2023 Kia Telluride 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 the materials and fit and finish were decent for its price range. The new RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, although the interior was considered too subdued.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride received fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. It introduced new paint and interior colours, enhancing its visual appeal. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring unique grille designs, raised roof rails, and distinctive wheels. The interior updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing a modern and futuristic feel. The Telluride's interior changes also included new colours, minor trim updates, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims had their names embossed on the front seatbacks, adding a touch of exclusivity.

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 both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. 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, lacking the refinement of some competitors.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The V6 engine provided ample power, and the Telluride achieved an average fuel consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the X-Line. The X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km. The Telluride's suspension was raised for improved off-road performance, and it featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model was equipped for off-roading with all-terrain tires and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity.

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 an unobstructed forward view, but 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.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. It featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second row was equipped with manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seat was more comfortable than many competitors, although it couldn't match the Volkswagen Atlas for leg support. The Telluride provided generous storage space and a smart power tailgate with proximity-sensing. Cargo space was 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

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 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument-cluster screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were significant additions, and the Equinox provided multiple USB ports and power outlets. However, the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, although it couldn't adjust the climate control. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as keys. The Telluride also offered a Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area.

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 NHTSA awarded it 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 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Telluride featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 for semi-autonomous driving. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added Lane Change Assist. The Telluride was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.