2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's historically boxy designs, presenting a more refined and purposeful aesthetic. Its front end was solid yet understated, with an assertive grille and the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, which added a hint of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian elegance, featuring two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was accentuated by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV retained some design elements from its internal combustion engine counterpart but introduced more decisive lines and a sleeker grille. The EV's front fascia featured more body color, and the rear echoed the front with a light bar. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available for certain trims. Inside, the Equinox EV provided a choice of interior colors, with sporty options for higher trims. The cabin was designed to be youthful yet sophisticated, with features like heated seats and dual-zone climate control available on higher trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The B6 powertrain, featuring both a supercharger and a turbo, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While the mild-hybrid system didn't allow for electric-only driving, it improved fuel efficiency and provided a smoother driving experience. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission and solid brakes contributed to a confident driving experience, though it lacked extensive off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a hands-free start feature and one-pedal driving, with drive modes including Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor FWD variant produced 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV's range was impressive, with the FWD model achieving 319 miles and the AWD model 285 miles. The vehicle supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, allowing for quick recharging. The Equinox EV's ride was comfortable and stable, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which sometimes led to space and storage challenges. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of dedicated storage for small items was noticeable. The second row offered reasonable space, but accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. The XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite its smaller size compared to other three-row SUVs, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting from the 2LT trim, included features like heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim added front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV offered 39.15 inches of front headroom and 41.65 inches of front legroom, providing a comfortable cabin experience. The vehicle's cargo space was 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant as standard features. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, but the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, which some users might find inconvenient.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV boasted a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its segment, and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation and route planning through the MyChevrolet app. The app also facilitated battery pre-conditioning and charging station location.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which helped maintain distance and lane position.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with Chevy Safety Assist, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision alert. Additional safety features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available from the 2LT trim.