Toyota RAV4 vs. Chevrolet Equinox Review

Utility
The RAV4 compact SUV has seating for up to seven occupants when equipped with a 50/50-split folding third-row seat on either cloth or leather upholstery. The RAV4 beats the five-seat Equinox crossover in every interior volume category except for rear legroom where it trails at 38.3 inches compared to 39.9 inches. However, the most notable difference is in maximum luggage capacity, where the RAV4 offers 36.4 cubic feet compared to the Equinox's 31.4 cubic feet. At 187.8 inches, the Equinox is nearly six inches longer than the RAV4 and offers a longer wheelbase at 112.5 inches compared to 104.7 inches. The RAV4 features nine more cupid feet of maximum cargo capacity and eight more cubic feet of maximum passenger capacity than the Equinox, but both can tow up to 1,500 pounds. A roof rack is available on the RAV4, but not on the Equinox.

Performance
Both vehicles offer a V-6 engine option and can be had in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations. The RAV4 can be equipped with a 179-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-4 or a 269-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to a four- or five-speed automatic transmission, while the Equinox is powered by a 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-4 or 264-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with auto-manual shift.

Fuel Economy
When it comes to fuel efficiency, both the RAV4 and Equinox have comparable city mpg ratings; however, the Equinox is slightly more fuel efficient on the highway. EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the RAV4 range between 19-22 mpg in the city and 26-28 mpg on the highway compared to the Equinox's 17-22 mpg in the city and 24-32 on the highway. If you're concerned about your carbon footprint, the Equinox emits 7.1 tons of carbon annually while the RAV4 emits 7.7 tons.

Technology
Both the RAV4 and Equinox offer similar optional features, including integrated XM Radio, a navigation system and backseat entertainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats and a moonroof. A Sports Appearance Package for the RAV4 includes an upgraded JBL sound system, Bluetooth hands-free capability, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a backup camera.

Safety
The RAV4 is equipped with a full compliment of airbags, active front head restraints, antilock brakes with brake assist (only RAV4) and an electronic stability control system while the Equinox adds traction control and stolen vehicle tracking.

Five-Year Cost of Ownership
The RAV4's five-year ownership costs are $36,837, which also consists largely of depreciation (34%), fuel (24%), and financing (10%).
The Equinox's five-year ownership costs are $40,619, which includes depreciation (38%), fuel (20%), insurance (13%) and financing (10%).

Other
The Equinox has been completely redesigned inside and out for 2010. The RAV4's Sport Appearance Package, available on two-wheel-drive, four-cylinder Sport models, is a new feature for 2010. An optional JBL audio system with hands-free Bluetooth capability and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls is available on the Sport trim and a backup camera is a new option for base models.