2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its superior fit and finish, along with distinctive features like the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, highlighted its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious "Scandinavian Modern" interior with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as bold in design as some competitors, presented an attractive and practical crossover option. Its restrained bodywork and chunky front end provided a refreshing change from the aggressive fascias common in the industry. The Equinox was available in four trims, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims in Canada. The interior, though not as upscale as some rivals, offered ample passenger space and practical features like a power liftgate and optional panoramic sunroof. The Equinox's use of higher-quality plastics and thoughtful storage solutions contributed to its appeal as a family-friendly vehicle.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options, starting with the T5's turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's driving experience was praised for its minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, particularly in the Recharge Inscription extended range model, which offered a smooth power delivery and an EV range of up to 58 kilometres.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a single 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for city driving, the Equinox struggled with acceleration at higher speeds. Its six-speed automatic transmission, though less advanced than competitors' offerings, provided a straightforward driving experience. The Equinox's AWD system required manual engagement, a quirk that some drivers might find inconvenient. However, the vehicle's electronically assisted brake-by-wire system and well-engineered suspension contributed to a comfortable and controlled ride.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered flexible seating configurations for six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was best suited for children, the XC90 excelled in cargo capacity, offering up to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. It could also tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The climate control system performed admirably, even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, though not leading in cargo space, provided a respectable 847 litres behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with the seats folded. Passenger space was generous, with ample headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured practical storage solutions and a nearly silent power liftgate. While the Equinox's interior materials included a fair amount of plastic, they were of higher quality than previous GM models, contributing to a more refined cabin experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While the system was intuitive, it occasionally lagged, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing safety and convenience. The XC90 also included multiple USB ports and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch unit on the Premier trim. Despite its simplicity, the system was user-friendly, with quick response times and good voice recognition. All trims offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, while a Bose audio system was available as an option.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its comprehensive safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and the Pilot Assist system, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked advanced autonomous driving technology. While it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, it received lower scores from the IIHS, particularly in front and side-impact crash tests.