If you want my straight answer, I buy the 2026 RAV4 if you care about fuel economy, hybrid driving, or towing. I buy the 2026 Equinox (gas) if you want the lower price and you value cargo space, and you are fine with mid to high 20s mpg and a 1,500 lb tow limit.
One quick sanity check before you go deeper. A lot of people say “Equinox” but mean “Equinox EV.” That is a different vehicle with different strengths. I cover both, but this main comparison is Equinox (gas) vs RAV4 (hybrid).
For 2026, the biggest plot twist is the RAV4 lineup. Toyota moved RAV4 to an all-hybrid setup, with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option coming later. That single change shifts the whole “Equinox vs RAV4” decision toward fuel spend and long-term value for a lot of buyers.
Quick Answer (First Screen)
Quick Verdict
- I’d Buy The 2026 RAV4 If: You want up to 44 mpg combined (Toyota estimate), more system power (226 hp FWD or 236 hp AWD), and up to 3,500 lbs towing on certain AWD trims. You also want a PHEV option with up to 52 miles of EV-only range (Toyota estimate).
- I’d Buy The 2026 Equinox (Gas) If: You want the lower price, you want a simple 1.5L turbo gas setup (175 hp), and you want a big cargo number for the class (63.5 cu ft max). You are fine with 27 mpg combined (FWD) or 26 mpg combined (AWD).
- I’d Buy The 2026 Equinox EV Instead If: You actually want an EV. It is rated at 319 miles of range (FWD) and starts at $34,995.
My 1-Sentence If-Then Rule
If you drive a lot, care about mpg, or might tow over 1,500 lbs, I pick the 2026 RAV4. If you want the cheaper buy-in and maximum cargo space for the money, I pick the 2026 Equinox (gas).
Quick Note On What “Equinox” You Mean
Are you comparing the Equinox (gas) or the Equinox EV? The EV has 319 miles of range (FWD) and a totally different cost and charging lifestyle.
Chevy Equinox vs Toyota RAV4
Summary Table: 2026 Equinox Vs 2026 RAV4 At A Glance
| Category | 2026 Chevy Equinox (Gas) | 2026 Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price (Includes Destination Where Published) | $30,495 (LT, incl destination) | $33,350 (LE FWD, incl destination) |
| Powertrain | 1.5L turbo gas | Hybrid standard, PHEV available later |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 226 hp (FWD) or 236 hp (AWD) |
| Combined MPG | 27 mpg (FWD) or 26 mpg (AWD) | Up to 44 mpg combined (Toyota estimate, FWD hybrid) |
| Max Towing | Up to 1,500 lbs | Up to 3,500 lbs on certain AWD trims |
| Cargo Behind Rear Seat | 29.8 cu ft | 37.8 cu ft |
| Max Cargo With Seats Folded | 63.5 cu ft | 70.4 cu ft |
| Main Screen Size | 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen | 10.5-inch standard, 12.9-inch available |
At-A-Glance Scorecard
Here’s how I break this decision down in real life. I look at price, mpg, towing, cargo, and the safety suite. Then I pick a trim that makes sense.
| What Matters Most | 2026 Chevy Equinox (Gas) | 2026 Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid) | My Quick Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $28,800 (LT) | From $31,900 (Hybrid FWD, MSRP before dealer processing and handling) | Equinox wins on buy-in price |
| Powertrain Choices | Gas only. 1.5L turbo | Hybrid standard. Plug-In Hybrid also offered | RAV4 wins if you want electrified options |
| MPG And Efficiency | 27 mpg combined (FWD). 26 mpg combined (AWD) | Up to 44 mpg combined (Hybrid FWD, manufacturer estimate) | RAV4 wins if fuel spend matters |
| Towing | Up to 1,500 lbs with AWD. FWD is rated lower | Up to 3,500 lbs on certain AWD grades | RAV4 wins if you tow more than a small utility trailer |
| Cargo Space | 29.8 cu ft behind rear seat. 63.5 cu ft max | 37.8 cu ft behind rear seat. 70.4 cu ft max | RAV4 wins on cargo volume |
| Safety Tech | Over 15 standard driver assists. Chevy Safety Assist plus more standard items like adaptive cruise control and blind spot features | Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 standard on every trim | Both are strong. Check the exact feature list by trim |
| Best Value Trim | LT. It is the sweet spot for price and standard safety | LE Hybrid. It gets the high mpg setup with the core tech and safety | I start here, then add AWD if you need it |
Biggest Differences That Change The Decision
The RAV4 Is Now Hybrid-Focused
This is the big one for 2026.
