2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, positioned between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from traditional Range Rovers. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Velar featured high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, especially in Premier trim, offered a clean design without overt SUV styling cues. It looked appealing with 19-inch wheels and chrome detailing. The interior, outfitted in Jet Black and Brandy leather, appeared upscale but was marred by hard plastics. The Equinox provided a comfortable driving experience, with features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats enhancing its appeal. Despite its high price, Chevrolet's rebates and incentives made it more accessible.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these figures, it wasn't the fastest in its class. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined ride, but it felt large on tight roads. Other engine options included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although the Velar lacked a low range.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered two engine options: a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and an optional 2.0-liter turbo engine with 252 horsepower. The latter provided better performance and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Equinox's ride was firm, with the Premier's 19-inch wheels enhancing its athletic feel. Fuel economy was slightly below EPA ratings, but the Equinox delivered a balanced driving experience with well-controlled body motions and natural steering.

The Velar was larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize ones, resulting in limited interior space. Cargo capacity was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The avant-garde styling affected headroom and visibility, creating a cramped feel. Towing capacity varied by engine, with the V6 and Dynamic Edition models capable of towing 5,511 pounds.

The Equinox offered a comfortable interior with options like leather seats and a heated steering wheel. Its sliding rear seat maximized passenger or cargo space, providing generous legroom. Cargo volume was 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with it folded. The Equinox featured ample storage throughout the cabin, making it practical for families.

The Velar's InControl Touch Pro Duo system included dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, WiFi, and smartphone compatibility. While graphics were high-quality, response times were slow. Additional tech included a digital instrument cluster and head-up display, though some controls were prone to glare.

The Equinox offered various infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, all featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premier trim included a high-definition display and Bose sound system. The Equinox's technology was intuitive, with options like wireless charging and rear-seat entertainment available.

The 2020 Velar lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. Standard features included automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with adaptive cruise control available as an option. Land Rover's driver-assist tech was less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available. The Equinox earned top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.