2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched in 2016 as the flagship SUV on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was characterized by a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and a distinctive snub nose, with superior fit and finish. The interior boasted "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" styling, featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent styling changes, including a new grille, LED headlights, and subtle rear fascia updates, giving it a chunkier appearance. Unlike some competitors, the Equinox embraced its car-based crossover identity, offering a tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia. The dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents, and materials and fit and finish were decent for its price range. The RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, though the subdued interior was not to everyone's taste.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency varied, with the Recharge model achieving an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating on gas in hybrid mode and a 4.0 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres with a 29-kilometre EV range. The XC90's driving experience was praised for its minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a single 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the Equinox offered more torque than some rivals, it had less horsepower. The engine performed well in city driving, but at higher speeds, it felt coarse and unresponsive. The Equinox's handling was not sporty, and it lacked the refinement of some competitors, though it remained comfortable on rough roads.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited legroom. The XC90 offered up to 1,855 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded and could tow up to 2,250 kilograms. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well even in extreme heat, and the XC90 was equipped with heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox seated five across two rows, with decent headroom and good second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox offered a tall seating position and good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by a small rear window. The climate control system was easy to use, with prominently placed controls. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 847 litres with the rear seats up and 1,809 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was intuitive but occasionally slow to respond. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an Advanced package with a head-up display and 360-degree camera were available. The XC90 included multiple USB ports and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose audio system. The MyLink infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good graphics. The Equinox provided ample USB ports, though the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. It received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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 five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera.