2022 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox featured several styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights. The grille appeared more upright and was flanked by large fake air intakes, giving the Equinox a chunkier look compared to the previous model. The dashboard design was creative, with a touchscreen and large air vents at the center, and materials and fit and finish were decent for its price range. The new RS model added black exterior trim, darkened 19-inch wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, although the interior felt too subdued.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was fully redesigned with a more rugged and substantial appearance. It was larger than its predecessor, with an upright grille and boxier styling. The TrailSport model gained legitimate off-road parts, including a taller ride height, unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route but remained attractive and functional. Materials quality met class expectations, and the overall design emphasized function over form without sacrificing attractiveness.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The Equinox had more torque than most rivals but less horsepower. It performed well in city driving, with peak torque available between 2,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm, but felt coarse and unresponsive at higher speeds. The automatic transmission's shifts were a bit rough, and the vehicle lacked sporty handling and the refinement of some competitors.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and a pleasant engine sound. It was tuned for comfort rather than performance, with noticeable body roll when cornering but no residual bouncing. The steering was feather-light, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces but feeling somewhat vague on the highway. The TrailSport model added off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox had seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and good second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was somewhat lacking, and the small rear window hampered rear visibility. The climate control buttons and knobs were prominently placed, and the vehicle offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate was available, but the Equinox lacked some of the cargo features found in competitors.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot offered plenty of clever storage and convenience features, including a stowable second-row center seat and ample space in the second row for adults. The third row was less inviting but suitable for short trips. The Pilot provided 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 60.1 cubic feet with the second row flat, and up to 114.3 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument-cluster screen. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with large, smartphone-like menu icons. The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant advantage, and the vehicle offered plenty of USB ports and power outlets.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims also received a multi-view camera system, a head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout. Additional features included Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It received a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard driver-assist features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking, front and rear parking sensors, and surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.