Equinox vs 2025 RAV4
The Equinox and the RAV4 are direct rivals in the compact suv class, one from Chevrolet and one from Toyota. It’s a tight one. Few of the gaps between these two are big enough to change how the car fits into your day.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance RAV4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Engine & Performance0.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The RAV4 has 28 hp more power
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 203 hp for the RAV4 versus 175 hp for the Equinox. The RAV4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Equinox has 19 lb-ft more torque
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Equinox: 203 lb-ft compared with 184 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 180.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 105.9 in |
Engine & Performance
RAV4 leads
In the engine & performance category, the RAV4 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The RAV4 pulls ahead with 28 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The Equinox gives you 19 lb-ft more torque. In short, the RAV4 is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
Equinox: 175 hp RAV4: 203 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Equinox: 203 lb-ft RAV4: 184 lb-ft The Equinox’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the Equinox and the RAV4 cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Equinox | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 175 hp | 203 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft (winner) | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | N/A (not specified) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 35 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 37.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 69.8 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 37.80 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.40 in |
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.5 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 180.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 105.9 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Equinox if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (203 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Chevrolet does things
Choose the RAV4 if…
- you want more power (203 hp vs 175 hp)
- you prefer staying with Toyota
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Equinox or the RAV4?
The RAV4 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if what you want most is 19 lb-ft more torque.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the Equinox against the RAV4 is exactly that. The biggest reason I lean toward the RAV4 is simple: it has 28 hp more power. Where the Equinox fights back is 19 lb-ft more torque.
A quick self-test: do you care more about pulling power or engine & performance? The first answer means the Equinox, the second means the RAV4.
My pick: the RAV4, though the Equinox makes sense if you specifically want 19 lb-ft more torque, where the Equinox has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.