2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as Land Rover offered limited options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out, such as a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle featuring numerous upgrades that brought its MSRP to $98,420. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented an attractive yet restrained design, lacking the space-age flair of some competitors. Its chunky front end gave the impression of a smaller grille, offering a refreshing change from the aggressive front fascias common in the industry. The Equinox's design language, shared with the larger Chevrolet Traverse, was evident in its thick C-pillar and big windows, creating a sense of spaciousness. The Premier test vehicle featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the interior appeared somewhat dated compared to rivals, it was practical and user-friendly, with a PRNDL shift lever and ample cupholders. The Confidence and Convenience II package added valuable features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing the Equinox's appeal.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 variant delivered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was standard in the Autobiography P440e, providing 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine was available for early-build models but was temporarily unavailable. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six enabled a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. It achieved 21 mpg in combined driving, with a real-world average of 22.3 mpg. The SUV featured a new vehicle architecture, adaptive damping air suspension, and various driving modes, enhancing its on-road and off-road capabilities. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration adequately, it lacked the power for brisk highway maneuvers. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to its powertrain noise. All trims offered AWD, but it required manual engagement. The Equinox's electronically assisted brake-by-wire system improved braking performance, and its suspension handled bumps and potholes well. The Equinox's steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels and narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle's full-size spare limited underfloor storage, but Land Rover provided useful cargo management features.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, cupholders for every passenger, and a decently sized center console bin. The Premier trim's power liftgate operated quietly.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with limited functionality from the native digital assistant. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch screen in the Premier. The infotainment system was easy to use, with good voice recognition and customizable icons. All trims included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad standard on the Premier. The upgraded driver-information display offered useful features.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were not as smooth or reliable as expected.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. While it lacked level two autonomous driving technology, it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it scored poorly in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test and marginally in the side-impact crash test.