2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle refresh, adopting a more assertive front-end design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The LED accent lights were repositioned, and the actual headlights were discreetly placed underneath, maintaining the oversized kidney grille that sparked mixed reactions. While BMW aimed for a bolder look, the new design was divisive, with some appreciating the added presence and others finding it lacking in grace. The interior saw a modern update with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, alongside a more streamlined dashboard design. The quality of materials remained high, with luxurious leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic option, though some interior trim choices were prone to glare.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as visually striking as some competitors, presented an attractive and practical design. Its restrained bodywork and chunky front end offered a refreshing change from the aggressive fascias common in the industry. The Equinox was available in four trims, each offering a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The interior, though not as upscale as some rivals, was functional and spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, adding a touch of luxury. Despite its somewhat dated interior design, the Equinox was praised for its practicality and ease of use, with a straightforward PRNDL shift lever and well-placed cupholders.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered two engine options, starting with the base xDrive40i model, which featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This setup delivered 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a notable increase from the previous year. The xDrive40i could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The more powerful X7 M60i model boasted a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, also with a 48-volt hybrid system, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with controlled body roll and a composed ride, though it leaned towards a firmer suspension typical of BMW's engaging driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offering 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided adequate low-speed acceleration, it struggled at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway velocity. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, though less advanced than competitors' offerings, was simple and effective. The all-wheel-drive system required manual engagement but retained the setting for future drives. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. The suspension was well-tuned, offering a comfortable ride and responsive handling, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive in various conditions.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats comfortably accommodated taller passengers, and the large sunroof and windows enhanced the sense of openness. Accessing the third row required some patience due to the power-operated middle row, but once in place, it offered adequate space for average-sized adults. Cargo space behind the third row measured 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with both rear rows stowed. The split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading and unloading cargo more convenient. Front-seat storage was generous, with a large center console bin and well-sized cupholders.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a competitive 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 surpassed several rivals. Passenger space was ample, with sufficient headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with practical storage solutions like cupholders for every passenger and a decently sized center console bin. The Premier trim's power liftgate operated quietly, adding convenience to the Equinox's functionality.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout for basic functions, was criticized for its reliance on the touchscreen for many controls. The elimination of physical buttons made accessing features like seat heating and adaptive cruise control settings cumbersome. Voice commands offered a workaround, but they interrupted audio playback and were not always efficient. The system's complexity detracted from the overall user experience, highlighting the need for more intuitive menus and physical controls for frequently used features.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology package was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch screen in the Premier trim. While not as visually impressive as some competitors, the system was easy to use, with quick response times and effective voice recognition. Customizable icons and hard buttons provided convenient access to essential functions. All trims included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the Premier trim adding a wireless charging pad. The driver-information display, though simple, offered useful features like music and navigation information.

The 2023 BMW X7 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature was particularly appreciated for reducing driver fatigue on long trips. While crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable, BMW's reputation and the extensive safety features provided confidence in the X7's protective capabilities.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked level two autonomous driving technology. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but performed poorly in IIHS tests, with a Poor rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and a Marginal score in the side-impact crash test.