If you buy a RAV4, you are buying an electrified powertrain. Full stop. You pick Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid.
Here is what that changes for you.
- Fuel Use In Normal Driving
Hybrid torque helps most in stop and go. You feel it every day if you commute.
Toyota also publishes manufacturer estimates by grade. The headline number is up to 44 mpg combined on the Hybrid FWD setup.
- Power You Can Actually Use
The hybrid system is rated at 226 net combined hp in FWD form. AWD is 236 net combined hp.
That is a big gap versus the Equinox’s 175 hp gas setup.
- Towing Headroom
This is where I see buyers flip.
If you tow a small camper, a pair of jet skis, or a heavier utility trailer, 3,500 lbs opens more doors than 1,500 lbs.
- Plug-In Hybrid Daily Miles
If you want to do short trips on electricity, the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid has a manufacturer estimated EV range up to 52 miles.
Some Plug-In trims also add DC charging capability. That matters if you road trip and want faster charging stops.
The Equinox Value Play: Features For The Money
This is why the Equinox is still on my short list.
You get a lot of daily-life tech without paying luxury money.
Here is the stuff I would focus on.
- Big Screens For The Price
Equinox lists an 11.3-inch infotainment screen and an 11-inch driver information display.
That is a lot of screen for a starting price under $29,000.
- Google Built-In
If you live in Google Maps, this can feel easy right away.
You talk to Google Assistant. You run apps. You keep your phone in your pocket more often.
- A Strong Standard Safety Baseline
Chevy Safety Assist is part of the standard feature set.
That includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam.
Chevy also lists several other driver assists as standard, including Adaptive Cruise Control and blind spot features.
- The Limits You Need To Accept
There is no hybrid option on the gas Equinox.
So your mpg ceiling is the EPA estimate. Your towing ceiling is 1,500 lbs, and that is tied to AWD.
If your top priorities are mpg and towing, I land back on the RAV4 fast.
Reliability, Resale Value, And 5-Year Ownership Costs
If you keep your SUV about 5 years, I usually see the decision swing on 2 things. Depreciation and fuel.
On both, the RAV4 tends to have the edge. Sometimes a big edge.
Reliability Snapshot (What The Data Says Today)
These are nameplate-level averages across multiple model years. So I treat them as direction, not a promise for the exact 2026 you buy.
- Toyota RAV4: 4.0 out of 5 reliability rating. Rank 3 out of 26 compact SUVs. Average annual repair cost $429.
- Chevrolet Equinox: 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating. Rank 23 out of 26 compact SUVs. Average annual repair cost $537.
What Resale Tends To Favor (And Why)
I look at three forces: demand, supply, and powertrain desirability.
- Demand
RAV4 demand is consistently high. Toyota has reported the RAV4 as the best-selling SUV in the U.S. for multiple consecutive years. That kind of demand helps used prices. - Supply
Equinox has strong sales too. But in many markets it also shows up more often in high-volume channels. When used supply is heavy, prices usually soften faster. - Powertrain desirability
For 2026, the RAV4 lineup is electrified, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. That usually helps resale when fuel prices spike or when buyers want lower running costs.
Here is the simple depreciation direction I use as a baseline. These are estimates, based on a “good condition” vehicle and a set annual mileage assumption.
| Depreciation Metric (Estimate) | Toyota RAV4 | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Year Depreciation Percent | 28% | 52% |
| 5-Year Resale Value | $27,315 | $16,544 |
| Assumed New Price In Model | $37,692 | $34,545 |
Maintenance And Repair Expectations (No Fake Precision)
This is how I think about cost drivers, not a prediction of what will break.
Equinox 1.5T (Turbo Gas)
- More heat and pressure. Turbo systems tend to be harder on oil.
- More sensitivity to oil change intervals and oil quality.
- If you do lots of short trips, I budget extra for intake and emissions-related upkeep over time.
RAV4 Hybrid (Hybrid System)
- The hybrid setup uses an eCVT-style drive unit. Fewer traditional shift parts.
- Hybrids often save on brakes because regen does a lot of slowing.
- Long-term, the big-ticket risk is hybrid system components. Most owners never see a major bill during the first ownership window, but I still plan a reserve.
