2022 Subaru Forester 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 the Equinox maintained its car-based crossover identity, it didn't adopt the rugged styling seen in competitors like the Subaru Forester. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents, and materials were decent for the price. The RS model added black exterior trim and darkened wheels, but the interior felt too subdued.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality over form, with a focus on practicality. The Forester Wilderness model featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. Inside, the Forester's cabin combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, exuding quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was intuitive, though the three display screens could be cumbersome. The Forester's new front styling improved its looks, but the Wilderness's cladding and matte-black hood decal were not universally appealing.

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. The Equinox offered more torque than most rivals, but less horsepower, which was noticeable at higher speeds. The engine felt coarse and unresponsive at higher rpm, and the automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough. Despite its RS trim, the Equinox wasn't designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of competitors like the Honda CR-V.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25%, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's engine was adequate near sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT simulated an automatic transmission feel, and the Wilderness model's SI-Drive added a Sport mode for more lively response. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system improved off-road capability, and the re-tuned suspension enhanced ride and handling.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was somewhat lacking, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox provided a tall seating position and unobstructed forward view, but rear visibility was hampered by the 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 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, allowing for a three-person roof tent. Comfort levels were high, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose 7-speaker audio system. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. Wireless smartphone connectivity was a significant advantage, though the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester Wilderness added a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The Harman Kardon system produced clear sound, but the navigation system lacked a breadcrumb function. Voice recognition was hit-and-miss in effectiveness.

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, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. Limited and Premier trims included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, and it was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.