2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a testament to Volvo's approach of easing traditional car owners into the electric vehicle (EV) world without drastic changes. From the outside, it closely resembled its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, maintaining the same basic shape and structure. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grill, replacing the traditional open grill to manage airflow differently. Subtle details like the enlarged fuel-filler flap for the charge port, trim-specific 19-inch alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes distinguished it as an EV. The XC40's design was a nod to Volvo's Swedish roots, with features like the Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion created by thin pillars. Inside, the XC40 boasted a Scandinavian design sensibility, offering an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact SUV classification. The harmonious dash elements and premium finishes underscored its luxury status.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and subtle rear fascia changes, giving it a sleeker look. The grille was more upright, flanked by large fake air intakes, adding a chunkier appearance. Unlike rugged competitors like the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4, the Equinox embraced its car-based crossover identity, offering a happy medium between rugged and car-like aesthetics. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with petal-like elements and a central touchscreen flanked by large air vents. The materials and fit were decent for its price range, with cloth seats standard and perforated leather available. The RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a subdued black interior with red stitching, though the latter was less appealing. Overall, the Equinox's design was coherent, but it lacked distinctive features compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a thrilling drive, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and two permanent magnet electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup enabled the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, impressive for a compact SUV. The gasoline-powered XC40 models, the T4 and T5, used turbo four-cylinder engines with 8-speed automatic transmissions, achieving 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 seconds and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge featured regenerative braking, allowing drivers to engage one-pedal driving for energy recovery. Its lower centre of gravity, due to battery placement, enhanced handling, making it feel stable and planted through curves. The XC40 Recharge's fuel efficiency was rated at 2.8 Le/100 km combined, with a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge. DC fast-charging could replenish 0-80% in 40 minutes.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered a single powertrain option: 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, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. While the Equinox had more torque than some rivals, it lagged in horsepower. In city driving, the turbo-four engine provided ample torque for quick starts, but at higher speeds, the engine felt coarse and unresponsive. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough. The Equinox wasn't designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of competitors like the Honda CR-V. However, it offered decent comfort on rough roads.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, or "frunk," providing extra storage space for items like the charging cable. Inside, the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials, with door pockets for water bottles, a bag hook on the passenger dash, and map pockets on the front seat backs. USB power ports were available in both front and rear. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers but tight for a middle passenger. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox provided seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom in both rows. Second-row legroom was good, but some competitors offered more front seat legroom. The tall seating position was a key SUV feature, providing an unobstructed forward view, though rear visibility was hampered by the small rear window. The climate control buttons and knobs were prominently placed below the touchscreen, avoiding the need to navigate menus for temperature adjustments. The Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,809 litres with them folded, near the bottom of the segment. A power liftgate was available, but it lacked features like a sliding second-row seat or cargo-area storage bins found in competitors.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with tech, featuring a long list of standard and available driver-assistance systems, including Pilot Assist for highway driving. A heat pump supported climate control, extending the range by using waste heat from the battery and motors. The 9.3-inch centre-stack touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel featured new graphics and functions, with the Android Automotive operating system providing built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play store access. Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. However, the range and state of charge display showed a percentage rather than remaining kilometres, which could trigger range anxiety.

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 built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch instrument-cluster screen. The Chevy MyLink infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were major advantages, though the centre-console slot for phones was too small. The system covered the basics, allowing drivers to access software features without fuss.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the gasoline 2021 XC40 T5 AWD earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge's extensive safety equipment included collision warning and avoidance, blind-spot information, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. A new sensor platform enhanced active safety features, integrating cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other connected Volvo vehicles, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but a "Marginal" rating 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 Chevy's Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system.