Cost-Per-Month Reality Check (Calculator Box)
This is the box I use when a friend asks, “What will it feel like monthly?”
Inputs
- Miles per year
- Gas price
- Your real-world MPG
- Insurance quote
- Depreciation estimate
- Repair reserve
Formulas
- Fuel per month = (Miles per year ÷ MPG) × Gas price ÷ 12
- Depreciation per month = Depreciation over ownership ÷ months
- Insurance per month = Annual insurance ÷ 12
- Repair reserve per month = Annual repair average ÷ 12
Example Scenario (5 Years, 12,000 Miles Per Year, $3.50 Gas)
Fuel math
- 2026 Equinox FWD is rated 27 MPG combined. Fuel cost is about $1,556 per year.
- 2026 RAV4 Hybrid is manufacturer-estimated up to 44 MPG combined in its most efficient setup, with other hybrids estimated lower. At 39 to 44 MPG combined, fuel cost is about $955 to $1,077 per year.
Monthly baseline estimate (Depreciation + Insurance + Repairs + Fuel)
- RAV4: about $455 to $465 per month
- Equinox: about $653 per month
That is a gap of about $188 to $198 per month in this simplified view.
It excludes taxes, dealer fees, tires, routine maintenance, and financing. But it nails the direction fast.
Safety And Driver Assistance (With Receipts)
I split safety into two buckets. Standard driver assists, and crash-test outcomes.
Standard Safety Suites Compared
Here is what I care about day to day. Automatic braking, lane support, and rear cross-traffic type coverage.
| Category | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | 2026 Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Suite | Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 (Toyota states it is standard for 2026 RAV4) | Chevy lists multiple standard safety features on the 2026 Equinox page |
| Typical Core Functions You Should Expect | Pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise style support, lane departure support, auto high beams, road sign type support (exact names can vary by market and trim) | Side Bicyclist Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Park Assist, HD Rear Vision Camera, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking |
My practical take: the Equinox calling out Side Bicyclist Alert as standard is a big real-world win if you drive in bike-heavy areas.
The RAV4’s advantage is consistency. Toyota tends to make the safety suite standard across trims, and the feature behavior is usually predictable once you learn it.
Crash-Test Results And What They Actually Mean
Two important notes before you compare scores.
- Crash-test ratings are by model year and sometimes by trim equipment. Headlights are a classic example.
- The 2026 Equinox is a redesigned generation. IIHS results for the older body style do not automatically transfer.
Toyota RAV4 (Current Generation Ratings That Apply Through 2026)
IIHS shows ratings for the RAV4 that apply across multiple model years, including through 2026 in key tests. In the IIHS rating overview for the 2025 RAV4:
- Small overlap front: Good
- Moderate overlap front, updated test: Marginal
- Side, updated test: Acceptable
- Headlights: Good
- Front crash prevention vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0: Acceptable
- Front crash prevention pedestrian: Good
Chevrolet Equinox (Outgoing Generation Reference Point)
For the 2024 Equinox (the prior generation body style in IIHS testing):
- Small overlap front: Good
- Moderate overlap front, updated test: Poor
- Side, updated test: Marginal
- Headlights: Poor
- Front crash prevention vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0: Poor
- Front crash prevention pedestrian (day): Advanced
How I use this
- If crash-test performance is your top priority today, I trust the RAV4’s known testing history more than a brand-new redesign with fewer posted results.
- If you want the 2026 Equinox, I would check IIHS and NHTSA again right before you buy. New results can post mid-year.
Comfort, Noise, And Driving Feel
Specs tell you the basics. They do not tell you what you feel at 25 mph on rough pavement or at 75 mph with the engine working.
Ride Comfort And Cabin Noise (Real-World Notes)
2026 Chevy Equinox (Gas)
I think the Equinox ride is tuned for normal roads first. In testing, it soaks up potholes around town well. On the highway, some reviewers noted it can bounce a couple times after bigger dips.
Noise is the one mixed bag. One outlet calls it quiet at speed. Another calls it noisy at highway speeds. I treat that as trim and tire dependent.
Here’s the detail that matters if you hate CVTs.
Front-wheel drive uses a CVT. All-wheel drive uses an 8-speed automatic.
That changes how the Equinox feels when you roll into the throttle at 20 to 40 mph.
