2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, a continuation of the model introduced in 2015, maintained its 2017 design updates into 2021. It offered two trims, LS and LT, after dropping the Premier trim. The LS trim featured 16-inch aluminum wheels, keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added enhancements like heated mirrors, LED lights, and upgraded seating. Various styling packages and driver assistance features were available for the LT trim, making it a versatile choice for urban drivers.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a luxury SUV with a starting price of $92,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out pillars and clean styling. Inside, it exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and dual-screen infotainment, though not as advanced as newer models. The Range Rover combined modernity with a nod to its heritage, offering a high-end driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over bumps, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in urban settings. Competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable and enjoyable rides.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 traction control. On-road, it provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension filtering road harshness. However, its steering was slow, and the SUV's weight and height led to some body roll. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered decent headroom and legroom in both rows, though rear seats lacked support for long journeys. It featured multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement for convenience. 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 there was no power liftgate option.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier access. Front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Despite quad-zone climate control and heated seats, the rear seating position was slouched. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Cargo space was 25 cubic feet, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet, with a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, offering easy-to-use menus and vivid graphics. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, offered numerous features. It required setup to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed keyless access, and the iGuide app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. It came with standard airbags and a backup camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection in the LT Convenience Package. Rivals offered more comprehensive safety features as standard.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. 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, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.