2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, especially in its Premier trim, presented a clean and appealing design without relying on typical SUV styling cues. 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 included rebates and incentives, reducing the cost significantly. The Equinox Premier stood out with its 19-inch wheels and extra chrome detailing, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the high-contrast cabin with Jet Black and Brandy leather looked upscale, but the presence of hard and shiny plastics detracted from the overall premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, maintaining traditional styling features while adding character. The XC90's boxy profile and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights were complemented by softer lines and more chrome detailing. The Inscription trim, with optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, featuring natural-looking matte-finish wood trim and unique upholstery options like wool. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury, though it seemed slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained interior.

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 it fell short of the EPA's fuel economy ratings. The optional 2.0-liter turbo engine, with 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, offered better performance and a 9-speed automatic transmission. It also enabled the Equinox to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Both versions had firm ride qualities, with the Premier's 19-inch wheels providing a more athletic feel on winding roads.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 engine produced 250 horsepower, while the T6 added supercharging for 316 horsepower. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering 400 horsepower. The XC90's powertrains offered a balance between efficiency and power, though the small engine struggled with acceleration at times. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox provided comfortable seating with options for cloth or leather upholstery. The Premier trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The sliding rear seat maximized passenger or cargo space, with generous legroom in the rear. Cargo volume measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Equinox also featured ample storage throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and seats in the second and third rows lacked support. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, though storage space was limited. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 included a hands-free power tailgate for convenience.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered several infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a high-definition display, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The technology was intuitive and easy to use, with options for wireless smartphone charging and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. It also included a WiFi hotspot and USB ports. The system was user-friendly, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that resembled a tablet. However, the text and typeface made reading menus difficult while driving. The XC90 also offered a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. It also featured a reversing camera, rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Equinox earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and responsive assistance.