / 42 hwy |
Engine |
|
| 1.5 L turbocharged 4-cyl gasoline | 2.5 L four-cyl hybrid + electric motors |
Transmission |
|
| CVT (FWD) / 8-speed auto (AWD) † | e-CVT (Hybrid) |
Horsepower |
|
| 175 hp | 226 hp |
Standard Stats
The Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 are FWD models for the base trim. They seat five in two rows with 60/40 folding rear seats. Both models include a four-cylinder engine as standard on the base trims. The RAV4 includes a hybrid trim while the Equinox is solely a gasoline-powered vehicle. The 2026 Chevy Equinox has been refreshed with several updates while the 2026 RAV4 carries over from the 2025 model.
Practical Design
While both the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 are compact SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox is slightly larger, giving passengers more room. The Equinox is 2.3 inches longer than the Toyota model and nearly two inches wider with a slightly longer wheelbase. The difference is seen inside in the rear seats with the Equinox offering almost two extra inches of legroom for passengers to stretch out. Rain-detecting wipers are standard on the Equinox but not available on the base trim of the RAV4.
Extra Amenities
These two models come with many of the features you expect, such as adaptive cruise control and folded rear seats. A sunroof is optional for the RAV4 while the Equinox includes an express open/close sunroof on the base trim. Heated seats are standard on the lower trims of the Equinox but optional for the base RAV4. Parking assistance is also standard for the Chevy SUV with the Toyota model including it as an option on higher trims. Bluetooth and satellite radio are standard for each SUV, but the Equinox also makes navigation standard. Automatic climate control is standard on the Equinox as well with dual zone front climate control to allow the front passenger and driver to have two separate settings.
Safety
Both Chevrolet and Toyota include their own safety suite on all trims. These systems include a type of lane departure warning or keeping feature as well as blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Only the Chevrolet Equinox includes Rear Park Assist on all trims. Both models feature four-wheel disc brakes and a strut front suspension for stability and a smooth ride.
Features for these two models vary as you move across the trims. The sales team at ALM Chevrolet South can show you what features are available on the trim you select from the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. You can take it for a test drive and build it to suit your needs.
If the 2026 Chevy Equinox is the right model for you, fill out the online application, contact us with questions, or stop by ALM Chevrolet South to see it and go for a test drive.