What is the best year for a Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2023 Equinox is one of the strongest used buys — it landed on the mature end of the third generation with a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, just 82 complaints, and only 5 severe issues on record. The 2021–2024 range is generally solid, with complaint counts dropping sharply from the turbulent 2014–2018 period. Avoid the early 2010–2013 model years if reliability is a priority.

How much does Chevrolet Equinox insurance cost?

The Equinox averages around $2,140/year to insure, or roughly $178/month. That's on the lower end for compact SUVs, partly because it doesn't carry the theft-risk premium of more desirable crossovers. Your actual rate will vary based on trim, model year, location, and driving history — but the Equinox tends to quote well for budget-conscious buyers.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox or Honda CR-V cheaper to maintain?

The CR-V is cheaper to maintain by about $130/year — $407 versus $537 for the Equinox. Over five years that's roughly $650 in savings, and the CR-V also carries a higher reliability score (9 vs 7) and a lower major repair probability (10% vs 18%). If long-term ownership cost is the deciding factor, the CR-V has a clear edge.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Chevrolet Equinox?

It's worth considering. The Equinox's 18% major repair probability is well above the compact segment average of 11%, and its reliability score of 7 trails the class norm. If you're buying a used Equinox outside factory warranty coverage — especially a 2014–2018 model year — a powertrain warranty provides real protection against the repair exposure this model carries. For newer 2022+ models, self-insuring is more defensible.

Is the Honda HR-V expensive to maintain?

The HR-V is one of the cheapest SUVs to own in any segment — averaging $301/year in maintenance, $165 below the subcompact average of $466. Its repair frequency of 10% is half the subcompact segment average of 20%, and its 5% major repair probability is well below the class norm of 9%. For pure ownership cost, nothing in the subcompact class touches it.

What is the best year for a Honda HR-V?

The 2021 HR-V is the strongest used pick from the second generation — 61 complaints, a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, and only 6 severe issues. Avoid 2023: it was the third-generation debut and drew 678 complaints as Honda worked through early transmission and infotainment issues. By 2025 that generation had settled to 36 complaints, making it a solid option for buyers who want the newer platform.

How much does Honda HR-V insurance cost?

The HR-V averages around $2,005/year to insure, or roughly $167/month. Its strong safety scores and low theft profile contribute to competitive rates. Actual quotes will vary by trim, model year, location, and driver history.

Is the Honda HR-V or Ford Bronco Sport cheaper to maintain?

Maintenance cost data isn't available for the Ford Bronco Sport, so a direct dollar comparison isn't possible. What the data does show: the HR-V's $301/year and 5% major repair probability are benchmarks that would be difficult for most rivals to beat.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Honda HR-V?

No. A 5% major repair probability — less than half the subcompact segment average of 9% — makes this one of the lowest-risk ownership propositions in the class. The one exception is the 2023 model year, which had significantly elevated complaints during the third-generation launch. For any other year, self-insuring is the better financial move.

Chevrolet Equinox vs Honda HR-V

Two compact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Chevrolet Equinox if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

Buy the Honda HR-V — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Chevrolet Equinox	Honda HR-V
Annual maintenance	$537	$301winner
5-year total cost	$2,685	$1,505winner
Reliability score	7 / 10	10 / 10winner
Major repair risk (5yr)	18%	5%winner
Cargo space	63.5 cu ftwinner	55.1 cu ft
Starting price (new)	$31,000	$28,600winner
Best years to buy	2021, 2023, 2024	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Chevrolet Equinox	Honda HR-V
RepairPal score	7 / 10	10 / 10winner
NHTSA complaints / 100k	163.4	147.9winner
Years to avoid	2010, 2011, 2013	2022, 2023
Value retained · 3 yr	76.1%	87.1%winner
Value retained · 5 yr	54.3%	71.3%winner
Value retained · 7 yr	43.2%	60.5%winner

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Chevrolet Equinox	Honda HR-V
Engine	40.0%	4.6%winner
Electrical	5.9%winner	10.6%
ADAS	5.2%winner	8.5%
Brakes	4.9%	3.0%winner
Steering	2.5%winner	9.2%
Fuel system	4.5%winner	7.4%
Tires/Wheels	1.7%	0.6%winner
Glass/Windows	16.7%winner	29.2%
Airbags	4.4%	3.5%winner
Seatbelt	0.6%winner	0.9%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Chevrolet Equinox	Honda HR-V
Avg annual premium	$2,140	$2,005winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Chevrolet Equinox

$537/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Honda HR-V

$301/yr maint · 10 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Equinox costs around $537/year to maintain — $16 above the compact segment average of $521. Repair frequency of 31% is essentially at the class average of 30%, but its 18% major repair probability runs well above the segment average of 11%, meaning there's a meaningfully higher chance of facing a costly unscheduled repair in any given year than with class leaders like the CR-V or RAV4.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →