2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the creation of the XC90 as its flagship SUV. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, complemented by the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious "Scandinavian Modern" interior with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as bold as some competitors, was an attractive crossover with a restrained bodywork and a chunky front end. The Equinox was available in four trims, each offering either FWD or AWD. Its design language shared elements with the larger Chevrolet Traverse, providing a sense of spaciousness despite its compact profile. The interior of the Equinox Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, though it appeared somewhat dated compared to rivals. Despite its simplicity, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample storage space.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were available in FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, and the T8 offering 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The XC90's driving experience was smooth and agile, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speed. The Equinox used a six-speed automatic transmission, which held gears longer than more modern transmissions, contributing to its noisy powertrain. AWD was available across all trims, but required manual engagement. The Equinox's electronically assisted brake-by-wire system provided smooth braking, and its well-engineered suspension handled bumps effectively, offering a tight and accurate steering experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, it lacked legroom for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed well even in extreme heat, making the XC90 a comfortable choice in various climates.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox provided 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it offered ample passenger space, with sufficient headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with practical storage solutions like cup holders and door pockets. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, adding convenience to its functionality.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality. While intuitive, the system was occasionally glitchy, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional Advanced package with a head-up display and 360-degree camera. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The XC90 also offered multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a smartphone app for remote vehicle control.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch in the Premier. While not as flashy as some competitors, the system was easy to use, with quick response and good voice recognition. The Equinox included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a wireless charging pad in the Premier trim. The driver-information display, though simple, provided useful features like music and navigation information.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Volvo's Pilot Assist system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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