2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, distinguishing itself from the standard Outback models. It featured a higher ride height with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior was marked by a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, with Geyser Blue as an exclusive paint option. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. The interior was practical, with heated seats and a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a more restrained design, with a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. It introduced new paint colors like Radiant Red Tintcoat, Blue Glow Metallic, and Harvest Brown Metallic. The Equinox's profile, with its thick C-pillar and large windows, gave an impression of spaciousness. Inside, the Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats. While the interior design felt a bit dated with a small touchscreen and plastic buttons, it was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample storage space.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness trim featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though it was noted for its droning and less satisfying simulated gear changes. The Outback's all-wheel-drive system, combined with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, made it highly capable off-road. It also boasted improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, along with a dual-function X-Mode traction system for challenging terrains.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled with higher-speed acceleration. The Equinox used a six-speed automatic transmission, which held gears longer than more modern transmissions, contributing to a noisy powertrain. The Equinox offered all-wheel drive, but it required manual engagement. The braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. The suspension was well-tuned, offering a comfortable ride and good handling for a compact crossover.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. The rear seat provided ample space for two adults or three children, with heated seats and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area offered 32.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox had a cargo area measuring 29.9 cubic feet, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it offered ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom for a six-foot-tall driver. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with plenty of storage options, including cup holders for every passenger. The Premier trim came with a nearly silent power liftgate, adding to its convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dominating the center dashboard. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome due to limited voice recognition capabilities. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available for better voice assistant functionality. The Outback also featured PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a simpler technology package, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch screen in the Premier trim. Despite its simplicity, the system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and all trims featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver-information display, though basic, provided useful features like music and navigation information.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. It also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked level two autonomous driving technology. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, it scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, particularly in the moderate overlap front and side-impact tests.