2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated enthusiasts with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance its off-road prowess. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with features like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, such as G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, ensuring it was as capable on the road as it was off.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented a more restrained design, with a chunky front end that gave it a distinctive look. It was available in four trims, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims and standard on the RS and Premier. The Equinox's interior was practical and spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. While the interior design appeared somewhat dated compared to competitors, it was functional and user-friendly. The Equinox offered a range of features, including a power liftgate and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly crossover.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's seven-speed manual transmission, available with the four-cylinder engine, featured a unique crawl gear for low-speed driving. All models came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case, making them highly capable off-road. The Bronco excelled in challenging terrains, with models like the Everglades showcasing impressive capabilities in mud, water, and rocky landscapes. On-road, the Bronco offered a smoother ride than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler, with better steering and reduced driver fatigue.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled to provide the same level of performance at higher speeds. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to its powertrain noise. The AWD system required manual activation, but the Equinox's braking and suspension systems were well-engineered, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard-top model providing up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with the seats folded. The four-door hard-top model increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including accessory rails and stowable doors, enhancing its utility for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded. While it didn't match the cargo capacity of some competitors, it provided ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, cup holders for every passenger, and a power liftgate. The Equinox's practicality and comfort made it a suitable choice for families.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera for improved confidence on challenging terrains. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The Bronco's technology suite ensured it was both capable and connected.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology offering was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier trim. While not as flashy as some competitors, the Equinox's infotainment system was easy to use, with quick responses and good voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard across all trims, with a Bose audio system available as an option on higher trims.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features such as hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA, and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in most categories.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with a suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on most trims. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, highlighting areas for improvement in its safety performance.