2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler presented a rugged, no-nonsense design with its fourth-generation JL model, characterized by its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The vehicle's design was simple yet functional, with wide fenders, round headlights, and unique exterior features like the limited-edition "Reign" purple paint. Inside, the Wrangler maintained its practicality with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout, though it lacked luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a more restrained and attractive crossover design, with a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The Equinox was available in four trim levels, with options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Its profile featured a thick C-pillar and large windows, giving an impression of spaciousness. Inside, the Equinox boasted two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats in Canada. While the interior appeared somewhat dated compared to competitors, it was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample storage options. The Equinox also offered a range of optional features, including a panoramic sunroof and a power liftgate.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was renowned for its off-road prowess, featuring solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered a variety of engine options, including a standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The high-performance Rubicon 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were further enhanced by different transfer cases, with the Xtreme Recon package offering a crawl ratio of 58:1. However, the 392 model's on-road performance was hindered by inadequate brakes and vague steering.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, was powered by a single 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration adequately, it struggled to deliver strong performance at higher speeds. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission contributed to its powertrain noise, as it held gears longer than more modern transmissions. Despite this, the Equinox offered a well-sorted suspension and tight steering, making it enjoyable to drive in most situations. The AWD system required manual engagement but was easy to use. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking performance.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior offered comfortable front seats, with heated options available on select models. The rear seat was a tight fit for three passengers, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitors. The vehicle's various top options allowed for open-air driving, with the Sky One-Touch power soft top providing the easiest and most expensive solution. The Wrangler featured multiple charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a cargo area of 847 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it provided ample passenger space, with generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with plenty of storage options for smaller items. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS. Dual-zone climate control was optional, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen available. The system initially appeared complex but was intuitive once familiarized. It included off-road pages with detailed information, as well as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Wrangler's tech offerings were practical, with features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, but lacked advanced options like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a simple yet effective infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier trim. The system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim offered a wireless charging pad, while a Bose seven-speaker audio system was available on higher trims. The driver-information display, though basic, provided useful features like music and navigation information.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control as standard. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on higher trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims' headlights rated Poor. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover, with no side crash rating available.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included a comprehensive suite of 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 most trims. While the Equinox lacked level two autonomous driving technology, it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, with a Poor rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and a Marginal score in the side-impact test.