2023 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 didn't adopt the rugged styling of some competitors like the Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4. 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 and darkened wheels, but the interior was considered too subdued.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, embraced a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for customization with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access. The Wrangler's interior was practical, with easy-to-clean materials and a body-coloured dash. However, storage space was limited, and the rear seat was a tight fit. The Wrangler offered various top options, including a power soft top for open-air driving, and provided ample charging points throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 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, but at higher speeds, it felt coarse and unresponsive. The Equinox wasn't designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of competitors like the Honda CR-V.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of engine options, catering to off-road enthusiasts. The standard Pentastar V6 produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler also featured a 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 and a powerful 6.4-litre V8 in the Rubicon 392, delivering 470 horsepower. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid provided an electric range of 35 kilometres. The Wrangler excelled off-road, with solid axles, differential lockers, and various transfer cases. However, the 392 model had issues with brakes and steering, which were less pronounced in other trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was 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 small windows. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 847 litres with the rear seats up and 1,809 litres with them folded. The Equinox lacked features like a sliding second-row seat or cargo-area storage bins.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, but rear seating was tight, especially in the four-door models. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler offered 2,050 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Ford Bronco. The Wrangler's top options allowed for open-air driving, with a power soft top available for quick access to fresh air. The Wrangler provided ample charging points, including USB ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured 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 smartphone connectivity was a significant advantage, although the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch screen in higher trims. Uconnect initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information and standard connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler offered practical tech features, such as a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced features like a digital key.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with 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 2023 Jeep Wrangler had limited standard safety features, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were standard only on top trims or part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims receiving Poor headlight rankings. The NHTSA gave it four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover ratings.