2019 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2019 Volvo XC40

The 2019 Volvo XC40 stood out with its distinctive styling, borrowing elements from its larger sibling, the XC90. This gave it an upright appearance, contrasting with the more hatchback-like designs of competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and BMW X2. The SUV-based design of the XC40 provided a more upright driving position and ample head- and legroom. The XC40 came in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The Momentum trim, despite being the base model, was well-equipped with features like 18-inch wheels, LED signature headlights, and a 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment display. The R-Design added sporty elements, while the Inscription trim featured luxurious touches like a panoramic sunroof and driftwood door inlays.

In contrast, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox had a tighter interior following its redesign, with a cargo capacity of just 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat. The base L trim, priced at $23,800, was not readily available on dealer lots and lacked essential features like a spare tire and paint options. The LS trim, which effectively served as the starting point, added minimal features for an extra $2,100. Advanced safety features were only available on the top-tier Premier trim, pushing the price to around $33,000. Despite these limitations, the Equinox offered FWD and AWD options and three engine choices, including a diesel. The LT trim with AWD and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine provided a more powerful driving experience, though the total price with packages reached $36,580.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine across all trims, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent to standard AWD through an 8-speed automatic transmission, operated via Volvo’s unique shifter design. Despite the shifter's confusing operation, the XC40 offered brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive handling. The suspension balanced comfort and responsiveness, with minimal body roll in turns. The XC40 also featured multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off-Road, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined, though real-world testing showed 21 mpg.

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox offered three engine choices. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produced 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While fuel economy was good at 26 mpg city and 32 highway with FWD, the engine was underpowered, especially with a full load. The 1.6-liter turbodiesel provided 240 lb-ft of torque but compromised towing capacity and didn't meet its fuel economy claims of 28 mpg city and 39 highway. The best option was the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered smooth power delivery, though the transmission's numerous gears caused issues at lower speeds. Fuel economy for the AWD version was 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, though real-world testing showed closer to 20 mpg.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 made excellent use of its space, offering ample front-seat head- and legroom. The center console featured a removable trash bin and a wireless charging pad. The backseat provided surprising legroom and smart storage solutions. The hands-free power liftgate worked efficiently, revealing a decent-size load floor with additional storage below. The rear seats could be easily dropped with spring-loaded toggles, expanding cargo space to 57.5 cubic feet, second only to the BMW X1 among subcompact SUVs.

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox had some issues with interior materials, especially at higher trim levels where gaps between panels were noticeable. However, the cloth seats were of high quality. Despite the tighter redesign, there was still ample room for front and rear passengers. The cargo space was 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was adequate for most needs but less than some competitors.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 featured a large portrait-oriented touchscreen in the center of the dash, controlling most vehicle functions. The Sensus system, while initially complex, became intuitive with use, resembling a tablet interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the option to upgrade to a navigation system and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, some functions like heated seats required multiple steps to access, which could be inconvenient.

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox received significant tech upgrades, including a new infotainment system and HD cameras. The system was easy to use, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The larger 8-inch touchscreen was a nice upgrade, though it had some lag issues. The Lights and Bright package added LEDs, and the Sun and Navigation package provided additional charging options. However, essential features like dual-zone climate control and blind-spot monitoring were only available through expensive packages on mid-tier trims and up.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 came standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a rear-collision warning system. The City Safe automatic braking system could detect cars, pedestrians, and large animals. The optional Vision Package added blind-spot detection and cross-traffic alert, while the Advanced Package included a 360-degree camera and adaptive headlights. However, the XC40's large C-pillars created significant blind spots, and the shifter design posed potential safety risks.

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox performed well in safety tests, though its headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS. The Lights and Bright package improved this with LEDs. However, advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection were only available on the top trims. This put the Equinox at a disadvantage compared to competitors offering these features as standard.