2021 Buick Encore vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

Chevrolet was a pioneer in small SUVs with the original S-10 Blazer, but today’s Chevrolet Equinox is just one of many compact crossover SUVs competing in a market segment that has become the default choice for many new car buyers. Among the Equinox’s many rivals are popular crossovers like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

All of those competitors are much fresher than the Equinox, which was last redesigned for the 2017 model year. This third-generation Equinox was a major leap forward when it launched, as the model it replaced was fairly long in the tooth at the time. But now Chevy risks getting left behind by competitors again.

The Equinox does get a number for small changes for the 2022 model year, including revised styling, a new RS trim with sporty design elements, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available front and rear park assist and automatic parking assist, heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors with integrated indicators, and a handful of new colour and interior trim options.

We spent a week with an Equinox RS for this review. The new-for-2022 RS is positioned near the top of the Equinox lineup, above the base LS and LT trim levels, but below the top Equinox Premier model.