2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX always possessed an exterior that belied its spacious interior. As the pioneer of the three-row luxury crossover SUV segment, it set new benchmarks. For this new generation, Acura made significant design tweaks. Unlike its predecessors, which shared a platform with the Honda Pilot, this new model was built on a platform exclusively designed for the MDX. With an increased wheelbase, overall length, and a wider body and track, the vehicle’s proportions were notably balanced. A critical design element, the dash-to-axle distance, was extended by over four inches, enhancing the vehicle's elegant profile.

The MDX was an early adopter of LED headlights, and in this iteration, it featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights highlighted by linear LED daytime running lights. The vehicle rode on larger wheels and tires than before: 19 x 8.5 inches for the basic MDX and 20 x 9 inches for the Tech and higher trims. This contributed to a modern and sportier design. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased impressive levels of craftsmanship.

Inside, the MDX was refined and modern. The dashboard had a layered design, emphasizing the cabin's width and making it feel spacious. High-quality materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and premium-grade plastics accentuated the luxurious feel. The control layout, while initially quirky, quickly became intuitive. Highlights included a center console gear selector that resembled a fighter jet, a square touchpad for infotainment control, and a rotary dial for drive mode selection. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed for optimal visibility. The seats provided exceptional comfort, tailored for larger frames, and the steering wheel was robust, housing numerous controls including paddle shifters.

The MDX's rich feel was complemented by eight possible exterior colors and six interior themes, providing ample customization for buyers.

Conversely, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox had a more restrained but nonetheless attractive exterior. It didn't have the space-age flair of the Kia Sportage or the ruggedness of the Toyota RAV4, but it carved out a niche with its more subdued, yet appealing, design. The chunky front end of the Equinox minimized the grille's size, a refreshing change in an era dominated by aggressive fascias. Paint offerings like Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic complemented the vehicle, although some colors like Radiant Red Tintcoat clashed with the gold Bowtie emblem.

The 2023 Equinox came in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier. Despite its compact stature, akin to the larger Chevrolet Traverse, the Equinox conveyed a sense of spaciousness thanks to its thick C-pillar and large windows.

Inside, the Premier trim featured sophisticated two-tone leather upholstery with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. However, compared to rivals, the Equinox's interior felt somewhat dated. The small touchscreen and extensive use of plastic buttons underscored its simpler design. Yet, the Equinox's practical layout, such as the conventional PRNDL shifter and large cupholders, ensured ease of use. The Confidence and Convenience II package added luxuries like lumbar adjustments for the front passenger, ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX was propelled by a familiar yet enhanced 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled through a new 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and Acura's signature Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system, equipped with torque vectoring, could direct up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels and 100% of that torque to either side during turns, enhancing cornering and overall performance.

The suspension received significant upgrades, with the front transitioning to a double-wishbone setup for better handling, while the rear multi-link arrangement was revised for improved ride quality. Larger disc brakes ensured effective stopping power. Acura also enhanced steering with a variable gear ratio, improving maneuverability at various speeds.

During extensive test drives around southeastern Michigan, the MDX's rigidity and lack of body flex were evident. The new transmission efficiently maintained optimal rev ranges, ensuring smooth performance. With five drive modes available, drivers could tailor the vehicle's performance to their preference. The MDX demonstrated its capabilities by outperforming competitors like the Lexus RX L, Volvo XC90, and even its predecessor, embodying a balance of performance and comfort.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, saw a modest horsepower increase to 175 for the year. While the 203 pound-feet of torque provided satisfactory low-speed acceleration, the Equinox struggled at higher speeds. Its performance during city commutes was adequate, but its highway acceleration left much to be desired, taking around eight seconds to reach 60 mph.

The six-speed automatic transmission, though outdated compared to competitors' eight- or nine-speed options, held gears longer, contributing to the vehicle's noisier operation. Available all-wheel drive required manual activation with a console button, a quirk some might find inconvenient.

Chevrolet's switch to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system resulted in predictable and smooth braking. The Equinox's suspension effectively managed road imperfections, and its steering was precise, making it enjoyable in various driving situations.

The 2022 Acura MDX was designed to juggle multiple roles, from a family vehicle to a utility and commuter car. The first two rows provided comfortable seating, with the second row featuring a removable center section for added versatility. The second row could slide and recline up to 12 degrees, optimizing legroom for all passengers. Accessing the third row was straightforward, either by moving the second row seat forward or through the gap left by the removed center section. Though snug for taller individuals, children and shorter adults found the third row comfortable.

Luggage space varied depending on the seating configuration: 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an expansive 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The power tailgate, featuring the "Grab 'N Go" function, enhanced convenience, closing and locking automatically with a simple button press.

Interior lighting, branded as Iconic Drive Lighting, provided 27 customizable themes, enhancing the cabin ambiance. This feature, especially appealing at night, allowed drivers to tailor the interior environment to their mood.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox had a slightly different approach. With 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, it surpassed some rivals like the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester. However, its maximum cargo capacity of 63.9 cubic feet fell short compared to other competitors like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. Passenger space remained ample, with plenty of head- and legroom for both front and rear occupants.

The Equinox made good use of plastic components, which, though economical, were of higher quality than previous generations. Storage spaces like cupholders, the center console bin, and door pockets provided practical solutions for smaller items. The Premier-trim's nearly silent power liftgate further added to the vehicle's practicality.

The 2022 Acura MDX was packed with advanced technologies. Audiophiles rejoiced with the optional ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, part of the A-Spec and Advance Packages, offering 16 speakers, 710 watts of amplification, and Acoustic Motion Control technology. Lesser trims still offered robust audio systems, with the base MDX providing a nine-speaker setup and the Tech Package upgrading to 12 speakers.

Navigation was standard from the Tech trim upwards. The 12.3-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen and the Acura Precision Cockpit 12.3-inch HD digital instrument panel provided high-quality displays, complemented by built-in Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Additional features like the CabinTalk interior public address system, a head-up display, and an HD rearview camera system with an available surround-view upgrade further enhanced the tech offering.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as visually flashy, offered a user-friendly technology suite. The 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and the 8-inch on the Premier trim, although smaller, were clear and responsive. The system's simplicity was key, with quick access customizable icons and additional hard buttons for ease of use. Wireless charging came standard on the Premier trim, while all trims featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite its basic appearance, the driver information display offered useful features like navigation and vehicle settings.

Crash-test ratings for the 2022 Acura MDX were not yet available, but past performance and engineering improvements suggested favorable outcomes. The use of more high-strength steel, advanced safety structures, and pedestrian protection enhancements underscored Acura's commitment to safety. The AcuraWatch suite of safety technologies, standard on all models, included features such as collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic-jam assist, ensuring comprehensive protection.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came equipped with standard advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. While it achieved a five-star rating from the NHTSA, the IIHS ratings were less impressive, with poor performance in the moderate overlap front crash test and only a marginal score in the side-impact test.