2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting neatly into Volkswagen's lineup between the subcompact and compact segments. It offered a choice of S, SE, or SEL trims, with prices ranging from $22,995 to $33,045, and came with either front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos's design was consistent with Volkswagen's aesthetic, featuring 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint that added to its vibrant personality. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, which detracted from the overall feel, despite the SEL trim's two-tone perforated leather and upscale dashboard materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented a more restrained design, with a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. It was available in LS, LT, RS, and Premier trims, each offering either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Equinox's interior was noted for its spaciousness, with ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. The Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, although the interior design was considered somewhat dated. Despite this, the Equinox was praised for its practicality and ease of use, with a simple PRNDL shift lever and a well-sorted suspension that handled bumps and potholes effectively.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided sufficient power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its off-road capabilities were limited by a ground clearance of just 6.6 inches. Fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing an average of 27.1 mpg.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission, while older, contributed to the Equinox's powertrain noise. The Equinox's AWD system required manual engagement, but its electronically assisted brake-by-wire system and well-engineered suspension provided a smooth driving experience. The Equinox was praised for its handling and steering, making it enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious interior, with deeply bolstered front seats and generous rear legroom. The SEL 4Motion trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with the seats folded in the front-wheel-drive model. The 4Motion model had slightly less cargo space due to its independent rear suspension.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox provided ample passenger space, with plenty of headroom and legroom for taller passengers. Its cargo area measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Equinox's interior featured higher-quality plastic materials, with plenty of storage options, including cup holders for every passenger and a power liftgate in the Premier trim.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with SE and SEL trims featuring an 8-inch display. The Taos included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity, and the voice-recognition technology was found lacking.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a simple yet effective technology package, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch screen in the Premier trim. The system was praised for its ease of use and quick response, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available across all trims. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and the driver-information display offered useful features despite its simplicity.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured the IQ Drive safety suite, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance available across all trims. The Taos SEL included additional features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with a suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, it scored poorly in the IIHS's moderate overlap front and side-impact crash tests.