2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its more ostentatious competitors. Its refreshed styling included a new front design that aligned with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's exterior was complemented by redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. In Canada, the Tiguan was available in four trims, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and offered a range of prices from $33,395 to $43,395. The R-Line models, particularly the Highline R-Line, boasted a sportier look with options like Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line featured a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, advanced technology, and ambient lighting, though the lower half's hard plastic betrayed its mass-market status. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof available.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as futuristic as some rivals, maintained an attractive and restrained design. Its chunky front end gave the impression of a smaller grille, a refreshing change in an industry dominated by aggressive fascias. The Equinox offered new paint options, including Radiant Red Tintcoat, Blue Glow Metallic, and Harvest Brown Metallic. Available in four trims, the Equinox provided both FWD and AWD options, with AWD standard on the top trims. The Equinox's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. The Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, with a heated steering wheel available on higher trims. Despite a somewhat dated interior with a small touchscreen and basic display, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample storage. The Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and an HD surround-view camera.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 1,900 rpm. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. Drivers could choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional settings for different terrains. The Tiguan's suspension and steering provided a nimble and responsive driving experience, though it lacked outright fun when pushed. Fuel efficiency was moderate, with an average of 9.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for city driving, the Equinox struggled with acceleration at higher speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to the powertrain's noise. AWD was available but required manual engagement. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. The suspension handled bumps well, and the steering was tight and accurate, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though cargo space was compromised with it in use. The two-row configuration provided 1,064 litres of luggage volume, expanding to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior was comfortable, with excellent visibility and a panoramic sunroof. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 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 provided ample passenger space, even for taller individuals. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with plenty of storage options. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof was available on most trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, offered connected services, smartphone mirroring, and satellite radio. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a simple yet effective infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch on the Premier. The system was easy to use, with good voice recognition and customizable icons. All trims included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Premier trim offered a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were available, though the touch controls were challenging to use. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to enhance this score.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on most trims. The Equinox received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.