2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Chevrolet Equinox

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, offering a refreshing change from 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. Chevrolet introduced a new paint option, Sterling Gray Metallic, for 2023. The Equinox was available in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with AWD standard on the top two trims in Canada.

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 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, though taking up more space, was simple to use. The Confidence and Convenience II package added features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and adaptive cruise control, making it a recommended option despite its cost.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lit up. While the ID.4 was distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its modularity with other models, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van.

Inside, the ID.4 carried over the minimalist design and quality feel of recent VW interiors. The base model, despite having a manual driver's seat, didn't feel like a significant downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro AWD. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres was standard. The ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom. Cargo space was generous, and the ID.4 provided some towing capability, albeit modest compared to traditional SUVs. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower, an increase of five horsepower from the previous year. With 203 lb-ft of torque, it handled low-speed acceleration adequately but struggled to accelerate above 50 km/h. The Equinox reached highway speeds in about eight seconds, though it was noisy in the process. The six-speed automatic transmission, while older, contributed to the powertrain's noise by holding gears longer. AWD was available on all trims, requiring manual engagement via a button on the centre console. The new electronically assisted brake-by-wire system improved braking performance, and the suspension handled bumps well, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack with RWD or AWD options. RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while AWD models delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivalled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but allowed too much body roll for spirited driving. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional coasting experience rather than one-pedal driving.

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

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with superior legroom and headroom compared to the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. Cargo space measured 858 litres with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, making it practical among entry-level EVs. The ID.4 offered some towing capability, with RWD models rated for 1,000 kg and AWD models for 1,225 kg. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control.

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 trim. While not as flashy as some competitors, the system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and a Bose seven-speaker audio system was optional on higher trims.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. Software updates improved responsiveness, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. The user interface included sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, though voice recognition mitigated this issue. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. 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 IIHS crash tests, with a Poor rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and a Marginal score in the side-impact test.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2023 model were unavailable, the 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New features for 2023 included Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.