2019 Toyota RAV4 vs 2019 Equinox

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Americans are known for driving larger vehicles in comparison to our European and Canadian neighbors. Here’s a simple illustration of how true this is. In 2013, larger vehicles accounted for 63 percent of total auto sales in the US, but only 25.4 percent of total auto sales outside the US. In fact, as General Motors’ manufacturing decisions reflect, some cars are gradually disappearing from the US market.

2019 Toyota RAV4

However, not everyone wants to drive around a big Chevy Silverado, leaving a niche that has been occupied by smaller SUVs for the past half a decade or so. Two top contenders in this niche are the 2019 Chevy Equinox and the 2019 Toyota RAV4. So, let’s see who emerges as a clear winner when you match the Equinox vs RAV4.

The Overview

Before we start going through each category one by one, here is a brief overview of what the 2019 Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 bring to the table.

Already, it’s clear to see that the Chevy Equinox features a much more budget-friendly price tag than the Toyota RAV4. You can also expect to save even more on the cost of gas while offering more power and torque. The Toyota RAV4, however, does offer more cargo room and offers more options via its many trims.

Detailed Specs

Most buyers will have already made their decision about which of the two small SUVs are likely to deliver more value for their money. However, the true connoisseurs will want to know the details by peering beneath the surface. So, here are some further details of this Chevrolet Equinox vs Toyota RAV4 comparison.

Powertrain & Drivetrain

Both the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 feature a type of dual-clutch transmission, though the DSG is a much more simplified version. The RAV4 also has an ECVT option. All three transmissions are known for maximizing fuel efficiency, but the DCT used by Chevy is also known for maximizing torque and towing capacity while allowing the driver to maintain more control over the vehicle. It’s no wonder that DCT systems are common in sports cars, such as those made by BMW.

There are no real differences between the RAV4 and Equinox for the drivetrain. Both SUVs offer front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The two main benefits of FWD are improved fuel efficiency and towing capacity. Even so, AWD is useful if you live in snow-prone areas and frequent dirt roads.

Engine

Both the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 carry 4-cylinder engines. The RAV4 uses a 2.5L engine but lacks a turbo boost. The company does attempt to make up for this by substituting the electric motor for a turbo on its hybrid trims.

In contrast, the Equinox offers turbo as a standard feature and utilizes three different engines, based on the trim.

• 5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine
• 6L Turbo-Diesel 4-cylinder engine
• 0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine

These variations are what gives the Equinox up to 252 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft of torque, blowing the RAV4 out of the water in power and speed.

Safety Ratings

Motor-vehicular accidents are one of the many risks we take when we get behind the wheel, even for the most responsible drivers. Fortunately, when it comes to safety in the event of an accident, the Chevy Equinox keeps you fully protected. According to Car Gurus, the Equinox scores 5-star NHTSA ratings on all the following categories.

• Overall
• Front Crash Overall
• Side Crash Overall
• Front Crash Driver
• Front Crash Passenger
• Side Barrier Driver
• Side Barrier Passenger
• Side Pole Driver

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this comparison, the NHTSA had not yet published the safety ratings for the 2019 Toyota RAV4.

Safety Features

While there are not yet any safety ratings published for the RAV4, its safety features are public knowledge and have been praised in the media. Let’s see how well it compares with the safety features of the Chevy Equinox.

Differing Safety Features

Back Seat Reminder

Believe it or not, Forgotten Baby Syndrome is a real phenomenon where otherwise responsible parents somehow forget their baby in the back seat. An average of 37 children die after being forgotten in hot cars each year. Chevy’s back seat reminder helps to ensure your family never faces this tragedy. Toyota’s RAV4 does not include this feature.

Comfort Guides

Many people wrongly believe that buckling up in the back seat is optional when it comes to safety, and kids who find seatbelts uncomfortable may also find this trend attractive. Comfort guides provide a snug fit to encourage kids to buckle up and reduce the possibility of injury in the event of an accident. The Toyota RAV4 does not have comfort guides in the back seats.

