Baker Chevrolet Coopersville - Which SUV fits winter driving best, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox or the 2026 Toyota RAV4 around Holland, MI?
Snow, slush, and freeze-thaw mornings ask different questions of a compact SUV than summer highways do. When area drivers compare the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Toyota RAV4 for winter duty around Holland, MI, they usually want to know which one feels more predictable in changing grip, which tech features genuinely help on dark commutes, and how the cabin supports daily life when boots and gear hit the floor. Below is a structured look at those layers, aligning must-have capabilities with the comfort and visibility tools that make winter driving calmer.
Start with traction. Both SUVs offer available all-wheel drive, but the Equinox makes the basics easier with a standard Drive Mode Selector you’ll use often as temps and surfaces change. On the trim side, ACTIV adds all-terrain tires and a uniquely tuned suspension for confidence on packed snow. The RAV4 counters with AWD across multiple configurations, including Woodland with all-terrain tires, which helps on trailheads and unplowed lots. Where the Chevy pulls ahead is the way its available camera tech and cabin integration support your decisions. Features like HD Surround Vision and a Rear Camera Mirror can expand awareness when snowbanks block sightlines, while the heated front seats and heated steering wheel—standard on Equinox—reduce the stress of cold starts.
- Traction tools: Equinox Drive Mode Selector and available AWD help you adapt quickly as conditions change.
- Cold-weather comfort: Standard heated front seats and heated steering wheel ease frosty mornings.
- Visibility support: Available HD Surround Vision and a Rear Camera Mirror improve confidence near snowbanks.
- Everyday control: The 11.3-inch touch-screen and Google built-in keep navigation and voice commands simple with gloves off.
Winter comfort isn’t only about warmth; it’s also about simplicity. The Equinox mounts an 11.3-inch infotainment touch-screen and Google built-in for intuitive navigation and voice controls, so you can keep hands on the wheel and eyes up. Toyota’s available 12.9-inch multimedia display is crisp and capable, and its Digital Rearview Mirror is a helpful winter feature as well. Yet many drivers find Chevy’s layout and the standardization of key comforts make day-to-day cold-weather commuting easier from the start. The available AutoSense hands-free Power Liftgate can also be a winter saver—open the liftgate with a simple kick gesture when your hands are filled with gear and gloves.
- Winter braking and alerts: Both models include comprehensive safety suites, with Equinox adding features such as Front Pedestrian Braking and IntelliBeam® as part of Chevy Safety Assist.
- Cabin durability: Equinox offers Evotex seating surfaces on select trims—easy to clean after a wet day on the trails.
- Cargo flexibility: With 60/40 folding rear seats and hidden storage under the cargo floor, stowing winter gear is straightforward.
The bottom line for winter-minded shoppers is how the whole package works together. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox blends winter-ready traction options with visibility and comfort features that are either standard or straightforward to add, reducing the friction of cold-weather routines. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 remains a capable choice with advanced driver assistance and off-road-oriented variants, but Chevy’s clean interface, thoughtful storage, and comfort-first standard features are advantages you feel daily from the first frost to the last thaw.
When it’s time for a test drive, we invite you to visit us at Baker Chevrolet Buick Coopersville, serving Comstock Park, Holland, and Muskegon, to explore the Equinox and focus on the features you’ll use most from December through March. If your priority is predictable traction, clear sightlines, and an interior that stays organized and warm, the Equinox is an excellent fit for winter around the lakeshore.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need AWD, or will FWD with good tires be enough?
Both the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Toyota RAV4 offer available AWD, which helps with acceleration on snowy starts and stability on patchy roads. If your routes are plowed quickly, FWD with quality winter tires can perform well. For varied terrain or frequent unplowed streets, AWD adds useful confidence.
Which driver assistance features help most on winter commutes?
Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and high-beam automation like IntelliBeam® provide consistent benefits in poor visibility. The Equinox’s available HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror can be especially helpful when snowbanks block traditional sightlines in neighborhood streets or tight lots.