2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior appearance. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The exterior boasted standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and more modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was refined with authentic materials like natural wood and genuine leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a range of colour options for both the exterior and interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent subtle styling changes, including a new grille and LED lighting, giving it a sleeker appearance. The Equinox maintained its car-based crossover identity, offering a tall roofline and a puffed-up front fascia. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents, and the materials and fit were decent for its price range. The RS model added black exterior trim and darkened wheels, but the interior was subdued. Overall, the Equinox's design was practical, with a focus on functionality rather than distinctive styling.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. While the Equinox had more torque than some rivals, it lacked horsepower, which was noticeable at higher speeds. The engine felt coarse at higher rpm, and the transmission shifts were somewhat rough. The Equinox was not designed for sporty handling, but it provided decent comfort on various road surfaces.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and an innovative second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing flexibility for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX offered ample cargo space, with up to 2,690 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing usability. The interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox provided seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and legroom. However, the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made it challenging to find a comfortable driving position. The Equinox offered a tall seating position and good forward visibility, but rear visibility was somewhat hampered by the small rear window. The climate control buttons were prominently placed, and keyless entry and start were standard. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 1,809 litres available with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, along with Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The MDX also featured a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and a WiFi hotspot, with over-the-air updates available for software and firmware.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trim levels received an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose audio system. The MyLink infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. The Equinox provided multiple USB ports and power outlets, but the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The MDX's front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and it included a low-speed braking control system. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA gave the Equinox a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.