2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a legacy that began with the Series I off-roader. Initially favored by affluent British landowners, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, a hallmark of the brand since its introduction in 1969. By 2013, the current-generation Range Rover had been unveiled, offering a variety of trims such as HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, with options for heated rear seats and a 19-speaker Meridian audio system. The HSE trim added 20-way power-adjustable front seats and upgraded upholstery, while the Autobiography and SVAutobiography trims offered even more luxury and unique styling touches.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the 2015 model, continued to offer practicality with updates from 2017, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS featured 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The LT trim added heated mirrors, roof rails, and upgraded seating, with optional styling packages like the Redline Edition. Despite its updates, the Trax's ride was firm, and its engine struggled at highway speeds, making it more suitable for city driving. The Trax offered a tight turning radius and decent maneuverability, but competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 provided more comfort and driving enjoyment.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured 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 came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, with an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain offering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and automatic load leveling provided a comfortable ride, while its Terrain Response System offered various drive modes for different conditions, making it one of the most capable vehicles off-road.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax was equipped with a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Power was routed through a six-speed automatic transmission to either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. While the engine sufficed for city driving, it struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax's firm ride was harsh over bumps, but its tight turning radius offered good maneuverability in urban settings. However, rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 provided more comfortable rides and better performance.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, SWB and LWB, with standard seating for five. The LWB version, with optional second-row captain’s chairs, reduced seating to four but enhanced comfort. The SWB model provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, while the LWB offered 77.5 cubic feet. Both versions featured a hands-free power liftgate with a two-piece configuration for easier loading. The front row had a convenient center-console compartment and ample door storage.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, though rear seats lacked bolstering for long trips. The front featured multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement for large bottles. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items, but the Trax lacked a power liftgate option.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system with two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response. Integrated dials changed functions based on the menu, though the system had a learning curve and occasional lag. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics. Standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot enhanced connectivity.

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 were optional rather than standard.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA but lacked a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. Standard safety features were limited to airbags and a backup camera, with the LT Convenience Package adding blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors. Many rivals offered more comprehensive safety features as standard.