You’ve probably passed by your fair share of SUVs by now, seeing as they’re dominating the roads, and among the sea of many distinctive SUVs lies the Chevy Equinox. Always a classic, the Equinox seems to give drivers exactly what they’re looking for time and time again, never pushing the boundaries too far with its design. You may have come to know the Equinox for its timeless style and helpful features, but the time has come for change as other SUVs on the road are seeking to shake things up a bit – the Hyundai Tucson being one of these models. You may be torn about whether or not your vehicle should just be practical, ultra-stylish, or a mixture of both, but where does the line get drawn here? When it comes to the 2022 Chevy Equinox vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson, which model hit the mark just right, and which one went a little too far down the rabbit hole?
2022 Chevy Equinox: Ready For Its Close-Up
SUVs are perfect for families, frequent commuters, and everyday travelers alike, and even if you’re not too familiar with the Equinox’s design, one glance and you’ll know it was built to be a practical addition to the family. It’s easy to see that the 2022 Equinox is showcasing a fresh, new look with an updated grille and sleek headlights, but there’s much more in store for this winning SUV than meets the eye. First of all, it has a new trim available, which really pushes this model past the brink of excellence. Its RS trim not only delivers a splash of athleticism to the Equinox lineup, it also provides drivers with enhanced features and comfort to make for a more dialed-in ride. Black accents cover its exterior and interior, and once you take a peek inside, you’ll be able to enjoy available leather-appointed seating and black ice chrome accents throughout.
In addition to being able to choose from an even more stylish and sporty trim, the 2022 Equinox simplifies the driving experience by sticking with its capable 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. Keeping it simple is the name of the game these days, and not having to sift through multiple engines that offer different capabilities and performance features makes choosing your Equinox easy. Although the Equinox has not had a major redesign in a few years, these noticeable tweaks amplify the excitement surrounding this vehicle. With the addition of the sporty RS trim and the discontinuation of its basic L trim, drivers are able to enjoy a heightened experience inside, as opposed to the more budget-friendly features found in some of its competitors. It just goes to show that you don’t need to totally redesign an SUV to appeal to the masses, because after all, why mess with a classic?
2022 Hyundai Tucson: A Little Too Much?
The Tucson has been around just as long as the Equinox, and like the Equinox, as the years have gone by, it has continued to evolve to meet the demands of drivers everywhere. It seems as though the Equinox and the Tucson have always been on the road. Although they’re both capable travelers, neither have really stood out from the crowd, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, neither Chevy nor Hyundai have ever really tried to push the boundaries on these models – until now.
The Hyundai Tucson has undergone a comprehensive redesign for 2022 with a bold new style reminiscent of something found in a futuristic sci-fi movie. Although it looks ultra-sleek and interesting, has Hyundai gone too far with its design? The Tucson attracts the average buyer, one who quite possibly commutes into work each day or travels for their job, not a luxury buyer that may be more interested in a high-end model, like a Tesla. Yet, with its sculpted body design, updated grille, and larger frame, the Hyundai emanates many of the same elements as its luxury counterparts.
With its longer and wider frame, the Tucson is more spacious than ever before, which can come in handy when you’re trying to do more in your day, handling more people and cargo. It sports a much more aggressive stance than in the past, especially with its N Line model, which may appeal to adventurers seeking a companion on their next big road trip. Inside, a push-button shifter and four-spoke steering wheel add to its contemporary look, and with sleek black seating materials accented with shiny silver elements, its interior emanates that modern minimalist design that we see popping up all over. In its attempts at being ultra-unique, can the Tucson compete with more popular models in its class, like the Toyota RAV4, Chevy Equinox, and others?
2022 Chevy Equinox vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson
You tend to see a lot of unique vehicles on the road these days, ranging from designer vehicles like Lambourginis and Masseratis to practical models like the Equinox and the Tucson. Like we said before, it seems as though these models from Chevy and Hyundai have always been around, so passing them by on the highway is just about an everyday occurrence. However, now one model is trying to break away from the pack in a big way, but is it the right move for Hyundai?
The Chevy Equinox has remained a staple in the Chevy lineup, sporting endless functionality and a reputation that emanates excellence. Its subtle design enhancements for 2022, like a redeveloped front end and the addition of a sportier trim, allow it to remain in line with its buyers, who are looking for versatility, simplicity, and style… all of which reside inside this confident machine. The Tucson, on the other hand, showcases a completely new design, attempting to beat out rivals, like the beautiful Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more stylish models. Its ultra-modern features may just be too much for its buyers to handle, especially with its larger build and bold design elements. It begs the question, is the Tucson simply out of its element?
The Showstopper
You have to hand it to Hyundai; the brand sure is full of surprises. The Tucson has been a part of its lineup since the early 2000s, always delivering a capable ride with features in line with the times, yet now, with its wild new design, the Tucson may be a hard sell for some. Claiming that the new Tucson is “built for the modern adventure,” Hyundai pulled out all the stops with a daring design from its chiseled exterior into its ultra-modern interior. Attempting to add some excitement to its segment, the Tucson may have gone a little overboard by trying to pack too much modernism into one of Hyundai’s most timeless vehicles.
There’s a reason why the Equinox has been the best-selling Chevy SUV for years, and that’s because it gives its drivers what they want, not what everyone else is doing. Whether the Equinox is carting families around town for weekly errands or providing a comfortable ride during an everyday commute, it does so with confidence and practicality. With the debut of its RS trim, in addition to some enhanced style elements, it’s no surprise that the Equinox continues to be a top performer in the Chevy SUV lineup. As the future of the industry continues to shift, it’s nice to know that the Equinox always seems to hit the mark when it comes to what its buyers want, whether it’s style, features, comfort, or performance.
