2027 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Toyota RAV4: Full Comparison
The 2027 Chevrolet Equinox produces 175 hp from a 1.5L turbo and pairs it with a standard 11.3-inch touchscreen on every trim. The RAV4 counters with a hybrid-only powertrain rated at 226 hp and 43 MPG combined, but carries a different ownership profile. This page breaks down every key difference so you can compare both SUVs and check current Equinox inventory at Fillback.
The Short Answer
The 2026 RAV4 wins on fuel economy and towing by a clear margin, making it the pick for high-mileage commuters and buyers who need to haul a trailer. The 2027 Equinox wins on upfront tech content, trim flexibility, and a simpler ownership equation for buyers who prefer a conventional gas engine with no hybrid-system complexity. If you log fewer miles each year and want a fully loaded cabin without stepping into hybrid territory, the Equinox is the stronger fit.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2027 Chevrolet Equinox | 2026 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 2.5L Hybrid 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 226 hp (FWD) / 236 hp (AWD) |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard / AWD available | FWD or AWD (varies by trim) |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Hybrid Electric |
| EPA City MPG | 25 (AWD: 25) | 47 (FWD LE/SE/XLE Premium) |
| EPA Highway MPG | 29 (both FWD and AWD) | 40 (FWD LE/SE/XLE Premium) |
| EPA Combined MPG | 26 (FWD) / 26 (AWD) | 43 (FWD LE/SE/XLE Premium) |
| Cargo (behind row 2) | 29.8 cu ft | 37.8 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 63.5 cu ft | 70.4 cu ft |
| Towing | 1,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs (select AWD grades) |
| Length | 183.2 in | 181.0 in |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Touchscreen | 11.3 in | 10.5 in (12.9 in available) |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Performance and Powertrain
The Equinox runs a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Output sits at 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, with FWD standard and AWD available on every trim. It tows up to 1,500 lbs and includes a Drive Mode Selector on every trim level.
The 2026 RAV4 is a full hybrid on every grade, meaning there is no gasoline-only option in the lineup. The hybrid system produces 226 hp in FWD form and 236 hp in AWD form, channeled through a CVT. That power advantage is real, but so is the powertrain complexity that comes with it. The RAV4 also tows up to 3,500 lbs on select AWD grades, which is more than twice the Equinox’s rating. Buyers who need to tow a boat, a small camper, or a utility trailer should take that number seriously.
For everyday driving around Boscobel and the surrounding area, the Equinox’s 1.5L turbo delivers responsive acceleration that suits daily errands, highway merging, and light hauling. The RAV4 hybrid’s electric torque fill gives it a quicker feel off the line.
Interior, Space and Cargo
The Equinox measures 183.2 inches in length and offers 40.9 inches of front legroom and 39.9 inches in the second row. Cargo behind the second row checks in at 29.8 cu ft, expanding to 63.5 cu ft with the rear seats folded.
The 2026 RAV4 is 181.0 inches long, slightly shorter, but its taller cargo floor yields 37.8 cu ft behind row two and 70.4 cu ft with seats folded. If raw cargo volume is the priority, the RAV4 wins that measurement by a notable gap.
On material quality, the Equinox RS and ACTIV trims include Evotex seating surfaces, with sueded microfiber on the ACTIV. The LT uses cloth. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on RS and ACTIV. Wireless phone charging is standard on RS and ACTIV as well. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard across all Equinox trims.
The 2026 RAV4 comes standard with a Drive Recorder dash cam and up to five USB-C ports throughout the cabin. The Equinox offers front and rear USB ports on every trim.
Technology and Safety
The Equinox carries an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen on every trim, paired with an 11-inch digital driver information center. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto come standard. Google built-in is integrated into the system. Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on every Equinox trim, as is the full Chevy Safety Assist suite.
Standard Equinox safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking (with Intersection and Enhanced variants), Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Reverse Automatic Braking, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Side Bicyclist Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Rear Park Assist, and an HD Rear Vision Camera. The Safety Alert Seat is also standard. That is a dense roster for a base-trim vehicle.
