2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent several styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, which contributed to a sleeker appearance. The grille was more upright and flanked by large fake air intakes, giving the Equinox a chunkier look compared to its predecessor. While it maintained a car-based crossover design, it avoided the rugged styling of competitors like the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents, and materials were decent for its price range. The RS model added black exterior trim and darkened wheels, but the interior felt too subdued.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past boxy designs. The XC90's front end was stout and solid, with an assertive grille and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. Its dimensions leaned toward rectilinear, but it was far from the toaster-like designs of the past. The XC90's AWD Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a rich Platinum Gray paint. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and beautiful interior.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. While it had more torque than most rivals, it lagged in horsepower. The Equinox excelled in city driving with its torque, but at higher speeds, the engine felt coarse and unresponsive. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and the vehicle wasn't designed for sporty handling.

For the 2023 Volvo XC90, Volvo introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though not significantly. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. It handled corners well despite its size, and road noise was minimal. The XC90's brakes inspired confidence, and while it lacked extensive off-road features, it offered a straightforward driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and good second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was somewhat limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox provided a tall seating position and good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by a small rear window. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 29.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.9 cubic feet with them folded.

In the 2023 Volvo XC90, the front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, but storage space was limited. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. While it fell short of some competitors in cargo space, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, making it more maneuverable.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with large menu icons. While it lacked a dedicated phone slot, it covered the basics well.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant as standard features. The system's natural-language recognition was impressive, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating. While the minimalist design was appealing, more physical buttons would have been appreciated.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top scores in most IIHS crash tests but had a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. It came with advanced driver safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology. These features were standard on the XC90, enhancing its reputation as a safe vehicle.