2026 Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid)
The RAV4 drives like a hybrid SUV should. Smooth around town. Easy to place in traffic.
It also has real test numbers for cabin sound:
- 69 dBA at 70 mph cruising
- 75 dBA at full throttle
That tells me the RAV4 is fairly calm at steady speed, but it gets loud when you ask for everything. That matches the driving impression notes. The gas engine can sound buzzy under hard acceleration.
Ride quality is generally described as good, with “supple” damping. Body roll is still part of the package. This is not a corner carver. It is a daily driver.
City Vs Highway Behavior (Stop/Start, Steering Feel, Lane Centering)
Equinox In The City
Throttle response can feel a bit delayed at low speeds, especially when you want a quick gap.
If you do mostly city driving, I would test both drivetrains. The CVT in the FWD model and the 8-speed in the AWD model feel different.
Equinox On The Highway
It is a relaxed cruiser once you are up to speed.
Adaptive cruise and lane centering are available, but at least one test group found the lane centering and adaptive cruise performance behind some rivals.
RAV4 In The City
The hybrid system makes stop and go easy.
You get a smooth launch, then the engine joins in when you need it.
RAV4 On The Highway
At steady speed, it stays pretty composed, backed up by that 69 dBA cruising number.
Passing power is good for the class in testing. The AWD hybrid hit 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.
The main downside is noise when you floor it.
Real-World Test Plan (Do These On Your Test Drive)
I do these three tests every time. It takes about 15 minutes.
Test 1: 0 To 40 mph Merge Feel
- Start from a stop.
- Roll into the throttle like you are entering a busy road.
- Watch for a delay, then a surge.
- Listen for engine noise rise without matching speed rise.
What I’m looking for:
- Equinox: CVT flare feeling in FWD, or more normal step feel in AWD.
- RAV4: smooth pull, but engine noise when you ask for full power.
Test 2: Rough-Road Cabin Rattle Check
- Find broken pavement or a rough parking lot entrance.
- Drive 15 to 25 mph with the radio off.
- Tap the brakes lightly over a few bumps.
What I’m looking for:
- Loose trim sounds.
- Spare tire area thumps.
- Seat or center console squeaks.
Test 3: ADAS Behavior On A Marked-Road Stretch
- Turn on adaptive cruise.
- Turn on lane centering.
- Use a road with clear lane lines for 2 to 3 miles.
What I’m looking for:
- Does it hold center or ping-pong between lines?
- Does it brake too hard when a car cuts in?
- Does it give up easily on gentle curves?
If any of these feel off, I treat it as a deal-breaker. You use these systems every day.
Trim Picks: What To Buy And What To Skip
I pick trims based on three things. Price jump, wheel and tire setup, and the safety tech you actually get.
Best-Value Equinox Trims (LT Vs RS Vs ACTIV)
What You Need To Know First
- There are three trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV.
- Maximum towing is 1,500 lbs, and it requires AWD.
- Front-wheel drive is rated for 800 lbs towing.
My Pick For Most People: LT With The Right Options
If you are value-first, LT is the starting point.
It is also where you can avoid paying for style items you do not need.
What I would add:
- The safety and convenience options you will use daily.
- AWD if you hate CVTs or if you ever tow.
When I’d Step Up: RS Or ACTIV
Car and Driver recommends stepping up to RS or ACTIV because they add more equipment, plus unique wheels and the option of a two-tone exterior.
I agree if the price gap is small in your area.
RS: Choose It If You Want The Street Look
- It is the pick if you want the sport appearance.
- I still watch wheel size. Bigger wheels usually add impact harshness and tire cost.
ACTIV: Choose It If You Want The Outdoors Look
- Edmunds tested an AWD ACTIV with all-terrain tires.
- In their panic braking test, it stopped in 133 feet from 60 mph.
That is a big number for the class. Tires matter.
My Skip Call On The Equinox
- Skip FWD if you need towing. 800 lbs is limiting fast.
- Skip ACTIV if you prioritize shortest stopping distances and best fuel economy. All-terrain tires tend to work against both.
Best-Value RAV4 Trims (Core Vs Woodland Vs PHEV Vs GR SPORT)
Toyota made this easier for 2026. Everything is hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
Core Trims (LE, XLE Premium, Limited)
- LE and SE can be FWD or AWD.
- XLE Premium is hybrid with FWD or AWD.
