Toyota 4runner vs chevy equinox: which suv reigns supreme in 2023?
What To Know
- The Equinox also has a more spacious interior and a more user-friendly infotainment system than the 4Runner.
- The Equinox also offers a variety of available features, such as a Bose premium audio system, a sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate.
- Both the Toyota 4Runner and the Chevy Equinox have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Toyota 4Runner and the Chevy Equinox are two popular midsize SUVs that cater to different types of drivers. While the 4Runner is renowned for its rugged off-road capabilities, the Equinox offers a more urban-friendly experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two vehicles to help you make an informed decision based on your driving needs and preferences.
Off-Road Prowess: Toyota 4Runner Dominates
When it comes to off-roading, the Toyota 4Runner reigns supreme. Its rugged body-on-frame construction, powerful engine options, and advanced 4×4 system give it exceptional capabilities on rough terrain. The 4Runner’s TRD Pro trim level further enhances its off-road capabilities with features like a lifted suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires.
In contrast, the Chevy Equinox is not designed for serious off-roading. It has a unibody construction, which is less durable than a body-on-frame design, and its all-wheel drive system is not as capable as the 4Runner’s 4×4 system.
On-Road Comfort and Handling: Chevy Equinox Edges Out
For everyday driving on paved roads, the Chevy Equinox offers a more comfortable and composed experience. Its unibody construction provides a smoother ride than the 4Runner’s body-on-frame design, and its suspension is tuned for a more car-like feel. The Equinox also has a more spacious interior and a more user-friendly infotainment system than the 4Runner.
Towing and Payload Capacity: Toyota 4Runner Pulls Ahead
If you need an SUV that can handle heavy loads, the Toyota 4Runner has a clear advantage. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the Equinox’s 3,500 pounds. The 4Runner also has a higher payload capacity of 1,700 pounds, compared to the Equinox’s 1,574 pounds.
Fuel Economy: Chevy Equinox Wins the Efficiency Battle
Fuel economy is an important consideration for many SUV buyers. The Chevy Equinox has a significant advantage over the Toyota 4Runner in this area. With its smaller engine and more aerodynamic body, the Equinox gets better gas mileage than the 4Runner. The Equinox’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings range from 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway for the base model to 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway for the turbocharged RS trim level. The 4Runner, on the other hand, has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city/20 mpg highway for the base model and 16 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the TRD Pro trim level.
Interior Space and Versatility: Chevy Equinox Offers More Room
The Chevy Equinox has a more spacious interior than the Toyota 4Runner. It has more headroom, legroom, and cargo space than the 4Runner. The Equinox’s rear seats also fold down flat to create a large cargo area. The 4Runner’s rear seats also fold down flat, but the cargo area is not as large as the Equinox’s.
Technology and Features: Chevy Equinox Stays Ahead
The Chevy Equinox has a more advanced infotainment system than the Toyota 4Runner. It comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Equinox also offers a variety of available features, such as a Bose premium audio system, a sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate. The 4Runner’s infotainment system is not as user-friendly as the Equinox’s, and it does not offer as many features.
Safety Features: Toyota 4Runner and Chevy Equinox Score High
Both the Toyota 4Runner and the Chevy Equinox have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 4Runner received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Equinox received a 4-star overall safety rating. The IIHS named the 4Runner a Top Safety Pick+ and the Equinox a Top Safety Pick.
Price and Value: Toyota 4Runner Costs More
The Toyota 4Runner has a higher starting price than the Chevy Equinox. The base model 4Runner starts at $38,040, while the base model Equinox starts at $27,700. However, the 4Runner offers more standard features than the Equinox, such as a 4×4 system, a locking rear differential, and hill start assist.
Final Note: Toyota 4Runner vs. Chevy Equinox – A Choice Between Ruggedness and Refinement
Ultimately, the best choice between the Toyota 4Runner and the Chevy Equinox depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need an SUV that can handle serious off-roading, the 4Runner is the clear choice. However, if you prefer a more comfortable and fuel-efficient SUV for everyday driving, the Equinox is a better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading, the Toyota 4Runner or the Chevy Equinox?
A: The Toyota 4Runner is better for off-roading than the Chevy Equinox. It has a more rugged body-on-frame construction, a more powerful engine, and a more advanced 4×4 system.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Toyota 4Runner or the Chevy Equinox?
A: The Chevy Equinox has better fuel economy than the Toyota 4Runner. The Equinox’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings range from 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway to 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway, while the 4Runner’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings range from 17 mpg city/20 mpg highway to 16 mpg city/19 mpg highway.
Q: Which SUV has more interior space, the Toyota 4Runner or the Chevy Equinox?
A: The Chevy Equinox has more interior space than the Toyota 4Runner. It has more headroom, legroom, and cargo space than the 4Runner.