2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent several styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, along with subtle changes to the rear fascia. The headlights were bisected by trim pieces extending from the grille, giving it a sleeker appearance. The grille appeared more upright and was flanked by large fake air intakes, making the Equinox look chunkier than its predecessor. While it didn't adopt the rugged styling of some competitors, its tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia offered a balance between car-like and SUV-like aesthetics. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents at the centre, and materials and fit and finish were decent for the price. The RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, though the interior felt too subdued.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. The interior remained unchanged, with the Signature trim offering luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, providing improved comfort. The CX-5's design aimed for a premium feel, and the changes contributed to a more upscale appearance. The driving position was sportier, and the interior offered features like dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

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 came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. While the Equinox had more torque than many rivals, it lagged in horsepower. The engine provided good torque for city driving, but at higher speeds, the lack of horsepower became evident, and the engine felt coarse. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and the Equinox wasn't designed for sporty handling. It lacked the refinement of some competitors but offered decent comfort on rough roads.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. All CX-5 models came with standard all-wheel drive, and the six-speed automatic transmission was revised for more responsive performance. The turbocharged engine option delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The CX-5's driving dynamics were improved, with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning. It offered a quieter and smoother ride, with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. The CX-5's handling was sporty, with sure-footed grip and reduced body motions, making it a compelling choice for driving 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. The climate control buttons were prominently placed, and keyless entry and start were standard. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 847 litres behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with the seats folded. A power liftgate was available, but the Equinox lacked some cargo features found in competitors.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and handling with new seats that provided better support and comfort. The driving position was sportier, and the interior featured height-adjustable front passenger seats, leather upholstery, and climate control features. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was a source of frustration, as the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacked a touchscreen and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with small bins and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trim levels offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument-cluster screen. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were significant additions, and the Equinox offered multiple USB ports and power outlets. While tech-savvy buyers might desire more features, the system covered the basics effectively.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth. However, the display was not touch-sensitive, and the system lacked natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls. While the system could be frustrating initially, users could acclimate over time. The CX-5 offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. A 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was optional on GT and standard from Sport Design, providing good audio quality. SiriusXM satellite radio was also available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but received 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 Equinox received an "Acceptable" score for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover crash tests. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense system operated mostly in the background, providing tactile and audible alerts. The CX-5's head-up display showed blind-spot warnings, enhancing safety. The IIHS awarded the CX-5 a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, a distinction few rivals could match.