2023 Subaru Outback 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. 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift with a new front end, redesigned LED headlights, and a restyled grille. The addition of dark gray vertical cladding and a simulated skid plate gave it a more aggressive look. The Onyx Edition offered black wheels and trim, complementing the bold design. The Outback’s interior, especially in the Touring trim, was praised for its upscale feel, with Java Brown leather and contrasting stitching. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior didn’t feel cheap. The large infotainment screen, however, was prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter 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 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 automatic transmission’s shifts were somewhat rough, and the vehicle wasn’t designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of some competitors.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While the CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, the engine struggled with passing and climbing. The Outback XT models offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but at a higher cost. The Outback’s AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities. However, the standard engine’s fuel economy was disappointing, and the vehicle felt underpowered at higher speeds and elevations.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five with decent headroom and second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was somewhat lacking, and the driving position was difficult to adjust. 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 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Equinox lacked some of the flexible storage options found in competitors.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and practical interior storage. The Touring trim offered comfortable seating with power-adjustable front seats, heating, and ventilation. The Outback’s interior was spacious, accommodating two adults and two teens comfortably on long trips. Cargo space was generous, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded. The Outback’s design made it easy to enter and exit, and the vehicle’s height and supportive seats added to its comfort.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen and additional options like navigation and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. However, the center-console slot for phones was too small, and tech-savvy buyers might desire more features.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, subscription-based Starlink services, and optional navigation and Harman Kardon audio. The system’s usability had improved, but the graphics and icons were not favored. The voice recognition system was ineffective, necessitating reliance on smartphone connectivity. Additional tech included a digital rearview mirror and a front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top 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 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 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system added new pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. Additional safety features included a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian detection and an Automatic Emergency Steering system. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems were criticized for their artificial steering feel.