2019 Buick Envision vs 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2019 Buick Envision's aesthetic appeal positioned it as the most handsome vehicle in Buick's SUV lineup. It featured a striking, taut, athletic vibe that set it apart from the more stubby Buick Encore and gave the full-size Buick Enclave a run for its money in terms of attractiveness. The Envision's strong body lines and upright rear section showcased proportions reminiscent of the BMW X1, which gave it an extra boost of elegance.

Inside, the Envision's cabin initially presented itself as clean and straightforward in a market plagued by overly busy dash layouts. Yet, upon closer examination, it fell short of Buick’s luxury claims. The matte-finish materials used for the climate controls and electronic bezel attempted but failed to replicate the Lexus NX's finesse, coming off as somewhat cheap, especially when mixed with chrome and light-colored leather. Moreover, the same coarse matte finish on the multifunction steering wheel detracted from the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox boasted a clean design devoid of overt SUV styling cues, giving it a sophisticated look, particularly in the Premier trim with 19-inch wheels and extra chrome detailing. The contrast cladding along the SUV's lower perimeter helped reduce visual height and added to its appeal. The high-contrast cabin of the Equinox Premier, outfitted in Jet Black and Brandy leather with metallic interior accents and a panoramic glass sunroof, exuded an upscale vibe, though the prevalence of hard, shiny plastics detracted from its overall luxury feel. Hard plastics were easier to overlook at lower trim levels, but less so in a vehicle pushing a price point that begins with the number "4."

The 2019 Buick Envision had two main engine options. The FWD, Preferred, and Essence trims came equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 197 horsepower. This engine paired with an outdated 6-speed automatic transmission, available with either FWD or optional AWD for Preferred and Essence trims. Unfortunately, this setup felt underpowered and sluggish.

In contrast, the Premium and Premium II trims came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 252 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. With a new 9-speed automatic transmission, this engine provided good power delivery and solid acceleration, paired with standard AWD. The Envision's steering was responsive, though it felt a bit top-heavy during spirited driving. Yet, its smooth ride and quiet cabin made it comfortable for city commutes.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox provided two distinct driving experiences. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produced 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission in both FWD and AWD formats. This engine delivered decent performance but fell short of EPA fuel economy estimates, managing only 24.3 mpg instead of the expected 28 mpg.

For better performance or higher towing capacity (up to 3,500 pounds), the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine was the superior choice. Producing 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, this engine provided more dynamic driving experiences. With AWD, it managed 22.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 24 mpg combined rating. Both engine options had a firm ride quality but suffered from noticeable road and wind noise.

In terms of interior space, the 2019 Buick Envision offered an airy driver's seat with ample visibility. The second row featured generous legroom, though headroom was slightly compromised. The rear seats could recline for added comfort. The Envision provided 27 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 57 cubic feet with rear seats folded, equating it to key competitors like the Acura RDX. Additional storage options included cargo tie-downs, deep door pockets, and a cargo tray above the glove box.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, equipped with either cloth or leather upholstery, featured a sliding rear seat that increased legroom when needed. The cloth-upholstered LS rental included a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control, while the Premier added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Equinox's rear seat offered similar legroom for adults, with additional rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. With 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats down, the Equinox provided more cargo room than the Envision. Abundant storage trays, bins, and cubbies enhanced the practicality of the Equinox’s cabin.

The 2019 Buick Envision was equipped with GM's Intellilink infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with straightforward navigation and customizable drag-and-drop icons. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless charging, bolstered connectivity. However, the climate and seat controls were less intuitive, often unresponsive, adding unnecessary complexity.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered a range of infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens. Standard features included Bluetooth pairing for two devices, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Chevrolet Connected Access services. Higher trims added a high-definition display, improved voice recognition, HD Radio, satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The Equinox’s intuitive system made it easy to use, and features like wireless smartphone charging and rear-seat entertainment options added to its appeal.

The 2019 Buick Envision came equipped with ten airbags, a reversing camera, and Rear Park Assist as standard. Higher trims featured GM’s Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated to alert potential hazards, along with front and rear parking sensors. Essence and Premium trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Premium trim alone included lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision alert. The Driver Confidence Package, available for the Premium II trim, included adaptive cruise control, automatic front braking, and a 360-degree camera. Despite these features, some driver-assistance systems were not standard, unlike rivals.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, offering forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a safe following distance monitor, and automatic high-beam headlights. A reversing camera, rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology also were standard. Depending on trim level, upgrades included adaptive cruise control, lane change warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Equinox earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring high safety standards across all evaluations.