2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. Its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was enhanced by tasteful wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as avant-garde as some competitors, maintained an attractive crossover design. Its restrained bodywork was complemented by a chunky front end, which made the grille appear smaller and more refined. The Equinox offered a variety of paint options, with some colours enhancing the vehicle's overall appeal. Inside, the Equinox's Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats. Although the interior design felt somewhat dated compared to rivals, it was practical and user-friendly. The Equinox's cabin was equipped with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample storage space, making it a functional choice for everyday use.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a 13-volt starter generator to handle functions like climate control and ignition, enhancing the vehicle's fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 delivered a refined driving experience, with minimal body roll and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Its brakes provided a confident pedal feel, and while it lacked extensive off-road capabilities, the XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics appealed to those seeking a straightforward driving experience.

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 adequately, it struggled to deliver strong performance at higher speeds. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, though older, provided a straightforward driving experience. The vehicle's AWD system required manual engagement, a quirk that some drivers might find inconvenient. However, the Equinox's electronically assisted brake-by-wire system and well-engineered suspension contributed to a smooth and enjoyable ride, with tight and accurate steering enhancing its overall driving dynamics.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a serene front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats proved challenging. The XC90's seven-passenger seating configuration made accessing the third row difficult, and while cargo space was decent at 356 litres with all seats up, it fell short compared to competitors when fully expanded to 1,856 litres. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, offering a nimble driving experience for a three-row SUV.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox provided ample passenger space, with generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. Its cargo area measured 847 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded down. While not the largest in its class, the Equinox's cargo capacity was competitive. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, and the Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate. The Equinox's cabin offered practical storage solutions, including cup holders for every passenger and a decently sized centre console bin.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, the first of its kind as a standard infotainment system. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, offering excellent natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on touchscreen controls for key functions could be frustrating, and more physical buttons would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display available.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology offering was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch screen in the Premier. While not as flashy as some competitors, the system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. The Equinox included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim featured a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system was available as an option.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies supported Volvo's Pilot Assist, providing a comprehensive suite of safety features.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked level two autonomous driving technology. While the Equinox received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, it scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, highlighting areas for improvement in its safety performance.