- Limited is hybrid AWD.
My Best Value Pick For Most People: SE Hybrid
Car and Driver calls the SE the value pick because it adds equipment like heated front seats and blind-spot monitoring, plus 18-inch wheels.
If You Want The Rugged Setup: Woodland
Toyota says Woodland is available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, and it is AWD either way.
It also adds all-terrain tires and a tow hitch receiver as standard equipment.
Ground clearance is 8.5 inches on Woodland, versus 8.1 inches on LE, XLE Premium, SE, and XSE.
If You Want Plug-In: Pick Based On Charging
Toyota offers four plug-in grades: SE, XSE, Woodland, and GR SPORT.
Here is the big charging difference:
- XSE PHEV and Woodland PHEV get an 11 kW onboard AC charger, a CCS1 port, and DC fast charging. Toyota quotes 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
- SE PHEV and GR SPORT PHEV get a 7 kW onboard charger, a J1772 port, and Level 2 charging time of about 4 hours from 10% to 80%.
My take: if you will road trip and want fast public charging stops, I start at XSE PHEV or Woodland PHEV.
GR SPORT (PHEV Only)
Toyota positions this as the handling and style trim.
It has 20-inch wheels and summer tires. Ground clearance is 7.5 inches.
That combo is great for dry grip, not great for potholes, snow, or dirt roads.
My Skip Call On The RAV4
- Skip GR SPORT if you live in a snow-belt state or you drive on rough roads. Summer tires and 7.5 inches of clearance are the wrong tools.
- Skip SE PHEV and GR SPORT PHEV if you care about DC fast charging. They do not get it.
Best Trim By Buyer Type (Quick Table)
| Buyer Type | My Equinox Pick | My RAV4 Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Commuter, Lowest Fuel Spend | Equinox LT FWD if price is everything | RAV4 LE Hybrid FWD or SE Hybrid FWD |
| Family, Daily Usability | Equinox RS or LT with the family options you want | RAV4 SE Hybrid or XLE Premium Hybrid |
| Snow-Belt Driver | Equinox AWD, lean RS or ACTIV based on tire choice | RAV4 LE AWD or SE AWD, or Woodland AWD for 8.5-inch clearance |
| Road Tripper | Equinox AWD for the 8-speed feel | RAV4 SE Hybrid AWD, or XSE PHEV if you want DC fast charging |
| Light Towing | Equinox AWD if you are under 1,500 lbs | RAV4 AWD trims rated up to 3,500 lbs, depending on grade |
If You’re Shopping Used Instead Of New
Used is where the Equinox can look like a steal on price. And it is, if you compare the right years and you verify the common weak spots.
The biggest trap is mixing generations. A 2021 to 2024 Equinox is the older design. A 2025 to 2026 Equinox is the redesign. The RAV4 flips to an all-new design for 2026.
How To “Match Years” Fairly
Here’s how I match years so the comparison is clean.
| If You’re Looking At This Used Equinox | Compare It To This RAV4 | Why It’s A Fair Match |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 to 2024 Equinox (older design) | 2019 to 2025 RAV4 (5th gen) | Same general era and feature set. Similar safety tech generation. |
| 2025 to 2026 Equinox (redesign) | 2026 RAV4 (new gen) | Both are the “current” redesigns with the newest interiors and driver assist updates. |
Then I “like-for-like” the drivetrain.
If you want AWD, compare AWD to AWD.
If you want efficiency, compare Equinox gas to RAV4 Hybrid, or go all the way to Equinox EV vs RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.
If you want towing, compare trim to trim because RAV4 towing swings a lot by configuration.
What To Inspect On A Used Equinox Vs Used RAV4
I do the same baseline checks on both.
Service history matters more than the badge.
I want oil changes documented.
I want tire dates and tread depth.
I want brake feel that is straight and smooth.
I want zero warning lights.
Then I get specific.
Used Equinox Checklist
- Confirm recalls are closed by VIN before you fall in love with it.
- Ask specifically about fuel pump recall completion on certain 2021 to 2022 Equinox models. A stall is a hard no for me.
- Cold start test. Listen for a rough idle in the first 30 seconds.
- Full-throttle merge from 30 to 70 mph. I want clean power with no surging.
- Transmission behavior check.
- 2019 to 2024 models use a 6-speed automatic. I want crisp shifts, no flare, no delay.
