We get it. These days, it feels like every auto manufacture and their mother is coming out with a compact crossover. With so many options to choose from, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help.
We’re going to take a look at two of the most popular compact crossovers on the road, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2021 Toyota RAV4, and learn exactly what sets these two apart.
Exterior
Beginning from the outside and working our way in, the new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2021 Toyota RAV4 both impress with their bold stances and sculpted lines. The new Equinox features a dual-port grille emblazoned with the iconic Chevy bowtie logo, while the RAV4 features a more subtle hexagonal grille. In terms of size, the new Equinox is longer than the RAV4, coming in at 183.1 inches long versus the Toyota’s 180.9 inches.
Both of these compact crossovers are available with LED headlights that cast light farther than traditional halogen lights. They also both feature optional hands-free gesture liftgates for easy access to their respective cargo areas. Just wave your foot below the rear bumper and the liftgates will open to a pre-programmed height.
The new 2022 Chevy Equinox and 2021 Toyota RAV4 also weren’t going to be out done in terms of curb appeal. Both vehicles are available with 19-inch wheels and offer an eye-catching color palette with plenty of contemporary colors to choose from.
Advantage of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Longer than its Toyota counterpart at 183.1 inches
Interior
Moving into the interior, we find that the new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2021 Toyota RAV4 both pay special attention to passenger comfort. Both of these compact crossovers seat up to five people and offer plenty of cargo space with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats lowered. When we take a look at the specs sheets though, we find that the Chevy Equinox comes out ahead in a few key areas :
- Front Headroom
- Chevrolet Equinox: 40.0 inches
- Toyota RAV4: 37.7 inches
- Second-Row Legroom
- Chevrolet Equinox: 39.9 inches
- Toyota RAV4: 37.8
- Second-Row Hiproom
- Chevrolet Equinox: 51.7 inches
- Toyota RAV4: 47.7 inches
These compact crossovers also are both available with heated and ventilated front seats and even offer heated rear outboard on higher trim levels. Both the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 are also available with dual-zone automatic climate control that allows you and your front passenger to choose individual temperature settings.
Advantage of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Offers more front headroom, second-row legroom, and second-row hiproom than the RAV4
Technology
Both the new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2021 Toyota RAV4 offer loads of the advanced technology features you want in a contemporary compact crossover, including:
- Apple CarPlay®
- Android Auto™
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot (data plan required)
- Built-in Amazon Alexa compatibility
- Available built-in navigation
- Available 8-inch touchscreen
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio trial
- Keyless Open and Push-Button Start
- Available remote start
The main difference between the new Equinox and RAV4 is their available sound systems. While both vehicles come standard with a six-speaker audio system, they differ in the sound systems offered on higher trim levels. Chevy offers a seven-speaker Bose® premium sound system that surrounds you in crystal-clear sound, while the Toyota crossover is available with a JBL® sound system.
Advantage of 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Available with a Bose® premium audio system
- Supports more devices with their 4G LTE Wi-Fi®
Safety
The new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2021 Toyota RAV4 were both named IIHS top safety picks and it’s easy to see why. Much like with the technology category, these compact crossovers offer all the advanced safety features you expect from a modern crossover, including:
- Forward-collision alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Front and rear park assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Side blind-zone alert
- HD surround-view camera
There is something the new Equinox has that the RAV4 doesn’t: automatic parking assist. This available feature can identify a suitable parallel or perpendicular parking spot and will steer you into it. You control the braking, accelerating, and gear shifts, while automatic parking assist controls the steering.
Advantage of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Premier-trim level available with automatic parking assist
Performance
While the new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2021 Toyota RAV4 share a lot of similarities in the tech and safety departments, below the hood you’ll find two very different machines.
The new Equinox is paired with a spritely 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic transmission that delivers a zippy 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. With all that power, the new Equinox is capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. This engine also helps the new Equinox achieve 31 mpg highway, so you can travel farther between fill-ups.
By contrast, the new Toyota RAV4 features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that also achieves a 1,500-pound towing capacity. This engine comes out ahead in horsepower at 203 ponies but falls short of the Equinox at 184 pound-feet of torque. Like almost all Toyotas, a hybrid model is available.
Both the new Equinox and new RAV4 are available with all-wheel drive that improves traction and handling on rough roads and in inclement weather. They also both feature a MacPherson front strut suspension and multi-link rear suspension for added comfort on the road. The new Equinox takes things a step farther with its StabiliTrak® electronic stability-control system that enhances control during emergency maneuvers.
Advantage of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Available with switchable all-wheel drive and a StabiliTrak® electronic stability-control system
- Offers more pound-feet of torque than its Toyota rival
Which Should You Buy?
We think the answer is pretty obvious. The new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offers everything you want and more in a compact crossover, delivering undeniable quality in every category. The Equinox is longer than the RAV4, more spacious in the second row, supports more devices on its 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot, and is even available with automatic parking assist. The best part? Chevy’s crossover starts at $25,800 versus the Toyota RAV4’s $26,350.
Wait no longer to fall in love with the new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. Schedule your test drive today at Garber Automall by calling (904) 264-2442. Or stop in to see us at 3360 U.S. 17, 3360 Shedd Rd, Green Cove Springs, FL.
