2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, tracing its roots back to the original Series I off-roader. Over the years, it evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, appealing to affluent landowners. By 2020, the Range Rover offered various trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a dual-screen infotainment system, while higher trims added more opulent touches like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, meanwhile, embraced a more traditional SUV aesthetic, with a tall roof and chunky wheel arches. It differentiated its trims through styling details, such as blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome accents on the High Country. The Traverse shared its platform with other GM crossovers but maintained a more utilitarian feel. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with optional features like a Dual SkyScape sunroof and a power liftgate. Despite its restrained styling, the Traverse provided ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim offered a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while a plug-in hybrid option combined a 2.0-liter inline-four with electric motors for 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim topped the range with a 557 hp V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, offering impressive off-road capabilities and a comfortable ride.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a single 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 provided adequate power for highway merging and overtaking, it lacked the immediate punch of some competitors. The Traverse excelled in highway comfort, with a quiet cabin and smooth suspension, but its handling was less agile on twisty roads. The AWD system required manual activation and offered torque vectoring capabilities, though its impact on handling was not particularly noticeable. The Traverse had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which was average for its class.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, with seating for five or four with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its luxury status, the Range Rover's cargo space was not class-leading. It featured a unique two-piece power liftgate for easier loading and a well-designed interior with decent storage compartments.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse provided seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. It excelled in cargo space, offering 23.0 cubic feet with all seats in place, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Traverse's power liftgate and split-folding third row added convenience, though interior storage options were limited compared to minivans.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system with two touchscreens, handling navigation, phone, stereo, climate controls, and Terrain Response settings. While the system offered a high-tech experience, it had a learning curve and occasional lag issues. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the tech-savvy interior.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose audio system. The Traverse retained analog controls for volume and climate, which some users preferred. It also featured a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system for improved visibility.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though its headlight ratings varied by trim. It offered less standard driver-assist tech than competitors, with features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking available only on higher trims. Despite this, the Traverse's safety ratings were strong overall.