- 2025 to 2026 models use a CVT on FWD trims and an 8-speed automatic on AWD trims. I want steady rpm rise on the CVT with no shudder.
- Brake test at 60 to 10 mph. I want no vibration and no pull.
- ADAS check.
- Make sure lane centering and adaptive cruise behave normally.
- If the windshield has been replaced, ask who calibrated the cameras.
Used RAV4 Checklist
- Confirm recalls are closed by VIN before purchase.
- 2019 to 2021 models: check the roof rails and headliner for any signs of water intrusion.
- I look for headliner staining near the edges.
- I sniff for a musty smell after the car has been closed up.
- I check the cargo area for dampness around the rear quarter trim.
- Ask if Toyota’s roof rail water leak support program work has been performed if the vehicle qualifies.
- Hybrid specific checks.
- Verify the hybrid system has no warning messages.
- During the test drive, I want smooth transitions between electric drive and engine drive.
- Plug-in hybrid checks if you’re shopping one.
- Confirm it charges and the charge port door seals cleanly.
- Confirm the included charge cord is present.
My Simple Test Drive Script
- 5 minutes city. Stop and go. Tight turns. Speed bumps.
- 5 minutes highway. 65 to 75 mph steady. Then one hard merge.
- 5 minutes back roads. Light braking into corners. Listen for clunks.
If anything feels off, I walk. There are too many clean used crossovers out there to gamble.
Final Verdict
If you want the best odds on long-term reliability and resale, I buy the RAV4.
If you want a lower used purchase price and you can verify recall and service history, the Equinox can make sense.
My tie-breaker rule is simple. If you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles, I pick the RAV4.
FAQs
Is The Equinox Bigger Than The RAV4?
On cargo space, the RAV4 is bigger in the specs most people feel day to day. The 2026 RAV4 lists up to 37.8 cu ft behind the rear seats. The 2026 Equinox lists 29.8 cu ft behind the rear seats. If you haul strollers, coolers, or Costco runs, that difference shows up fast.
Which Has Better MPG?
If you stay gas-only, the RAV4 wins. Toyota lists up to an estimated 47 city and 40 highway for the 2026 RAV4. The 2026 Equinox gas is rated at 27 mpg combined in common FWD form. If mpg is your top priority, the RAV4 Hybrid setup is the easy pick.
Which Is More Reliable Long-Term?
Based on widely used reliability scoring, I give the edge to the RAV4. RepairPal rates the RAV4 at 4.0 out of 5.0 and ranks it near the top of compact SUVs. RepairPal rates the Equinox at 3.5 out of 5.0 and ranks it much lower in the same class. Real life still depends on maintenance.
Which Is Better In Snow?
Both can do snow well with AWD, but tires decide more than badges. Ground clearance is close. Toyota lists 8.1 inches on several 2026 RAV4 trims and 8.5 inches on Woodland. Chevrolet lists minimum ground clearance around 8.05 to 8.20 inches depending on trim. If you live in real winter, budget for a dedicated snow tire set.
Which Is Better For Towing A Small Trailer?
The RAV4 is the clear winner if towing matters. Toyota lists up to 3,500 lb towing capacity for the 2026 RAV4. The Equinox maxes out at 1,500 lb when properly equipped with AWD, and some FWD configurations are rated lower. If you plan to tow more than a small utility trailer, this one is not close.
Equinox EV Vs RAV4 Hybrid: Which Makes More Sense?
If you can charge at home and you do a lot of local miles, the Equinox EV is hard to ignore. Chevrolet lists 319 miles of EPA-estimated range with FWD and a starting price of $34,995. If you road trip a lot, or you cannot charge reliably, the RAV4 Hybrid is simpler. You just refuel in 5 minutes and keep moving.
Sources
- Chevrolet. The 2026 Equinox
- Edmunds. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Review
- Car And Driver. Chevrolet Equinox Review And Specs
- Toyota. 2026 RAV4 (Official Model Page)
- CarEdge. Toyota RAV4 Depreciation
- RepairPal. Toyota RAV4 Reliability
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I’m Meraj Sarker. I am a Car Mechanic and a student of Automobile Restoration here in Florida, USA. I’ve been studying automotive for around 9 years now. So you can rely on my recommendation. For me, studying and getting knowledge about automobile it’s really fun and entertaining. I will help you to get solutions for your car through this website. If you need any help let me know.