- [Narrator] Since its 1996 debut,
the Toyota RAV4 has been one of America's top SUV choices
thanks to its great blend of everyday versatility,
efficiency and capability,
both on and off the road.
Now in its fifth generation,
the 2021 RAV4 family
pushes that mission statement farther than ever.
The small-SUV segment is as competitive as it gets,
with each year bringing more and more new entrants
seeking to challenge RAV4's claim,
like the Chevrolet Equinox.
Let's see how the two stack up.
With six gas grades, five hybrid grades,
and two plug-in hybrid grades,
there's a RAV4 to suit everyone's needs.
More than just comfortable and capable,
RAV4's standard safety equipment
includes eight airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.
RAV4 is ready for adventure with available traction features
like Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive
and Multi-terrain Select.
When it comes to long-term cost estimates,
like depreciation,
RAV4's IntelliChoice Value Ratings
put it ahead of the competition.
RAV4 packs a punch in the performance department,
with a standard 203-horsepower engine
that has an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined rating
and a 1,500-pound towing capacity on most gas models.
Meanwhile, the supremely capable
Adventure and TRD Off-Road grades
can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive
with Rear Driveline Disconnect is available,
as is Toyota's Multi-terrain Select,
which offers specific behavior
for differing driving conditions.
Meanwhile, a 219 net-horsepower hybrid powertrain
offers standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive,
an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined rating,
and a 1,750-pound towing capacity.
Finally, RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid
brings a whopping 302 net horsepower,
standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive,
an EPA-estimated 94 MPGe combined rating,
and a 2,500-pound towing capacity.
Equinox is only offered with a 170-horsepower engine.
It's also less fuel efficient compared with RAV4,
having an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined rating.
Like RAV4, Equinox can also tow 1,500 pounds,
and while all-wheel drive is available,
it lacks the off-road capability systems available on RAV4.
Every RAV4 benefits from Toyota's
resolute commitment to safety.
Eight airbags are designed to deploy
in the event of certain emergencies,
and standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0
brings advanced features
like Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
and Road Sign Assist.
Equinox offers six airbags,
and while Chevy Safety Assist is standard,
it lacks tech like road sign detection
and Adaptive Cruise Control,
the latter of which is only available on the Premier grade
as part of an extra-cost package.
RAV4 is at the top of its game in the tech department,
starting with an available digital rearview mirror,
and a standard 7- or available 8- or 9-inch touchscreen,
all of which offer standard compatibility for Apple CarPlay,
which connects drivers to Apple Music, Maps, Messages,
and other favorite apps from your iPhone.
In addition, Android Auto compatibility
makes it easy to stay connected to Android devices,
while Amazon Alexa connectivity
keeps Amazon's digital assistant just a question away.
Plus, there's also a standard three-month
SiriusXM All Access trial subscription
to more than 300 satellite radio stations
accessible throughout the country.
If that wasn't enough,
a Wi-Fi Connect trial is also standard.
Equinox's touchscreens are the same size,
and it has Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto compatibility as well.
That said, it lacks the convenience of Amazon Alexa.
A SiriusXM three-month All Access trial subscription
is standard on LT and Premier models,
while a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot trial
is standard on all grades.
The aggressively chiseled RAV4
is available with a two-tone paint scheme
and 19-inch alloy wheels
that help it stand out even further from the competition.
Safety and utility are equally important,
with RAV4 offering standard LED headlights and taillights,
and a maximum ground clearance of 8.6 inches.
Equinox can be optioned with LED headlights and taillights,
but they're not standard.
There is an available Midnight Edition
with black alloy wheels and other black exterior accents,
and 19-inch wheels are also optional.
Equinox has a maximum ground clearance of 7.9 inches.
RAV4's spacious and technologically advanced interior
leaves nothing to be desired.
Useful in-dash storage areas surround a standard 4.2-
or available 7-inch Multi-Information Display
in a cabin that offers 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume.
A spacious cargo area
delivers 37.6 cubic feet of room for essentials,
or an impressive 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Equinox offers a 3.5-inch Driver Information Center
that can be upgraded to RAV4's standard size.
And while it offers 103.5 cubic feet of passenger space,
the cargo volume takes a hit,
at either 29.9 or 63.9 cubic feet,
depending on the rear seats.
RAV4 is available in six distinct gas grades
with two available all-wheel drive systems.
For those looking to save on fuel without sacrificing fun,
five hybrid grades are offered,
including the new XLE Premium Hybrid,
and they all offer
standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive.
And at the top of the lineup
sit RAV4 Prime's two high-performance plug-in hybrid grades,
also with standard hybrid All-Wheel Drive.
Equinox comes in just four gas trims.
All-Wheel Drive is available, but not on the base L grade.
It should come as no surprise
that RAV4 has had its share of accolades in recent years.
Kelley Blue Book named it one of the 12 Best Family Cars,
and U.S. News & World Report
named it the best compact SUV for families.
Comfortable and intuitive inside,
RAV4 was also awarded
one of Autotrader's 10 Best Car Interiors.
Throw in real off-road ability,
Toyota safety, the ToyotaCare no-cost maintenance plan,
as well as the enhanced hybrid battery warranty,
and it's clear to see why RAV4 is the go-to choice.