2022 Honda CR-V vs. Chevrolet Equinox vs Ford Escape

Competition among compact crossover SUVs has remained intense in recent years with more and more entrants joining this crowded segment. As a result, you may have run into some difficulty determining exactly which model is the best fit for your lifestyle and driving habits. Without question, one of the most popular models in this segment is the Honda CR-V. To help demonstrate how the CR-V continues to set the standard for the competition, our team at Germain Honda of College Hills has assembled this in-depth model comparison. You’ll learn exactly how the proven CR-V compares to two of its top rivals — the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape. Let’s take a closer look!
Honda CR-V vs Chevrolet Equinox


2022 Honda CR-V LX FWD | VS | 2022 Chevrolet Equinox LS FWD |
$25,750* ✓ | MSRP* (including destination charges) | $25,800* |
190 ✓ | Horsepower | 170 |
28 / 34 / 30** ✓ | MPG (city/hwy/combined)** | 26 / 31 / 28 |
Standard ✓ | Adaptive Cruise Control | Not Available |
Standard ✓ | LED Brake Lights | Not Available |
Automatic ✓ | Climate Control | Manual |
Digital ✓ | Gauge Cluster Display | Analog |
39.2 cubic feet ✓ | Rear Cargo Volume | 29.9 cubic feet |
40.1 / 41.3 inches ✓ | Front Headroom/Legroom | 40.0 / 40.9 inches |
39.2 / 40.4 inches ✓ | Rear Headroom/Legroom | 38.5 / 39.9 inches |

In our first matchup, the Honda CR-V goes up against the Chevrolet Equinox. Although they share virtually identical starting prices, the CR-V does begin with a slightly lower MSRP. Looking at performance figures, Honda continues to shine. The CR-V offers a healthy 20 additional horsepower compared to the Equinox. Perhaps even more impressively, it also tops the Equinox across all three categories of EPA-estimated fuel economy figures. More power and more efficiency? Sounds like a winner to us!
Continuing down the list of advantages of the CR-V, cutting-edge safety features are another strength of this compelling crossover SUV. Every CR-V comes standard with LED brake lights for superior rear visibility and adaptive cruise control that adds both confidence and convenience behind the wheel. You’ll also appreciate the standard digital gauges of the CR-V compared to the outdated analog unit found inside the Equinox. Automatic climate control makes it simple to keep the interior temperature comfortable for all occupants as well.
No matter which way you look at it, the Honda CR-V boasts superior room throughout the cabin compared to the Chevrolet Equinox. You’ll have more front headroom, front legroom, rear headroom, and rear headroom to help everyone stretch out and enjoy the journey. Furthermore, there’s also an extra 10 cubic feet of cargo space to help carry all of your gear and luggage on the way to your destination inside of the CR-V.
Honda CR-V vs Ford Escape


2022 Honda CR-V LX FWD | VS | 2022 Ford Escape S FWD |
$25,750* ✓ | MSRP* (including destination charges) | $25,555* |
190 ✓ | Horsepower | 181 |
Standard ✓ | Adaptive Cruise Control | Not Available |
Automatic ✓ | Climate Control | Manual |
Digital ✓ | Gauge Cluster Display | Analog |
18.7 feet ✓ | Turning Radius | 19.2 feet |
39.2 cubic feet ✓ | Rear Cargo Volume | 37.5 cubic feet |
106 cubic feet ✓ | Passenger Volume | 104 cubic feet |
57.9 cubic feet ✓ | Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 cubic feet |
Standard ✓ | Active Noise Cancellation | Not Available |

Our second matchup is where we’ll see exactly how the Honda CR-V compares to the Ford Escape. As we saw previously, these two SUVs share virtually identical starting prices when comparing base trim levels. Once again, the CR-V has the advantage when it comes to power thanks to its standard 190-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Drivers can also take advantage of the standard adaptive cruise control system included as standard on the CR-V. This sophisticated feature adds both convenience and confidence to your drive.
Shifting our focus to the interiors of both models, the Honda CR-V continues to boast several impressive advantages compared to the Ford Escape. At the touch of a button, the standard automatic climate control system of the Honda CR-V keeps the cabin comfortable for all occupants to enjoy. A digital gauge cluster display offers a more sophisticated look and easier access to critical drive information. Standard Active Noise Cancellation also helps keep the interior of CR-V quieter than the Escape.
Thanks to a short 18.7-foot turning radius, it’s easier to maneuver the Honda CR-V in or out of a tight parking space. Greater passenger volume, rear cargo volume, and front shoulder room are three additional reasons why the Honda CR-V is simply the smarter choice compared to the Ford Escape.

Winner – Honda CR-V
Now that we’ve crunched the numbers and tallied the results, the clear winner of this competitive comparison is the Honda CR-V. Both the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape are unable to compete with the impressive value, versatility, performance, and technology found across the CR-V model lineup. Ready to experience the CR-V for yourself? Our team at Germain Honda of College Hills is standing by to help you choose the model that’s perfect for your lifestyle and budget.
*MSRP includes $1,225.00 destination charge but excludes tax, license, registration, and options. Dealer sets own prices.
**(2022 CR-V) – 28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 27 city/32 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.