2022 Buick Envision vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

Compact SUVs are known for their remarkable storage room, efficiency, and competition. Just the right size for the average family or new driver, they might be more off-road-ready, city-focused, or filled with the latest technology. The Buick Envision and Chevrolet Equinox are two examples of very good and very similar compact SUVs. Buick is a luxury automaker, while Chevrolet is generally more accessible, but is it really that simple, and which is the right SUV for you? Let’s compare the 2022 Chevy Equinox and the 2022 Buick Envision.

Exterior

The 2022 Buick Envision has three trim levels: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, while the 2022 Chevy Equinox has four: LS, LT, RS, and Premier. Comparing exteriors, the Envision is level, with a broader grille. The 2022 Equinox is a bit more downward-sloped in a way that matches the narrow, assertive headlights.

For 2022, the Equinox comes in eight colors instead of the Envision’s six, though only the latter has a bronze color option. Both have wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches, but the Envision offers some 20-inch wheels with a wider inner diameter.

Both vehicles have standard LED headlights and roof rails, and you can find versions with heated power outside mirrors and a hands-free automatic programmable liftgate. The Essence or Avenir versions of the 2022 Envision can come with adaptive headlights, also known as cornering lights. Adaptive lights rotate on a turn, based on your speed and steering wheel angle, fully lighting the road ahead.

Interior

Both models come with infotainment touch screens and advanced phone-connectivity systems, with an 8-inch screen on the Buick and a 7-inch screen with the Chevy. On all trims above the Preferred, the 2022 Buick Envision can be upgraded with a heads-up display, showing you the navigation instructions and details, your current speed, and more without having to take your eyes off the road.

The interior passenger space and hip, head, and leg room dimensions are virtually identical, with the Envision just a half-inch or so bigger. The Equinox wins out when it comes to cargo volume: 29.9 cubic feet over the Envision’s 25.2 cubic feet. However, the Envision also gets one-touch front power windows and available automatic speed-adjusting windshield wipers. Finally, the Envision Avenir has massaging front seats as standard equipment, a real treat on longer trips.

Safety

Both of these family wagons have five-star NHTSA safety ratings, but beyond the available cornering lights, the Buick Envision has a few other safety advantages. The front seat belts are height-adjustable, and the Envision has a driver’s knee air bag for better positioning in a front collision. The Envision also has hill descent control on the all-wheel-drive versions, which helps you shift into gear and start moving from a hill.

The 2022 Envision and 2022 Equinox both have rearview cameras and surround-view monitor systems. A blind-spot warning system is included on the Envision from the base model. The Equinox RS also has blind-spot monitoring from the Confidence and Convenience package or the Driver Confidence package, available on lower trims. The same applies to rear cross-path detection systems: standard on the Envision but still available on the Equinox with the right optional package.

Finally, the Envision Essence or Envision Avenir can be upgraded with Enhanced Automatic Park Assist, which does every step of parking for you except switching into and out of reverse. If you look at the Equinox’s highest trim level, the Premier, you’ll see a similar automatic parking assist function. Although, with Chevy’s version, you have to control the brakes, too.

Engine

Both of these SUVs use a single powertrain across their trim levels. Though it’s to be expected, the luxury Envision is generally more powerful and responsive compared to the Equinox, although the Chevy model is not far behind. The 2022 Buick Envision uses a 2-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower, 58 more than the Equinox’s 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder powertrain. The Buick model also gets 258 lb-ft of torque, while the Equinox gets a still-great 203 lb-ft.

Common models of the 2022 Buick Envision reached a 0-60-mph time of 7.3 seconds. The Equinox is not far behind at 8.2 seconds. Both vehicles are more about comfort than track performance, but their times are fairly good for their segment. Finally, the Envision’s engine has valve timing technology to disengage some of the cylinders when they aren’t needed, helping you save more fuel at lower speeds. The Envision also benefits from stronger brakes, with a 0-60-mph stopping distance of 127 feet instead of the Equinox’s 135 feet.

Transmissions are another big part of an SUV’s driving feel. The Envision gets a nine-speed automatic shifter, while the Equinox has a six-speed automatic. Also, the Envision’s standard front-wheel-drive has a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, exactly one gallon bigger than the 2022 Equinox’s front-wheel-drive tank. Although it has the simpler transmission, the Equinox has better city fuel economy at 26 mpg instead of 24 (both get 31 highway mpg), while the Envision spoils choosy drivers with maxed-out power and agility.

Final Verdict

The key question is whether you want that luxury touch and a little more of everything or if  you prefer a balance of practicality and luxury. One isn’t necessarily better, and the decision comes down largely to taste and price range. You could find an Equinox that has all your must-have features at a lower price than the equivalent Envision trim level. Or, maybe the Envision’s driving style is just what you need. A test drive of similar trim levels from both would help you find out for sure.

Overall, the differences between the Envision and Equinox are both great choices, just in different degrees of luxury. If you’re ready to find a 2022 Envision or 2022 Equinox for you, skip the other dealerships and come to Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown. Consider us your go-to place for new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles from just about every automaker you can imagine. If you need any auto services or have questions, contact us today.

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