2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, especially in its Premier trim, was a visually appealing SUV with a clean design that avoided typical SUV styling clichés. It featured a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, and a panoramic sunroof, with a price tag of $40,040, including destination charges. However, Chevrolet often offered significant rebates, making the price more palatable. The Equinox Premier stood out with its 19-inch wheels, gray contrast cladding, roof rails, and chrome detailing, signaling its top-tier status. Inside, the high-contrast cabin with Jet Black and Brandy leather and metallic accents looked upscale, but the presence of hard plastics detracted from the overall feel.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, drawing inspiration from the Grand Cherokee's refined styling. It was available in four core trims: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special editions to enhance its appeal. Prices started at $22,280 for the base model, with the Limited trim reaching $32,645 with AWD. Our test vehicle, a Compass Limited with AWD and numerous options, totaled $39,755. Despite lacking the optional 19-inch wheels, the Compass offered a range of appealing upgrades, including soft-touch surfaces and premium leather. However, cost-cutting measures, such as glossy plastics and flimsy parts, were evident, though the current model was a significant improvement over its predecessor.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered two engine options. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivered 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It provided adequate performance, though the AWD version averaged 24.3 mpg, below the EPA's 28 mpg rating. For better performance and towing capacity, the 2.0-liter turbo engine was the choice, offering 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, with a 9-speed automatic transmission, provided lively acceleration, though it averaged 22.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 24 mpg rating. Both versions had firm ride qualities, with the Premier's 19-inch wheels enhancing its athletic feel.

The 2020 Jeep Compass featured a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. However, it was criticized for being loud, slow, and thirsty, with the test vehicle averaging 23.1 mpg, below the EPA's 25 mpg rating. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly, and the automatic engine stop/start system affected air conditioning performance. On the road, the Compass's suspension controlled body roll but allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness. While it lacked driving enjoyment on pavement, the Compass excelled off-road, especially in Trailhawk trim, with features like added ground clearance and an Active Drive Low AWD system.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered comfortable seating with options for cloth or leather upholstery. The Premier trim included heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and a heated steering wheel. The sliding rear seat maximized passenger or cargo space, with generous legroom for rear passengers. Cargo volume measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The cabin featured ample storage, including a large center console bin and various bins and trays.

The 2020 Jeep Compass, equipped with the Luxury Seat Group, offered premium leather, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable passenger seat. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB port, and a power outlet for rear passengers. Cargo space measured 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the seat folded, surpassing the Jeep Renegade and Cherokee. However, the optional spare tire and subwoofer housing reduced cargo space. Interior storage was limited, with awkwardly positioned cupholders.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox featured various infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a high-definition display, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The Premier trim had the larger 8-inch touchscreen and Bose system, offering intuitive and easy-to-use technology. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. It also supported SiriusXM Guardian services, with features like emergency calling and remote engine starting. The test vehicle included navigation and an Alpine premium audio system. Uconnect was intuitive, though some features were embedded in menus. Voice recognition worked well, and drivers could adjust stereo and climate controls using voice commands.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. A reversing camera, rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology were also standard. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and high-definition cameras. The Equinox earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though blind-spot warning accessibility needed improvement.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. These systems performed to average expectations, with some overreacting in traffic. The Compass earned Good ratings from the IIHS, except for headlight performance, while the NHTSA gave mixed ratings.