2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, even if it didn't boast the futuristic design of a Kia Sportage or the rugged appearance of a Toyota RAV4. Its restrained bodywork was complemented by a chunky front end, which made the grille appear smaller and more refined compared to the aggressive front fascias common in the industry. The gold Bowtie emblem, while a bit garish against certain paint colours like Radiant Red Tintcoat, looked appealing on others such as Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic. The Equinox was available in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims in Canada, and standard on the RS and Premier.

The Equinox's design language shared similarities with the larger Chevrolet Traverse, particularly in its thick C-pillar and big windows, which contributed to a sense of spaciousness. Inside, the Premier trim featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats across all trims in Canada. While the interior appeared somewhat dated with a small touchscreen and basic driver-information display, it was practical and user-friendly. The PRNDL shift lever was a refreshing change from the increasingly common dial- and button shifters, and the optional Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, offered in nine distinct trim levels, stood out with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for aesthetics; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" aided in cargo securing and obstacle navigation.

Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs in the floor. The Bronco's interior was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler, and thoughtful additions like a grid-like mesh on seat backs for attaching accessories were appreciated. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled to accelerate above 50 km/h. The Equinox reached highway speeds in about eight seconds, but the process was noisy. Its six-speed automatic transmission, while older, contributed to the powertrain's noise by holding gears longer. The AWD system required manual engagement, but the new electronically assisted brake-by-wire system improved braking performance. The Equinox's suspension handled bumps well, and its steering was tight and accurate.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, a 2.7-litre V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre V6 in the Raptor with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All engines came with a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the V6 options provided more power for heavier models. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads, but the Bronco felt confident and maneuverable, especially with its camera systems.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with the seats folded, which was less than most competitors except the Mazda CX-5. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom for a six-foot-tall driver. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, cup holders for every passenger, and a nearly silent power liftgate. A panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS.

The Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to the rear seats. The two-door model had 634 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with them folded, while the four-door offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a small touchscreen interface, with a 7-inch screen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier. While not flashy, the system was easy to use and offered good voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system was optional on higher trims.

The Ford Bronco's technology enhanced its off-road abilities with G.O.A.T. drive modes and numerous camera views. The Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and FordPass Connect. Most Broncos came with an eight-inch touchscreen, but a 12-inch display was available for easier use.

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

The Ford Bronco received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and Trail Turn Assist. The Mid package added features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist, while the High and Luxe packages offered additional safety technologies.