2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 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 the previous model. While it maintained a car-based crossover design, it avoided the rugged styling of competitors like the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. The interior featured a creative dashboard 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, although the subdued interior was not to everyone's taste.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more subtle and less flashy look compared to its luxury SUV counterparts. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. The interior of the GLS 450, while basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, and the overall interior quality was high. However, the suspension lacked the refinement expected from a luxury SUV, leading to excessive motion over bumps and in corners.

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 either front-wheel drive or 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 competitors like the Honda CR-V.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available from the electric motor in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive bouncing and leaning. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading.

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, but rear visibility was hampered by a small rear window. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 847 litres with the rear seats up and 1,809 litres with them folded. A power liftgate was available, but the Equinox lacked features like a sliding second-row seat.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version offering captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for third-row access, and the GLS boasted excellent second-row legroom. Cargo space was 355 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate, with the air suspension aiding in loading and unloading. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being difficult to reach and undersized sun visors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured 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 graphics. The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant advantage, and the Equinox offered multiple USB ports and power outlets. However, the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and navigation. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, understanding natural speech well. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good graphics, and the augmented-reality navigation feature was standard. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but was rated "Marginal" 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 the Equinox a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and Chevy's Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Additional features included Crosswind Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, and Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a potential collision. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.