Chevrolet Equinox vs Honda CR-V
The Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V are two of America's best-selling compact SUVs, perpetually neck-and-neck in showrooms and parking lots alike. Shoppers cross-shop them because both offer practical family-friendly packaging, respectable fuel economy, and strong used-market availability — but their long-term ownership costs tell surprisingly different stories. Understanding the true 5-year cost beyond the sticker price can save a buyer thousands of dollars.
Despite its higher purchase price, the 2022 CR-V's superior resale value, lower repair frequency, and better fuel economy close the gap quickly, resulting in a lower true 5-year cost and a stronger ownership experience overall.
2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Lower purchase price reduces initial outlay and loan payments
- Widely available parts keep routine maintenance affordable
- Lower insurance premiums on average due to lower vehicle value
- Weaker resale value means higher depreciation cost over time
- 1.5T engine has documented oil dilution issues that can raise repair costs
- Below-average reliability ratings increase risk of out-of-pocket repairs
2022 Honda CR-V
Winner- Significantly stronger resale value offsets higher purchase price
- Honda's proven reliability record means fewer unexpected repair bills
- Slightly better real-world fuel economy lowers monthly energy costs
- Higher purchase price means larger down payment or loan amount
- Marginally higher insurance cost due to greater vehicle value
- Maintenance costs slightly higher due to Honda dealer pricing on some items
Category by category
The verdict
Over a full 5-year ownership cycle, the 2022 Honda CR-V edges out the Equinox by roughly $1,380 in total cost of ownership despite its higher sticker price — primarily thanks to depreciation and reliability advantages. The Equinox is not a bad choice, especially for shorter ownership windows or buyers prioritizing lower monthly payments, but the CR-V delivers better value for most typical buyers. If you're financing and keeping the vehicle for 5 or more years, the CR-V's higher price tag is genuinely worth it.
Chevrolet Equinox: The 2022 Equinox is best for budget-conscious buyers who want to minimize upfront costs and near-term monthly payments and plan to sell or trade within 3 years.
Honda CR-V: The 2022 CR-V is best for buyers who plan to own the vehicle 4–6 years or longer and want lower long-term risk, stronger resale, and Honda's proven reliability track record.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
The 2022 Equinox is rated near-average for reliability; its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine has documented oil dilution concerns in cold climates, which is worth monitoring with regular oil changes.
Does the Honda CR-V hold its value better than the Equinox?
Yes — the CR-V consistently retains 55–58% of its value after 5 years compared to the Equinox's 46–50%, making it a significantly stronger resale performer.
Which gets better gas mileage, the 2022 Equinox or 2022 CR-V?
The 2022 CR-V averages about 30 MPG combined versus the Equinox's 28 MPG combined, saving roughly $100–$120 per year at typical US gas prices for a 12,000-mile driver.
Is the 2022 CR-V worth the extra $2,500 over the Equinox?
For buyers keeping the vehicle 4+ years, yes — the CR-V's lower depreciation and repair costs more than recover the price difference, resulting in a lower overall 5-year cost.
Which is cheaper to insure, the Equinox or the CR-V?
The Equinox is generally $80–$120 cheaper per year to insure due to its lower market value, though rates vary significantly by driver profile, location, and coverage level.