Standard OnStar

OnStar provides drivers with peace of mind by providing assistance should you ever need it. The system uses a GPS receiver and cellular system to assist with everything from unlocking your car doors when you’ve locked your keys inside to sending help if you’ve been in an accident. Toyota offers Safety Connect in place of this, which features automatic collision notification, an emergency assistance button, roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle locator. However, the Safety Connect features are not standard on all models.

Similar Safety Features

Despite the obvious differences, there are some safety features shared by both the Toyota RAV4 and Chevy Equinox. Here are a few of them:

• Electronic stability systems to prevent skidding
• Four-wheel antilock brakes
• Crash mitigating brakes
• Rearview cameras
• Rear cross-path warning
• Traction control
• Front seatbelt pre-tensioners
• Daytime running lights
• Lane departure warning systems
• Blind spot warning systems

Convenience Features

Once safety is taken care of, the next big-ticket item on the list of an informed car-buyer is convenience. What are the features that make these cars fun to drive? What makes you want to get behind the wheel at 6:00 AM on a Monday morning?

Smart Power Windows

No, not the smart that runs apps, but the kind of smart that is practical. Both vehicles have power windows that can be locked from the driver’s side. When this feature is engaged in a RAV4, neither the passengers nor drivers can operate the windows. In an Equinox, the driver is still able to operate the windows from the main panel in the door. Additionally, while the front and back windows in an Equinox feature one-touch functionality, this is only available for the driver’s window in a RAV4.

Remote Vehicle Starting

Just ten years ago, the idea of starting cars remotely was the stuff of James Bond films. Now, remote start is available on many vehicles, including some Equinox trims. Drivers can also lower the windows from a distance if they need to. Neither of these features is available on the 2019 Toyota RAV4.

Easy Entry

Getting in and out of the car can become a real hassle for drivers who are pregnant, injured, or elderly. The Equinox Premier trim seeks to remedy this by sliding the driver seat back when the door is unlocked, creating more room to maneuver. The RAV4 does not provide a similar feature.

Exterior Pad

We’ve all locked our keys in the car at some point—or at least come dangerously close. If this happens with the LS, LT and Premier trims of the Equinox, you can use the exterior pad to let yourself in. If this happens with a RAV4, you may need to call a locksmith.

Standard Heated Mirrors

If you live in an area where cold and fog is a constant problem, you know how beneficial it is to have heated mirrors. This feature is standard on all Equinox trims but is only available for Toyota’s XLE, SE, Limited, Platinum and Adventure trims.

Heated Seats

When the cold weather settles in, heated seats can make all the difference in the early morning or after a long day. The RAV4 and the Equinox both offer heated front seats, but only the Equinox also offers heated rear seats as an optional add-on.

Insurance Costs

Car insurance is expensive, and if you live in cities like Atlanta or Chicago, it may climb higher and higher every year. So naturally, insurance cost can be a real deciding factor for whether or not a vehicle is affordable. An estimate from The Complete Car Cost Guide proposed $295 as the amount Chevrolet Equinox drivers can expect to save over a period of five years, compared to owners of the Toyota RAV4.

The Verdict

So, what have we learned from this Equinox vs RAV4 rivalry? Both vehicles are well-built and bring a myriad of features to the table. However, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is likely to cost you more money off the lot, at the gas station, and when you ensure it. The Chevy Equinox costs comparatively less in all these areas, while also providing value for your money and a brand you can count on.

Are you ready to test a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox for yourself? Find an Equinox for sale near you at your local Valley Chevy dealer and schedule your appointment today.

Joe has been closely associated with the automotive industry for the past 10 years. He worked closely with dealerships at his previous job with the Charlotte Observer, who had a partnership with Cars.com. At his current role, he is actively involved in promoting the Chevy brand in the Phoenix-Metro area along with Valley Chevy.