2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim added a sporty touch with blacked-out grille treatments, aggressive spoilers, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo features, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like wool fabric seats and leather-wrapped interiors, emphasizing simplicity and quality. The seats were notably comfortable, with power-adjustable features and optional massage functions, making long journeys pleasant.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premier trim presented a clean design without relying on typical SUV styling cues. The 19-inch wheels and chrome detailing added a touch of elegance, while the interior featured Jet Black and Brandy leather with a panoramic sunroof. Despite its upscale appearance, the cabin was marred by hard plastics, detracting from the overall feel. The Equinox's design was practical, with a sliding rear seat to optimize passenger or cargo space, but it lacked the premium touch found in the Volvo.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with a supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft, though it still lacked linear acceleration and refinement. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, but its added weight diminished the expected speed benefits. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came with two engine options. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produced 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It offered adequate performance but fell short of EPA fuel economy ratings. The optional 2.0-liter turbo engine delivered 252 hp and 260 lb-ft, providing lively acceleration and a 9-speed automatic transmission for better fuel efficiency. The Equinox's ride was firm, with more road and wind noise than desired, but it handled well with a flat cornering attitude and natural steering feel.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured a well-organized cabin with a Sensus infotainment system that initialized quickly. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with limited physical buttons. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available. The XC90's sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered a comfortable interior with cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim. The Premier trim included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sliding rear seat for flexible passenger or cargo space. Rear legroom was generous, and the Premier trim added rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Cargo volume was less than some competitors, with 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The cabin featured ample storage options, including a large center console bin.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered several infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, all including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a high-definition display, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The Equinox's technology was intuitive and easy to use, with wireless smartphone charging and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system available.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative safety systems.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Equinox earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and 5-star ratings from the NHTSA, demonstrating its strong safety credentials.