Compare the 2026 Honda CR-V to the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox in Great Falls, MT
It’s easy to feel a rush of excitement when you decide it’s time for a brand-new SUV to conquer the roads of Montana, but it can quickly turn into a daunting task when you realize just how many options are out there. Suddenly, you're faced with big questions: Which model truly suits your family's daily routine, whether you're navigating the streets of Helena or running errands right here in Great Falls? What features are absolutely essential for your commute, and which ones are just nice to have? You might be carefully comparing everything from standard engine specs, like horsepower and torque, to available advanced technology and safety features. At Great Falls Honda, located right here in Great Falls, MT, we understand that the car-buying journey can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to make it easier and completely hassle-free. That’s why we’ve put together this handy, side-by-side comparison page, pitting the well-rounded 2026 Honda CR-V compact crossover against one of its main rivals, the plucky 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. On this page, you’ll take a deep dive into the most important specs and features of both vehicles. For example, you’ll discover that while the Equinox offers a bit more standard torque, the CR-V pulls ahead with its superior 190 standard horsepower and impressive 33-mpg highway fuel economy, proving that it ultimately comes out on top for power and efficiency combined, as well as other features. We invite you to read through our detailed breakdown to see all the advantages for yourself, and then contact us to schedule a test drive to experience the winning 2026 Honda CR-V right here in Great Falls, Montana.
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Design & Exterior Features
Both the 2026 CR-V and the 2026 Equinox start with 17-inch wheels and all-season tires for incredible grip and handling in any weather. LED headlights and taillights are standard fare for both SUVs, offering great visibility whether you're driving city streets, carving up a dark canyon road, or traveling the highway. While both models offer rain-sensing wipers on higher trim levels, only the CR-V can boast a standard heated wiper zone for quicker starting times during inclement weather. You'll need to pay more for the same feature on the Equinox. Both vehicles offer a power moonroof and roof rails available on higher trim levels. The power tailgate with programmable height is a feature exclusive to the CR-V, not available on the Equinox.
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Comfort & Technology
Both 2026 SUVs seat 5 comfortably with similar head- and legroom, the CR-V just edging out the win in passenger volume and offering over 20% more cargo space than the Equinox. You'll find heated front seats available on the higher trim levels of the CR-V for the ultimate comfort, while both models come with single-zone automatic climate controls, or you can jump trim levels of both for a dual-zone climate control. Leather-trimmed upholstery is available on the CR-V for a touch of luxury, a feature not found on the Equinox. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity is standard on both SUVs, but you'll only find seamless audio streaming through Bluetooth® on the CR-V, as well as standard wireless phone charging.
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Performance
You'll find a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder under the hood of the 2026 CR-V, generating a solid 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. If you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, the CR-V offers a hybrid option, something you won't find on the 2026 Equinox. You will find a 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder powertrain that makes 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Standard Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are features that are only found on the CR-V. Both the CR-V and the Equinox are front-wheel drive machines with the option for all-wheel drive. Both SUVs are mated to a CVT, but the CR-V gets up to 33 MPG on the highway and can tow up to 1,500 lbs, while the Equinox only gets up to 29 highway MPG, and while it can handle towing 1,500 lbs on an AWD model, the FWD model can only tow up to 800 lbs.
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Safety
Safety is a main concern for both Honda and Chevrolet, which is why they both come standard with the latest in safety features and driver assist technology. The Honda Sensing® suite includes exclusive features such as the Road Departure Mitigation System and Traffic Jam Assist, which are standard on the CR-V, whereas the Traffic Sign Recognition System is only available on the higher trim levels of the Equinox, costing you more. Standard fare on both SUVs consists of Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, and a Cross-Traffic Monitor for extra safety in crowded parking lots.
2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Overall Value
When you compare the efficient performance and refined features of the 2026 Honda CR-V head-to-head with the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, the choice for your next compact crossover becomes clear. While the Equinox offers competitive features, the CR-V distinguishes itself with superior standard horsepower and an impressive highway fuel economy rating, making it the smarter choice for both daily drives and longer journeys across Montana. From its compelling performance to its overall design and value, the 2026 Honda CR-V consistently pulls ahead of the competition. We encourage you to stop by Great Falls Honda right here in Great Falls, MT, to see the winning difference for yourself. Whether you’re taking the quick 90-minute drive from Helena, our friendly team is ready to help you schedule a test drive and answer any questions you may have about your next new vehicle.
 | 2026 Honda CR-V | 2026 Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 1.5-Liter 4-Cylinder | 1.5-Liter 4-Cylinder |
| Standard Horsepower | 190 | 175 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 179 | 203 |
| Standard Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Standard Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Standard Fuel Economy (MPG) | 86 City / 33 Highway | 26 City / 29 Highway |
| Standard Wheels | 17-inch Steel | 17-inch Aluminum |
| Standard Headlights | LED | LED |
| Apple CarPlay® | Wireless | Wireless |
| Blind Spot Warning | Available | Standard |
