2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet understated design, especially in its Type S Advance trim. This model featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and a refined Orchid interior, setting a high bar for luxury and performance expectations. Despite its elegant appearance, the MDX Type S had some design quirks, such as the body tapering at the doors, which could give the illusion of a dent. Inside, the MDX boasted premium materials like perforated Milano leather and open-pore wood, but the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear were less user-friendly. Overall, the MDX Type S was a visually appealing luxury SUV, though it had some minor ergonomic issues.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a more restrained yet attractive design, with a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The Equinox came in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, each available with FWD or AWD. Our test vehicle, the Premier trim, featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats. While the interior looked a bit dated compared to some competitors, it was practical and easy to use, with a straightforward PRNDL shift lever and ample storage space. The Equinox's design was simple yet effective, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of the engine's output to a single rear wheel. Despite these impressive specs, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was often indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S also fell short in fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA's 19 mpg combined rating. While the turbocharged V6 offered quick acceleration, it guzzled fuel like a V8, making it less appealing for those seeking efficiency.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled to provide adequate power at higher speeds. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission held gears longer than newer transmissions, contributing to a noisy powertrain. However, the Equinox's suspension was well-sorted, handling bumps and potholes with ease. The steering was tight and accurate, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive in most situations. Although the Equinox's powertrain wasn't as potent as some competitors, it offered a practical and approachable driving experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and flexible second-row seating options. Our test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's second-row seats could slide forward and back, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The cargo area provided 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. While the MDX offered ample cargo space, the interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited small-item storage options.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox provided 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was less than some competitors, the Equinox offered ample passenger space, with plenty of headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components and practical storage solutions, including cup holders for every passenger and a decently sized center console bin. The Premier trim's power liftgate operated quietly, adding convenience to the Equinox's functional design.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, but the lack of a touchscreen was a drawback. Instead, Acura used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The TTI design also limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. However, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, providing familiar voice recognition functions. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display with useful driving information.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was simple yet effective, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch screen in the Premier trim. The infotainment system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition software. The Equinox offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity across all trims. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and the upgraded driver-information display provided useful features like music, navigation, and trip computer information. While the Equinox's tech wasn't as flashy as some competitors, it was practical and user-friendly.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of advanced driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. 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's moderate overlap front crash test and marginally in the side-impact crash test.