2023 Nissan Rogue 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 avoided the rugged styling of some competitors, offering a happy medium for buyers. 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 was considered too subdued.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, maintained a handsome and chiseled styling with SUV detailing that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The lineup included various trim levels, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a range of amenities. The Rogue's design was appealing, and it provided a comfortable and practical interior. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its low-contrast design, making it difficult to use in low light. The rear seat was roomy but lacked comfort, and the cargo area was versatile with the Divide-N-Hide feature.

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 most rivals, it lagged in horsepower. The engine performed well in city driving, but at higher speeds, it felt coarse and unresponsive. The automatic transmission's shifts were also a bit rough. Despite its RS trim, the Equinox wasn't designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of some competitors.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered AWD as an option. The Rogue's VC-Turbo powertrain was preferred over the previous 2.5-litre engine, providing responsive performance in urban settings. However, it lacked passing power on the highway, and the engine's character was not to everyone's liking. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, but it offered a good balance of ride compliance and body control.

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

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, offering comfortable seating for four and the ability to carry a fifth person when needed. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Rogue's Zero Gravity seat designs provided comfort, though the rear seat lacked leg support. The cargo area was versatile, with up to 1,028 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres with them folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for various configurations, and underfloor storage areas were included.

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 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 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant advantage, though the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition technology was limited, struggling with certain requests. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which worked well. However, the infotainment system was due for an update to match newer offerings.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but earned a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It achieved 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, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. ProPilot Assist worked well, providing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Rogue's safety features were extensive, offering peace of mind to drivers.