Equinox EV vs RAV4 Hybrid
Both the Equinox EV and the RAV4 Hybrid sit in the compact suv class, and Chevrolet and Toyota are clearly watching each other. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice.
At a glance
- Space & Practicality RAV4 Hybrid wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Space & Practicality3.0
- Space & Practicality5.9
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 Hybrid has 42% more cargo space
Big gap, real consequences. The RAV4 Hybrid’s 37.6 cu ft versus the Equinox EV’s 26.4 cu ft changes how the two compare in daily use. The RAV4 Hybrid’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The RAV4 Hybrid has 22% more maximum cargo space
The Equinox EV is clearly behind on cargo (seats folded) (57.2 cu ft against 69.8 cu ft), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
-
The Equinox EV has
On wheelbase, the Equinox EV comes in at 116.3 in and the RAV4 Hybrid at 105.9 in. Neither is better in general; it’s a trade-off between cabin space and maneuverability.
Design & Size
The RAV4 Hybrid is the smaller car here, which some buyers will see as a plus and others as a compromise.
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox EV | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | 180.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | 105.9 in |
Engine & Performance
The engine & performance data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Space & Practicality
RAV4 Hybrid leads
The space & practicality comparison is one-sided. The RAV4 Hybrid leads where it counts. The RAV4 Hybrid wins here with 42% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. If space & practicality is your priority, the RAV4 Hybrid is the car to pick.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Equinox EV: 26.4 cu ft RAV4 Hybrid: 37.6 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
Equinox EV: 57.2 cu ft RAV4 Hybrid: 69.8 cu ft The RAV4 Hybrid can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The Equinox EV and the RAV4 Hybrid match each other closely in this area. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Equinox EV | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Hybrid |
| Engine | Single-motor electric | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | N/A (not specified) | 219 hp |
| Transmission | Single-speed | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD (electronic on-demand) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox EV | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 39 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 41 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 38 mpg Best highway economy |
| Electric range | 319 mi | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox EV | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 26.4 cu ft | 37.6 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft | 69.8 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox EV | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 1,750 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox EV | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | No Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (Google built-in) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox EV | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | 180.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | 105.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Equinox EV | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,600 | N/A (not specified) |
“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 EV if…
- you like more of everything, size included
- you already use other Chevrolet products
Choose the RAV4 Hybrid if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (37.6 cu ft vs 26.4 cu ft)
- you want more room with the seats folded (69.8 cu ft vs 57.2 cu ft)
- you value compactness over sheer size
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Equinox EV or the RAV4 Hybrid?
On the specs compared here, the RAV4 Hybrid makes more sense for most buyers; the Equinox EV doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Equinox EV bigger than the RAV4 Hybrid?
The larger model here is the Equinox EV (190.6 in); the RAV4 Hybrid is more compact at 180.9 × 73 in.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Equinox EV and the RAV4 Hybrid, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. Start with the headline difference (the RAV4 Hybrid has 42% more cargo space), and a lot of the decision falls into place.
For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Equinox EV fits better. For space & practicality, the RAV4 Hybrid is the better match.
My pick: the RAV4 Hybrid.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.