2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a design that appeared compact from the outside but was surprisingly spacious inside. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The exterior boasted standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was refined with authentic materials like natural wood and real 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 was available in a variety of exterior colours and interior themes, offering a luxurious feel throughout.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented a more restrained design, lacking the futuristic flair of some competitors but still maintaining an attractive appearance. The Equinox's chunky front end and thick C-pillar gave it a robust look, while the interior offered ample passenger space with comfortable seating. Despite its use of plastic components, the Equinox's interior was practical and user-friendly, with a focus on simplicity. The Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and a nearly silent power liftgate, enhancing its appeal. While the Equinox's cargo space was not the largest in its class, it provided sufficient room for everyday needs, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which enhanced cornering feel and control through torque vectoring. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front, improving sporty handling, while the rear multi-link suspension enhanced ride quality. 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, and it excelled in comparison tests against competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled with higher-speed performance. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission held gears longer, contributing to a noisy powertrain. The vehicle offered AWD as an option, requiring manual engagement. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Equinox handled well for a compact crossover, with tight and accurate steering.

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 third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX provided ample seating capacity for families. The vehicle's cargo space was flexible, with up to 2,690 litres available when the second and third rows were folded down. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing usability. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes available to suit different moods.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the rear seats folded down. While not the largest in its class, the Equinox provided sufficient room for everyday needs. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including cup holders and a centre console bin. The Premier trim's power liftgate operated quietly, and a panoramic sunroof was available as an option.

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, offering a configurable and user-friendly interface. The MDX featured built-in Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. A head-up display and surround-view camera were available on higher trims, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology offering was more straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier trim. While not as flashy as some competitors, the Equinox's infotainment system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a WiFi hotspot. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system was available as an option.

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 advanced safety structures for collision protection. The MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked level two autonomous driving technology. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, highlighting areas for improvement in safety performance.