2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to the past, with its design focusing on styling details to distinguish between trim levels. Its exterior was a classic SUV look, featuring a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a large grille, which appealed to buyers seeking a clean and handsome design. While it didn't have the personality of the Ford Explorer or Kia Telluride, or the streamlined appearance of the Mazda CX-9, the Traverse's restrained styling highlighted the cosmetic elements of different trims. The RS model featured blacked-out trim, while the High Country model boasted chrome accents. The Traverse shared its platform with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6, but it aimed for a more practical feel. Inside, the Traverse offered a restrained design with an optional Dual SkyScape sunroof, and while the materials were decent, they didn't quite match the vehicle's price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the long-wheelbase version reaching up to $250,000. Our test vehicle, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark cues like blacked-out pillars and clean lines. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system wasn't as advanced as newer models, it was manageable. The Range Rover's interior was a blend of classic luxury and modern technology, offering a high-contrast design and a sense of opulence.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the powertrain didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided ample power for highway merging and overtaking. The Traverse excelled in highway road manners, offering a quiet cabin and a comfortable ride. However, it lacked agility on twisty roads, partly due to its AWD system, which required manual activation. The Traverse offered off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which was average for the segment.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured its off-road capabilities. The SUV provided a commanding view from the driver's seat, with power building smoothly and quietly. The adaptive air suspension delivered a classic wafting sensation, while the tight turning radius and surround-view camera system made city maneuvering easy. Although the Range Rover required a measured approach on mountain roads, it was most rewarding to drive at a leisurely pace. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, with our test averaging 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. Heated front seats were standard on the RS trim, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, offering 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. However, interior storage options were limited, typical of midsize crossovers.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an unsupported seating position. Despite this, the back seat offered luxury features like quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for the small center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with a maximum cargo space of 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

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, a WiFi hotspot, and a Bose audio system. The Traverse's infotainment system was user-friendly, with analog controls for audio and climate. The rearview camera mirror and optional surround-view camera system enhanced visibility and maneuverability. USB ports were standard for all rows, with wireless phone charging available on higher trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured fully digital instrumentation and infotainment, with three displays offering numerous features. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, was manageable with practice. The dual 10-inch touchscreens posed a distraction while driving, but the head-up display and touch-sensing steering wheel controls helped mitigate this. The Range Rover also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in all crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it received "Acceptable" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the Traverse a five-star overall safety rating. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with many features optional.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, with effective safety features, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.