The 2026 RAV4 counters with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which bundles Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The RAV4’s standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is slightly larger than the Equinox’s 11-inch unit. The RAV4’s standard touchscreen is 10.5 inches, slightly smaller than the Equinox’s 11.3-inch screen, though a 12.9-inch display is available on upper trims.
The 2026 RAV4 adds a standard Drive Recorder dash cam, which the Equinox does not match at base level. Both vehicles offer wireless charging, panoramic surround camera systems (available), and OTA-capable software platforms.
Value and Ownership
Both vehicles carry a 3-year / 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2026 RAV4’s hybrid battery coverage extends to 10 years / 100,000 miles, and hybrid components are covered for 8 years / 100,000 miles. That extended battery warranty reflects the added complexity of hybrid ownership.
The Equinox includes 5G vehicle connectivity, OnStar Basics, SiriusXM with 360L trial subscription, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability on every trim. The Buckle to Drive and Teen Driver features are also standard, adding practical safety tools for families.
The 2026 RAV4’s 43 MPG combined rating means meaningfully lower fuel costs over time for high-mileage drivers. The gap narrows for buyers who drive fewer miles each year or who mostly operate on highways where the hybrid advantage shrinks.
The Equinox’s trim ladder is straightforward: LT, RS, and ACTIV, each available in FWD or AWD. That keeps the decision simple. The 2026 RAV4 runs nine trim grades, which gives more choice but also more complexity when configuring.
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2027 Equinox if:
You want a conventional gas engine with no hybrid system to manage, you value a large touchscreen and dense standard tech at entry-level trims, you do not regularly tow heavy loads, or you want a no-complication SUV for daily driving around western Wisconsin.
Choose the 2026 RAV4 if:
Fuel economy is your top purchase driver, you regularly tow near 3,500 lbs, you want more raw cargo volume, or you are specifically looking for a hybrid powertrain with long-term battery coverage.
Both SUVs seat five, carry a competitive warranty, and come with robust standard safety suites. The right answer depends entirely on how you use your vehicle.
See the 2027 Equinox at Fillback in Boscobel
Fillback Family of Dealerships carries the full 2027 Equinox lineup, including LT, RS, and ACTIV in both FWD and AWD configurations. Shoppers from across the region, including Richland Center and the surrounding communities, can check live inventory, value a trade, or schedule a no-pressure test drive today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 Chevrolet Equinox get better gas mileage than the 2026 Toyota RAV4?
No. The 2026 RAV4 earns 43 MPG combined as a hybrid, compared to 26 MPG combined for the FWD Equinox. The RAV4 has a clear efficiency advantage for high-mileage drivers.
Which SUV has more cargo space, the 2027 Equinox or the 2026 RAV4?
The 2026 RAV4 carries more cargo in both configurations. Behind the second row, the RAV4 offers 37.8 cu ft versus the Equinox’s 29.8 cu ft. With seats folded, the RAV4 reaches 70.4 cu ft versus the Equinox’s 63.5 cu ft.
Which has a bigger touchscreen, the Equinox or the 2026 RAV4?
The Equinox’s 11.3-inch screen is larger than the RAV4’s standard 10.5-inch unit. The 2026 RAV4 offers an available 12.9-inch touchscreen on upper trims that surpasses the Equinox.
Can the 2027 Equinox tow as much as the 2026 RAV4?
No. The Equinox tows up to 1,500 lbs. The 2026 RAV4 tows up to 3,500 lbs on select AWD grades. For buyers who regularly tow trailers, boats, or campers, the RAV4 holds a significant advantage.
Does the 2027 Equinox come with wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on every 2027 Equinox trim.
What safety features come standard on the 2027 Equinox?
The full Chevy Safety Assist suite is standard, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Reverse Automatic Braking, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Side Bicyclist Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Rear Park Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Is the 2026 RAV4 still available with a gas-only engine?
No. The 2026 RAV4 lineup is hybrid-only. Every grade uses Toyota’s 2.5L hybrid system. There is no conventional gasoline-only RAV4 option.
Where can I test drive the 2027 Equinox near Boscobel or Richland Center?
Fillback Family of Dealerships serves buyers across the region, with Chevrolet inventory available at the Boscobel location. Use the inventory link above to find available trims and set up a test drive.
