The Toyota RAV4 is a best-seller, but this American SUV makes a strong case at a lower price

For 2026, Toyota's RAV4 abandons gasoline power entirely in favor of hybrids, and starts at $33,495 including destination. The move strengthens the RAV4 as a fuel-efficient benchmark in the compact-SUV segment. By contrast, the Chevrolet Equinox 2026 starts at $30,795, with a well-equipped interior and technology-forward features that undercut the RAV4 by about $2,700 at the base level. The Equinox offers a 1.5-liter turbo four delivering 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in front-wheel-drive form, or 203 lb-ft with all-wheel drive; FWD uses a CVT, while AWD adds torque.