Living in a coastal city like Gulfport means balancing everyday commuting with weekend adventures, and having a car that can handle both well is key. The Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V are two of the best compact SUVs for 2026, thanks to their efficient engines and strong resale value. Both are great options for commuting along I-10 or heading to the beach, but they cater to slightly different preferences. So, which is best for you? This guide will compare the Honda CR-V vs. the Chevrolet to help you decide which you prefer.
Powertrain and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Every 2026 Equinox model uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This version is available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) form and pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available all-wheel drive (AWD) bumps torque to around 203 lb-ft and swaps in an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup is tuned for everyday drivability and smooth acceleration (0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds) rather than outright performance, making it well-suited for city traffic and coastal highway cruising.
The 2026 Honda CR-V lineup offers a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a CVT in either FWD or AWD. With its more potent engine, it’s slightly quicker than the Equinox with a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. When comparing the two, Gulfport families who do long commutes or frequent regional trips will find the CR-V a more powerful and responsive drive, while the Equinox offers a simpler, lower-cost powertrain and the same traction benefits of available AWD for stormy or slick Gulf Coast conditions.
Fuel Efficiency
The most efficient Equinox and CR-Vs are the FWD models. The Equinox is rated at 26 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with FWD, or 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with AWD. The CR-V is rated at 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with FWD, or 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with AWD. This means the AWD Equinox or the CR-V are better options for Gulfport drivers who tend to drive longer distances or on longer commutes.
Interior Tech and Display Upgrades
The latest Equinox is all about in-cabin technology, offering two large digital displays on the dash. The first is an 11.3-inch infotainment display, and the second is an 11-inch digital gauge cluster that gives you all the main need-to-know information at a glance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and an optional phone charger help Gulfport drivers stay connected on Highway 49 or during family road trips without juggling cords.
Honda equips the 2026 CR-V with a respectable, but smaller 9-inch infotainment system, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Built-in navigation, two USB-C ports, and a wireless phone charger are also included to help you get around Gulfport. For tech-focused buyers who want a “new-school” dashboard with clear digital displays and a polished user experience at an attainable price, the Equinox has a noticeable edge.
Space, Comfort, and Everyday Functionality
Both SUVs seat five and offer generous cargo areas that can easily accommodate strollers, groceries, or beach gear. The Equinox offers 29.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, or 63.5 cubic feet overall. The CR-V is known for slightly more overall cargo volume and rear-seat legroom, at 39.3 and 76.5 cubic feet, respectively. This gives it a slight advantage for those who want maximum interior space.
The Equinox is fitted with Chevrolet Safety Assist, which includes many standard features to help you stay safe on major highways. Even the base model comes with an HD rear-view camera, forward collision alert, a safety alert seat, rear parking assistance, and rear cross-traffic braking. Honda matches some of these, but lacks parking sensors and rear cross-traffic braking, and you need to pay for the higher trims to unlock these extra features.
Price and Value for Gulport Families
The 2026 Equinox starts at a respectable MSRP of $32,495 for the base model, making it one of the more affordable entries in the compact SUV class, given its stock of standard equipment. The base LT trim offers a potent mix of comfort, tech, and safety for the money, and the RS ($37,395) and ACTIV ($37,395) add style or adventurous flair without a significant price jump. The 2026 CR-V starts at a lower MSRP of $30,920 for the base LX model, but climbs to a much higher price point, peaking at $42,250 for the Sport Touring Hybrid.
For Gulfport families watching their budgets, the Equinox’s lower starting price and rich standard equipment, including Chevy Safety Assist, help reduce the need to climb the trim ladder just to get must-have features. Combined with Chevrolet’s incentives and dealership financing options, it generally offers a more attainable path to a well-equipped, modern compact SUV.
Final recommendation: Why Equinox Is the Smarter Choice
When weighing the 2026 Equinox vs. 2026 Honda CR-V, Gulfport shoppers will find that the CR-V edges ahead on maximum fuel economy (especially in hybrid form) and slightly more overall cargo space. Yet, the Equinox counters with a more budget-friendly entry price, a tech-forward cabin, the unique ACTIV trim for light adventure, and a very generous standard safety and driver-assist package that make it feel upscale without the upscale cost.
For many families in Gulfport, Biloxi, and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, that combination of affordability, strong safety tech, and user-friendly infotainment makes the 2026 Equinox the more compelling all-around value in the compact SUV segment.
Explore the 2026 Equinox at Turan Foley
If you’re ready to experience the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, browse our current inventory online to compare trims like LT, RS, and ACTIV side by side and see which configuration fits your needs best. From here, you can apply for financing from home, value a trade, and then contact Turan Foley Chevrolet to schedule a test drive and see the Equinox’s tech, comfort, and safety features in person. Shoppers who want an SUV that feels modern, connected, and secure (without stretching the family budget) will find the 2026 Equinox well-suited to Gulfport’s mix of coastal commuting, school runs, and weekend adventures.
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