2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premier trim showcased an upscale appearance, especially with its $40,040 price tag including the $1,195 destination charge. Although hefty, Chevrolet applied typical rebates and incentives to soften the financial blow. The Premier trim boasted 19-inch wheels and a clean design avoiding overt SUV styling cues, making it visually appealing. The gray contrast cladding along the lower perimeter minimized visual height, and the added roof rails and extra chrome material indicated it was a top-tier model.

Inside, the high-contrast Jet Black and Brandy leather gave an upscale look, accentuated by the panoramic glass sunroof and polished metallic interior accents. However, the tactile experience revealed hard and shiny plastic materials that detracted from the premium feel, particularly considering the sticker price starting over $40,000.

In comparison, the 2020 Nissan Rogue, priced at $34,870 with SL trim and additional packages, retained its attractiveness despite aging indications. The vehicle's bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells offered a unique visual appeal, further enhanced by the 19-inch aluminum wheels.

Internally, the Rogue showed its age more visibly. Its waterfall dashboard control panel and rounded interior surfaces contrasted the modern trend of wide, horizontal motifs. Additionally, plastic surfaces did not impress. Despite this, the Rogue SL’s center console sides featured padded areas providing comfort where drivers might rest their legs, a thoughtful ergonomic touch.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered varied performance experiences across different trims. The standard turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in the LS trim provided 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 203 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite AWD, the rental average of 24.3 mpg fell short of the EPA’s 28 mpg combined rating.

For performance enthusiasts or those needing to maximize the Equinox’s towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the 2.0-liter turbo engine in the Premier trim was the optimal choice. It delivered 252 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This configuration averaged 22.1 mpg, slightly under the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The Premier’s larger 19-inch wheels and 235/50 tires contributed to a more athletic and enjoyable driving experience, while road and wind noise marked both versions.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower, coupled with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Despite a Sport mode, this powertrain was merely adequate for a vehicle weighing up to 3,671 pounds. The CVT attempted to make the most of the engine’s power, but during acceleration onto freeways, passing maneuvers, and climbing grades, the Rogue offered more noise than action.

The Rogue's 24.9 mpg fuel efficiency during freeway-centric testing missed the EPA’s 29 mpg combined claim. Dynamically, the Rogue SL’s ride and handling benefitted from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the overall driving experience remained uninspiring due to its lifeless steering, lack of suspension isolation, and occasional CVT drone.

For comfort, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox provided varying experiences. The LS trim’s cloth upholstery with a Convenience Package included a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control, while the Premier upgraded to leather seats with an 8-way power front passenger’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Although comfortable, these seats could benefit from longer cushions with more thigh support. The sliding rear seat maximized passenger or cargo space as needed, accommodating generous legroom in its rearmost position for two adults comfortably or three younger kids. Rear air conditioning vents and USB ports added convenience.

Chevrolet’s storage solutions were plentiful, with a sizable center console storage bin and various bins, trays, and cubbies sprinkled throughout the interior. Cargo volume measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

Conversely, the Nissan Rogue faced challenges for taller drivers. The Zero Gravity cushion designs, while comfortable, were undersized, and the driver’s seating position did not accommodate taller frames well. However, rear-seat passengers enjoyed a high cushion position, proper thigh support, excellent backrest angle, and a clear view out, amplified by the panoramic sunroof. Features such as rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports made the back seat a preferred place for both kids and adults.

The Rogue lacked abundant in-cabin storage, with only the glove compartment offering significant space. However, the cargo area excelled with 39 cubic feet of space behind the back seats and useful underfloor storage compartments, along with the standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered several infotainment systems across different trim levels. Basic setups included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two devices, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Chevrolet Connected Access services. Higher trims upgraded to an 8-inch high-definition display, improved voice recognition, HD Radio, satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The Premier trim featured all these upgrades, making the larger high-definition touchscreen and Bose system standout components. Additionally, wireless smartphone charging and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system were available, though costly.

On the technology front, the Nissan Rogue appeared impressive, equipped with standard Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Depending on the trim, upgrades could include SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation with door-to-door assistance, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the actual user experience was lacking. The 7-inch touchscreen display felt dated with slow response times, especially during navigation map zooming, coupled with subpar voice-recognition technology.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including 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. The Equinox also included a reversing camera, rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Additional options encompassed adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and a Safety Alert Seat. With top ratings from IIHS and a 5-star NHTSA rating, the Equinox proved to be a safe choice.

Similarly, the Nissan Rogue provided a commendable array of standard safety features under the Safety Shield 360 umbrella. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking for the front and rear, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Complementary features were the Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert systems. Optional safety technologies included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist for adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. However, the Rogue’s age showed in its crash-test ratings, with a 4-star NHTSA rating and lower scores from IIHS due to subpar headlight and front-passenger protection.