The short answer
The 2026 Chevy Equinox starts at $28,800 — roughly $4,550 less than the RAV4 LE's $33,350. The RAV4 has gone hybrid-only for 2026, delivering 44 mpg combined versus the Equinox gas model's 27 mpg. The RAV4 also depreciates only 30.3% over five years versus the Equinox's 49.6% (iSeeCars). The Equinox costs less upfront; the RAV4 costs less over time.
How do the 2026 Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 compare on price?
The Equinox is the cheaper entry point by about $4,550. The 2026 Equinox LS starts at $28,800 before destination — the most affordable base price in the mainstream compact SUV segment. The 2026 RAV4 LE FWD starts at $33,350 including the $1,450 destination charge. The gap narrows at comparable trim levels.
One key note: the 2026 RAV4 is hybrid-only — Toyota dropped the gas-only powertrain. If you want a gas-only compact SUV, the Equinox is now the direct comparison; if you want a hybrid, the RAV4 is the benchmark. See Autoblog's 2026 head-to-head for the full trim breakdown, and our CR-V vs. RAV4 and Tucson vs. RAV4 matchups for more rivals.
Which gets better fuel economy — the Equinox or the RAV4?
The RAV4 wins decisively. The 2026 RAV4 Hybrid FWD is rated 48 city / 42 highway / 44 combined mpg; the AWD version returns 45 / 39 / 42 combined. The Equinox gas model gets 26 city / 29 highway / 27 combined (FWD). Over 15,000 miles a year at $3.50 a gallon, the RAV4 saves roughly $600–$700 annually on fuel.
Over five years, that fuel saving offsets a significant portion of the RAV4's higher purchase price. Because the RAV4 is hybrid-only for 2026, every trim is efficient — there is no inefficient base model to avoid. For the hybrid-versus-gas math in depth, see our RAV4 Hybrid vs. gas guide.
Which is more reliable: the Equinox or the RAV4?
The RAV4 has the stronger record. Consumer Reports gives the RAV4 a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 and recommends it; the Equinox scores 7.7 out of 10, rated "much less reliable than average" in recent model years. Toyota's hybrid system has a multi-decade track record across the Camry and RAV4 lineups.
If long-term reliability is your primary concern, the RAV4 is the safer bet. Toyota has topped reliability rankings for years, and its hybrid drivetrain is one of the most proven in the industry. The Equinox is a competent vehicle, but its recent reliability scores trail the segment leaders.
How do they compare on cargo space and towing capacity?
The RAV4 carries more and tows more. It offers 37.8 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seat versus the Equinox's 29.8, and tows up to 3,500 lbs on AWD trims versus the Equinox's 1,500 lbs. If you occasionally pull a small trailer, boat, or camper, the RAV4's 3,500-lb rating is a meaningful advantage.
| Measure | Chevy Equinox | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (2026) | $28,800 (LS, gas) | $33,350 (LE, hybrid) |
| Combined MPG (FWD) | 27 (gas) | 44 (hybrid) |
| Consumer Reports reliability | 7.7 / 10 | 8.2 / 10 |
| Cargo behind rear seat | 29.8 cu ft | 37.8 cu ft |
| Max towing | 1,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs (AWD) |
| 5-year depreciation | 49.6% | 30.3% |
The Equinox's lower cargo volume is partly offset by its more competitive base price. Figures from Autoblog, manufacturer specs, and Consumer Reports; exact numbers vary by trim and drivetrain.
Which compact SUV holds its value better?
The RAV4 retains significantly more value. According to iSeeCars data, the RAV4 loses 30.3% of its value after five years; the Equinox loses 49.6% — a 19-percentage-point gap. On a $33,350 purchase, that difference amounts to roughly $6,400 more value retained for the RAV4 buyer.
Combined with lower fuel costs and higher reliability, the RAV4's total cost of ownership is typically lower over five or more years despite the higher sticker price. The Equinox's advantage is concentrated entirely at the moment of purchase. For the bigger picture on what a car really costs to keep, see our annual cost of ownership guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a gas-only RAV4 in 2026?
No. Toyota discontinued the gas-only RAV4 for the 2026 model year; the entire 2026 RAV4 lineup is hybrid. If you want a gas-only Toyota compact SUV, you would need to look at a 2025 or earlier RAV4 gas model used, or consider a different brand.
What is the Chevy Equinox EV — is it the same as the gas Equinox?
No. The Equinox EV is a separate all-electric model starting at $34,995 and is not the same vehicle as the gas Equinox, which starts at $28,800. The Equinox EV competes more directly with the RAV4 hybrid on price and efficiency; the gas Equinox competes on price-entry alone.
Which is safer — the Equinox or the RAV4?
Both earn strong safety ratings. The 2026 Equinox received a TOP SAFETY PICK designation from IIHS. The RAV4 has consistently earned high NHTSA and IIHS scores. Verify the latest ratings at iihs.org for the specific trim you're buying, as ratings can vary by optional safety package.
Is the Equinox worth buying over the RAV4 if I'm on a tight budget?
If your budget constrains you to under $30,000, the Equinox LS is hard to beat for new-car value — no other mainstream compact SUV starts lower. If you can stretch to $33,000-plus, the RAV4's fuel savings and residual value make it less expensive over a 5-year ownership period.
Sources
CarsLens is editorial guidance, not individualized advice. This comparison draws on Autoblog's 2026 RAV4 vs. Equinox comparison, Consumer Reports reliability ratings, iSeeCars depreciation data, EPA fuel-economy estimates, and manufacturer specifications.