2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 represented a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs. It showcased a purposeful yet understated front end, with a grille that was assertive without being overly flashy. The recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, and the overall dimensions leaned towards a rectilinear shape, but it was far from the toaster-like designs of the past. The test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones, adding richness and depth. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and beautiful look.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as space-age as some competitors, was an attractive crossover with a restrained bodywork and a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The gold Bowtie emblem looked garish against some paint colors but lovely on others. The Equinox was available in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with both FWD and AWD options. The profile featured a thick C-pillar and big windows, giving an impression of spaciousness. Inside, the Premier trim had handsome two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the interior looked a bit dated with a small touchscreen, basic driver-information display, and lots of plastic buttons. Despite this, the Equinox was practical and easy to use, with a simple PRNDL shift lever and ample space for smaller items.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 powertrain, similar to the T6, used a supercharger and turbocharger to generate 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the benefits were minimal. The XC90 delivered an enjoyable driving experience with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent insulation from road and wind noise. The brakes were solid, and the vehicle handled well despite its bulky dimensions. The XC90 lacked extensive off-roader features, focusing on simplicity and ease of use.

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, making plenty of noise. The six-speed automatic transmission held gears longer, contributing to the powertrain's noise. The AWD system required manual engagement, but the Equinox remembered the setting. The new electronically assisted brake-by-wire system improved braking performance, and the suspension handled bumps and potholes well. The Equinox's steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats were peaceful and pleasant, but the Scandinavian minimalism led to some space and storage frustrations. There was no dedicated space for a cell phone, and the USB port was located in a small center console bin. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult. With the third seat in position, the XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This was less than some competitors. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, reflecting its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox had a cargo area of 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, outstripping some competitors but offering only 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom. The interior used higher-quality plastic components, with plenty of space for smaller items. The Premier trim featured a nearly silent power liftgate.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The natural-language recognition was excellent, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were filed within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons and redundant controls, making some features less intuitive.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox had a small touchscreen interface, measuring 7 inches in lower trims and 8 inches in the Premier trim. Despite its simplicity, the system was easy to use, with good voice recognition and customizable icons. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and all trims had wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The upgraded driver-information display offered useful features.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was well-regarded for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology as standard equipment.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard ADAS features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure assistance, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked genuine level two autonomous driving technology and received lower ratings from the IIHS, with a Poor rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and a Marginal score in the side-impact crash test.