2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent several styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, which contributed to a sleeker appearance. The grille was more upright and flanked by large fake air intakes, giving the Equinox a chunkier look compared to its predecessor. While it maintained a car-based crossover design, it avoided the rugged styling of some competitors, offering a tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia that made it less car-like than the Ford Escape. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents, and materials were decent for its price range. The RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, though the interior was considered too subdued.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a more rugged and adventurous aesthetic, with options for both two-door and four-door body styles. Buyers could choose from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline-powered V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels, with numerous special editions available, each offering different roof and top configurations. The High Tide model, based on the Sport S trim, included features like LED exterior lighting and a body-colour hardtop. The Wrangler's design emphasized off-road capability, with features like a Gorilla Glass windshield and a Sunrider Fliptop. Despite its rugged appeal, the interior was basic, with a focus on durability and practicality rather than luxury.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. While the Equinox had more torque than many rivals, it lagged in horsepower. The engine performed well in city driving, with peak torque available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, but felt coarse and unresponsive at higher speeds. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and the Equinox lacked sporty handling and the refinement of some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a focus on off-road capability and an immersive experience that engaged all the senses. However, it was known for its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride, which were part of its charm for enthusiasts.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and good second-row legroom. However, front-seat legroom was somewhat limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox provided a tall seating position and good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by the small rear window. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 847 litres behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was more utilitarian, with a focus on durability. Entry and exit were challenging, especially with a raised suspension. The seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was durable. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was more generous, with 898 litres behind the rear seats and 2,050 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. The addition of wireless connectivity was a significant advantage, though the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was more basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a premium audio system, but the standard setup met most needs. The Wrangler included features like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort in colder conditions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "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 awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings in IIHS tests. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler's design required extra care when driving.