Thielen Motors – Which SUV handles snow better, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox or the 2026 Honda CR-V for Cass Lake, MN Drivers?
For drivers weighing winter driving confidence, the perennial matchup often becomes the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Honda CR-V. Both compact SUVs offer available all-wheel traction, robust safety suites, and driver-focused tech, yet their approaches to visibility and control differ in ways that matter when roads turn icy around Cass Lake, MN. The Equinox combines an efficient 1.5L Turbo with a standard Drive Mode Selector and available all-wheel drive for traction on demand. Its available HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror go further by illuminating the edges of your environment, whether you are easing out of a snowed-in driveway or threading into a street-side space flanked by snowbanks. The CR-V answers with Real Time AWD™ availability and hybrid trims rated up to 204 horsepower, plus a standard 9-inch touch-screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ to keep information close at hand. Both are strong, but in winter, peripheral awareness and predictable controls can make the daily difference.
In cold snaps, tech execution and ergonomics significantly influence comfort and peace of mind. The Equinox’s 11.3-inch infotainment touch-screen, 11-inch Driver Information Center, and Google built-in provide large-format navigation and clear system feedback so commands are quick with gloves on. Available heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an available hands-free AutoSense Power Liftgate reduce fumbling. CR-V drivers benefit from a standard 9-inch touch-screen and wireless phone charging across the lineup, and select trims add a hands-free power tailgate for convenience. Honda Sensing is standard, and Real Time AWD™ with Snow support and hybrid Sport mode on specific trims helps the CR-V feel surefooted. Yet the Equinox’s visibility stack — HD Surround Vision plus the Rear Camera Mirror — helps eliminate blind zones created by frost and slush, translating into higher confidence in parking lots and alleyways.
- Traction approach: Equinox offers a Drive Mode Selector and available AWD for traction on demand; CR-V offers Real Time AWD™ with Snow support on select models.
- Visibility in tight spaces: Equinox’s available HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror illuminate surroundings; CR-V lacks a factory 360-degree camera system.
- Info at a glance: Equinox features an 11.3-inch infotainment touch-screen and 11-inch Driver Information Center; CR-V equips a 9-inch touch-screen across all trims.
- Cold-weather comforts: Equinox offers heated front seats and steering wheel; CR-V provides heated seats on EX and above and a heated steering wheel on select trims.
- Voice-connected navigation: Both offer Google built-in on select trims, enabling convenient voice guidance in poor visibility.
Drivers also ask about how these SUVs feel on rutted, refreezing surfaces. The Equinox ACTIV brings a uniquely tuned suspension and available all-terrain tires for added bite on mixed surfaces, a natural fit for cabin drives, trailheads, and unplowed lanes. CR-V TrailSport Hybrid is configured for adventurous looks and confident grip, backed by Real Time AWD™, and adds useful ground clearance for light off-pavement use. Both handle winter chores well, but the Equinox’s camera-based visibility aids often sway shoppers who face crowded lots and narrow residential lanes all winter long. That extra awareness translates to fewer surprises when snowbanks shrink your margins.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do both SUVs offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. The Equinox offers available all-wheel drive, and the CR-V offers Real Time AWD™ with Snow support on select models.
Which has a larger center screen for maps in winter?
The Equinox features an 11.3-inch infotainment touch-screen, while the CR-V provides a 9-inch touch-screen on all trims.
Can I get a 360-degree camera?
Equinox offers available HD Surround Vision for a 360-degree view; the CR-V does not offer a factory 360-degree camera system.
As you finalize your choice, factor in the roads you travel most, how often you parallel park in snow, and how much you value high-clarity camera views. Each SUV is capable, but the Equinox’s combination of traction, interface size, and visibility tech makes winter commuting feel calmer. Thielen Motors is here to help with real-world insights and test routes that mirror your daily drive, serving Wadena, Cass Lake, and Detroit Lakes.
Schedule a drive to compare the Equinox’s HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror with the CR-V’s Real Time AWD™ responses in identical conditions. We will tailor routes, review feature availability by trim, and set you up with the cold-weather conveniences that keep you moving on time — even after the plow passes.
Request more 2026 Chevrolet Equinox information
Connect with us
