2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, even if it didn't boast the futuristic design of some competitors. Its restrained bodywork was complemented by a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller, offering a refreshing change from the aggressive front fascias common in the industry. The gold Bowtie emblem, while garish against certain paint colors, looked appealing on others like Blue Glow Metallic. The Equinox was available in four trim levels, each offering either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Its design language shared similarities with the larger Chevrolet Traverse, and the interior, especially in the Premier trim, featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery and practical features like a PRNDL shift lever and spacious cupholders.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe embraced a bold and different aesthetic, moving away from the sleek designs of its Ioniq siblings. Its boxy shape was optimized for storage capacity, and the design team aimed to make it look elegant and premium. The Santa Fe's upscale appearance turned heads, and its sophisticated color palette added to its allure. Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling with a focus on comfort and functionality. The XRT and Calligraphy trims featured high-quality materials, and the interior was designed to be a relaxing and organized space. The Santa Fe's design was inspired by the concept of "chabak," emphasizing a spacious cargo area for car camping and tailgating.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled to deliver strong performance at higher speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to the Equinox's powertrain noise. The Equinox offered AWD across all trims, but it required manual engagement. The braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. The Equinox's suspension handled bumps well, and its steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Santa Fe offered a smooth and stable driving experience. It came with various driving modes, including Sport and off-road settings for the XRT trim. The Santa Fe's fuel economy varied depending on the drivetrain, with the hybrid version offering impressive efficiency. The XRT trim provided extra ground clearance and towing capacity, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The Santa Fe's driving dynamics were classic Hyundai, with smooth acceleration and minimal body roll.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While it didn't match the cargo capacity of some competitors, it provided ample passenger space. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, and the Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its longer wheelbase and body, prioritized cargo space. The design focused on creating a comfortable area for car camping and tailgating, with an extra-wide tailgate and plenty of storage. The first and second rows were spacious, while the third row was snug. The Santa Fe offered various seating options, including stain-resistant cloth, synthetic leather, and plush quilted Nappa leather. The cargo area provided 14.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Santa Fe also featured a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology offerings were straightforward, with a small touchscreen interface. While not as flashy as some competitors, the system was easy to use and responsive. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and all trims offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver-information display, though simple, provided useful features.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display, enhancing the cabin's luxurious feel. The touchscreen was intuitive, with crisp graphics and easy phone pairing. The system included a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SE and SEL trims featured a simpler 12.3-inch touchscreen. Hyundai's BlueLink system allowed for vehicle access and information, and Hyundai Pay offered secure payment options. The Santa Fe also introduced a biometric fingerprint scanner for added convenience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with standard advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked genuine level two autonomous driving technology. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The base SE trim included adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, and blind-spot monitors. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, remote automatic parking, and a driver monitoring system. The Santa Fe's safety tech was generally reliable, with only minor issues during testing.