2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence as a midsize SUV. The standard 19-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim, enhancing its elegant appearance. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, contributing to its overall elegance, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, although the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor flaw, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as futuristic as some competitors, maintained an attractive crossover design with a restrained bodywork and a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The gold Bowtie emblem varied in appeal depending on the paint color, with Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic being particularly complementary. The Equinox was available in four trims—LS, LT, RS, and Premier—with both FWD and AWD options. Its profile, featuring a thick C-pillar and large windows, suggested spaciousness, which was confirmed by the interior. The Premier trim boasted two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Despite a somewhat dated interior with a small touchscreen and basic driver-information display, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly. The six-speed automatic transmission, though older, provided a straightforward driving experience, and the Confidence and Convenience II package added valuable features like lumbar adjustments and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo 3.5-liter V6 in our test vehicle delivered 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Despite these figures, the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty mph. It handled turns adequately but lacked the agility of its German rivals. However, the GV80 excelled on highways, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. Active noise cancellation further enhanced the driving experience, making it a comfortable choice for long commutes.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a single powertrain option: 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 to maintain performance above 30 mph, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission, though less advanced than competitors' offerings, contributed to the Equinox's noisy powertrain. AWD was available across all trims but required manual engagement. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. Its suspension handled bumps well, and the steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxurious features and ample space. Standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were complemented by ventilated front and rear seats in our test model. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments, and the Nappa leather seats were exceptionally comfortable. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 offered impressive utility.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as spacious as some competitors, provided 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Passenger space was ample, with sufficient headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, numerous cup holders, and a decent-sized center console bin. The Premier trim's power liftgate operated quietly, adding convenience to the Equinox's practical design.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control offered a tactile experience, albeit with a steep learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly, and the vehicle featured wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and outlets. The remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in tight spaces without the driver in the car, adding a unique technological advantage.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch screen in the Premier trim. Despite its simplicity, the system was user-friendly, with quick response times and effective voice recognition. Customizable icons and hard buttons provided easy access to features. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard, with a wireless charging pad included in the Premier trim. The upgraded driver-information display offered useful features, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlights and LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox also featured standard advanced driver assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked level two autonomous driving technology. The Equinox received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but performed 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 crash test.