2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, even if it didn't boast the futuristic design of a Kia Sportage or the rugged appearance of a Toyota RAV4. Its restrained bodywork was complemented by a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller, offering a refreshing change from the aggressive front fascias common in the industry. The gold Bowtie emblem varied in appeal depending on the paint color, looking particularly striking on Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic. The Equinox was available in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with options for either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The interior of the Equinox, especially in the Premier trim, featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, though it appeared somewhat dated compared to competitors. Despite its basic appointments, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample cupholders. The optional Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and an HD surround-view camera.

The 2023 Ford Bronco stood out with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering across nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable, with the Base trim offering a primitive look and the Raptor showcasing a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised fins aided in cargo securing and obstacle navigation. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with features like drain plugs and marine-grade vinyl upholstery. The Bronco was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler, though some creaking was noted over bumps. Overall, the Bronco's design and functionality made it a compelling choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration adequately, it struggled to deliver strong performance above 30 miles per hour. The Equinox reached highway speeds in about eight seconds, but the process was noisy. Its six-speed automatic transmission, while older, contributed to the powertrain's noise by holding gears longer. The Equinox offered AWD across all trims, but it required manual engagement via a button on the center console. The new electronically assisted brake-by-wire system improved braking performance, and the suspension handled bumps well, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower, a 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Raptor with 418 horsepower. All engines came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the V6 options provided more power for heavier models. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. It tracked well on highways and was quieter than the Wrangler. The Bronco's high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, but it felt more confident than expected. Maneuvering the four-door model was aided by several cameras, making it less stressful.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it surpassed the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with plenty of storage options like cup holders and a center console bin. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided generous interior space, especially in the four-door model, which offered easier access to the rear seats. The two-door model had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. The rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco featured easily removable fenders and doors, with the Raptor's oversized fenders being the exception. Interior storage included netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones, with options for accessory rails and USB jacks.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a simple yet effective technology suite. The touchscreen interface ranged from 7 to 8 inches, depending on the trim, and was easy to use despite its lack of flash compared to competitors. The infotainment system responded quickly and included customizable icons and hard buttons for easy access. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with a wireless charging pad available on the Premier trim. The driver-information display, while basic, offered useful features like music and navigation.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains, making off-roading accessible to novices. Numerous camera views aided in navigating tight spaces, with predictive lines showing tire paths. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a standard eight-inch touchscreen and an optional 12-inch display for improved usability.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with a suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, with a Poor rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and a Marginal score in the side-impact test.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's safety ratings were mixed, with the NHTSA awarding the four-door model four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests, except for head restraints and seats, which received an "Acceptable" score. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.