2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave represented a significant shift in Buick's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling to embrace a more modern and upscale aesthetic. This transformation was evident in the Enclave's exterior, which featured a refreshed grille, updated fascias, and new headlamp and taillamp designs. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique grille and 20-inch wheels, offering a touch of luxury that elevated the Enclave's overall appeal. Inside, the Enclave's cabin was a testament to comfort and functionality, with upgraded materials and a restyled center console that included push-button gears. The Avenir trim further enhanced the interior experience with standard climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox maintained a more understated design, with a chunky front end that gave it a distinctive look without being overly aggressive. The Equinox's exterior was complemented by new paint options, such as Radiant Red Tintcoat and Harvest Brown Metallic, which added a touch of flair. Inside, the Equinox Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, providing a comfortable environment for passengers. However, the interior design felt somewhat dated compared to its competitors, with a small touchscreen and basic driver-information display. Despite this, the Equinox's practicality and ease of use were notable, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample storage space for everyday needs.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, even when carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. The Enclave's ride quality was further enhanced by the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping, ensuring a comfortable journey across various terrains. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Enclave was well-suited for those needing to haul additional gear. The vehicle's QuietTuning technology and active noise cancellation contributed to a serene cabin environment, rivaling more expensive luxury models.

In comparison, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While the engine offered adequate low-speed acceleration for city driving, it struggled to deliver the same level of performance at higher speeds. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, though reliable, felt outdated compared to the more advanced transmissions found in its competitors. The AWD system required manual engagement, which was a minor inconvenience for some drivers. Despite these limitations, the Equinox's suspension and steering provided a pleasant driving experience, with tight and accurate handling that made it enjoyable in most situations.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for passengers in all three rows. The large windshield and window openings ensured excellent visibility, while the standard power-adjustable front seats made it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The Enclave's second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access to the third row, which offered sufficient space for adult passengers. With 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded, the Enclave provided generous storage capacity for various needs. The restyled center console, featuring push-button transmission gears, added a modern touch to the interior design.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as spacious as some of its competitors, offered a respectable 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Passenger space was ample, with sufficient headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The Equinox's interior featured higher-quality plastic components and practical storage solutions, such as cup holders for every passenger and a decently sized center console bin. The Premier trim's standard power liftgate operated quietly, adding convenience to the vehicle's functionality.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came equipped with a range of technology features, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a performance-enhanced 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot capable of handling four devices up to 50 feet away. Additional features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. The Avenir trim offered advanced options like adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a simpler technology suite, with a 7-inch touchscreen in the lower trims and an 8-inch version in the Premier trim. While the screen size was modest, the system was user-friendly and responsive, with good voice recognition software. The Equinox offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, adding a touch of modern convenience. Despite its simplicity, the Equinox's technology package was practical and effective for everyday use.

The 2022 Buick Enclave boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Buick Driver Confidence Plus package was standard across all trims, providing a robust set of driver-assist technologies. The Enclave received a four-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox also offered a range of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked level two autonomous driving technology. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test and marginally in the side-impact crash test.