2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting comfortably within Volkswagen's lineup between the subcompact and compact segments. It competed with models like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Taos was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a choice of front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive on the base model. Its design was consistent with Volkswagen's aesthetic, featuring roof rails, dark grey plastic cladding, and skid plates. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though it offered soft surfaces where necessary, and the Highline trim boasted two-tone perforated leather with contrast stitching.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as visually striking as some competitors, maintained an attractive and restrained design. Its chunky front end and smaller grille provided a refreshing change from the aggressive fascias common in the industry. The Equinox was available in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with AWD as an option on the lower trims and standard on the higher ones. The interior, though somewhat dated, was practical and user-friendly, with a simple PRNDL shift lever and ample passenger space. The Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and a nearly silent power liftgate, while a panoramic sunroof was available on all but the base trim.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided adequate power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its ground clearance was less than ideal for off-road adventures. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 L/100 km in combined driving, with real-world testing showing 8.7 L/100 km.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speed. The six-speed automatic transmission, though outdated, contributed to the Equinox's powertrain noise. The AWD system required manual activation but retained settings between uses. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable performance. Its suspension handled bumps well, and the steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious interior, with deeply bolstered front seats and ample rear legroom. The Highline trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the front-wheel-drive model offering 790 litres behind the rear seats and 1,866 litres with them folded. The 4Motion model had slightly less cargo space due to its independent rear suspension. A centre pass-through made it ideal for ski trips.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox provided 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with them folded. While not the largest in its class, it offered ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic materials, with plenty of storage options, including cup holders and a centre console bin. The Premier trim's power liftgate was nearly silent, and a panoramic sunroof was available on most trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the Trendline trim, while the Comfortline and Highline trims featured an 8-inch display with MIB3 software. All trims included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless versions available on higher trims. The Highline trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and slow response.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch display on the Premier trim. While not as flashy as some competitors, the system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. All trims included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim featured a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety features, but many were only available on higher trims or as part of extra-cost packages. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning on the Comfortline trim and above. The Highline trim added automatic high beams and rear parking sensors. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were available on the Highline trim, providing advanced driving assistance and safety features.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included a suite of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on lower trims and standard on the Premier. While the Equinox received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, it scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, highlighting areas for improvement in safety performance.