2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV vs 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite
This is not a spec comparison. It is a decision about whether you need a midsize SUV or a minivan. Key numbers: $16,695 price gap, 175 vs 280 hp, 26 vs 22 MPG.
The Equinox ACTIV leads on $16,695 less, 4 MPG better. The Odyssey Elite leads on 105 more hp, 59 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 8 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 8 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV | 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $35,000 | $51,695 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I4 Turbo | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 24 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 19.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | $2,000/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,607 lbs | 4,590 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 118.1" |
| Length | 183.2" | 205.2" |
| Width | 74.9" | 78.5" |
| Height | 65.6" | 69.6" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/100k | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV and 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV starts at $35,000, $16,695 less than the 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite at $51,695. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $294/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is the stronger pick when you want to keep $16,695 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $294/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Who should choose the 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite is the stronger pick when the extra 105 hp matters for your commute or driving style; your priority is maximum passenger and cargo room; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV or 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV rates 26 combined MPG, 4 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV or 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite produces 280 hp, 105 more than the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV at 175 hp. The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite also leads in torque at 262 lb-ft vs 203 lb-ft. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite uses a 3.5L V6. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV, FWD on the 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV bigger than the 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite is 22.0″ longer at 205.2″ vs 183.2″. The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite has a 10.6″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom. Keep in mind these are different vehicle types (midsize SUV vs minivan), so interior layout and cargo access are fundamentally different.
Do the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV and 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV comes with AWD, while the 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
Can I cross-shop a midsize SUV against a minivan?
Yes, and many buyers do. A midsize SUV and a minivan solve different problems, so the comparison is less about specs and more about lifestyle. Think about what you need most: cargo room and passenger space. The spec table above helps you compare the numbers, but a test drive is where you will feel the difference in daily use.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Equinox trims, Honda trims, Honda Odyssey trims
- 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
Equinox vs Odyssey: What This Matchup Is Really About
A midsize SUV against a minivan is not a typical matchup, but buyers with flexible needs compare them more often than you might think. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV ($35,000) and 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite ($51,695) solve different problems at different price points. The $16,695 gap adds up to $294/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Under the Hood
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite uses a 3.5L V6. The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite has 105 more hp (280 vs 175). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite adds 59 more lb-ft of torque (262 vs 203), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV comes with AWD; the 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
Running Costs: Equinox vs Odyssey
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV saves roughly $294/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,470. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is designed around passenger space, cargo flexibility, and a higher seating position. The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite is built to move the most people and cargo in the most space. These are fundamentally different vehicles, so the comparison comes down to what job you need done, not which one is objectively better. The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite is 22.0″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite has a 10.6″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite weighs 983 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV when you want to keep $16,695 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite when the extra 105 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $294/month more, the 2026 Honda Odyssey Elite needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or Honda or any dealership.