2021 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and 2021 Toyota RAV4 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2021 Toyota RAV4.
In comparing the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox's and the 2021 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox's and the 2021 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox.
Pricing: A used 2021 Chevrolet Equinox ranges from $14,900 to $24,995 while a used 2021 Toyota RAV4 is priced between $20,566 to $32,499.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox loses 49.6 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 loses 30.3 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota RAV4 retains 19.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 7.8 out of 10 while the Toyota RAV4's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Equinox being ranked 9 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 4 out of 19. Out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox is ranked 22 and the Toyota RAV4 is ranked 6.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 7.7 out of 10. For the Toyota RAV4 the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Toyota RAV4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Equinox.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox’s base engine makes 170 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 base engine makes 203 horsepower. The Equinox is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles. The RAV4 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 508 miles. This gives the 2021 Toyota RAV4 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
The most obvious difference between the Chevrolet Equinox and the Toyota RAV4 is styling. The Equinox has a more rugged, SUV-like appearance that some may prefer over the sleeker lines of the RAV4. Underhood, the latest Equinox’s sole engine choice struggles to keep pace with the broad range of powertrains offered on the RAV4. A previous, turbocharged engine gave the Equinox more power, but it was dropped for 2022. The RAV4 is also available with hybrid variants, the Equinox is not. Both SUVs offer front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive optional. The exterior styling differences may be deceiving, in that Toyota provides versions of the RAV4 designed to venture a little further off the pavement than the Chevrolet Equinox. These hardware differences, combined with the RAV4’s greater cargo capacity, makes it a better choice for active lifestyle buyers looking to get off the beaten path. Both models have perfect scores in NHTSA crash tests, and a broad assortment of advanced safety features.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
23800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
25515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23700 - 27890
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
26350
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
25515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23700 - 27890
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
19685
Price Range:
14900 - 24995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
22412
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
18721 - 26231
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1081
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
80093
# Good or Great Deals:
540
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
26231
Price Range:
20566 - 32499
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
22412
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
18721 - 26231
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1719
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
75434
# Good or Great Deals:
649
Chevrolet Equinox Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.6 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.173
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota RAV4
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
5.6 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.312
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.05330713891573
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.4 - 16.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2020611763059654
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.4 - 16.9
Chevrolet Equinox Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 54Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 54Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 54Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 54Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
44 out of / 66Ranking
65 out of / 66Ranking
65 out of / 66Summary Review
The Chevrolet equinox is a compact five-person SUV with a comfortable interior and a smooth ride. The current Equinox was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $28,912 and 3-year-old models averaging $21,742.
Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.
Pros and Cons
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- High predicted reliability
- Mediocre interior quality
- Only one powertrain
- Low on cargo space
Pros and Cons
- Reputation for durability
- Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
- Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim
- Lackluster driving experience
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
- Cumbersome touchscreen controls
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Trim Levels
L, LS, LT, Premier
2021 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
Adventure, LE, Limited, TRD Off-Road, XLE, XLE Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
203 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 31 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
387 / 462 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 508 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Cargo Space:
29.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
37.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3274 lbs
Width:
72.6 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
183.1 inches
Wheelbase:
107.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3370 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Silver
Silver Ice Metallic
White
Summit White
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Super White
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blue Flame
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Interior Colors
Gray
Medium Ash Gray
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Beige
Nutmeg
Black
Black
