2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagons and an LED light bar. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful and exuberant touch. Two-tone paint jobs were also available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. The interior color options expanded with higher trims, offering choices like Sky Cool Gray and Adrenaline Red, adding a touch of sophistication and sportiness.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic, boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, creating a visual connection to other Land Rover models. The interior, however, was more rugged and adventure-ready, resembling vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but with more soft-touch materials. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the four-door 110, and the extended-wheelbase four-door 130, each offering various trims. The Defender 110 S, the most popular configuration, featured a County visual package with white wheels and vintage graphics, embracing a throwback approach. Standard features on the S trim included 19-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable and heated front seats, partial leather upholstery, and a panoramic glass roof. The X-Dynamic SE trim added 20-inch alloy wheels and distinctive styling touches, while the X trim included a digital rearview mirror camera. The Carpathian Edition stood out with its all-dark exterior and interior accents, offering a modern and aggressive look.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, allowing drivers to simply get in and go. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, managed through a standalone regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, with an 85-kWh base battery. The Equinox EV supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging at 11.5 kW, adding up to 34 miles of range per hour.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine options, the P500 and P525, offered 493 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, and 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active four-wheel drive. The Defender could tow up to 7,716 pounds with the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder powertrains, while the four-cylinder version could tow up to 5,500 pounds. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension, Terrain Response 2 system, and all-terrain progress control. The P400 test model provided ample power for highway speeds and passing maneuvers, with a pleasant on-road ride and minimal body roll.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting from the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outside mirrors as standard. The 2LT trim also added an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and made the panoramic moonroof available. The 3LT trim introduced power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was limited to the 3LT and above. The Equinox EV offered 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space was 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender blended luxury and functionality, featuring soft-touch materials, grip handles, rubberized floors, and numerous cargo compartments. Seating capacity varied between five and eight passengers, depending on the configuration and body style. The Defender 110 offered an optional third row, while the Defender 130 had three seats in the third row, accommodating up to eight passengers. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 35.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and 76.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Defender 110 provided 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet with the first row folded. The two-door Defender 90 offered 15.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 58.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its segment, and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender also included Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup provided a blend of refinement and utility, with home buttons for easy navigation.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. GM’s Teen Driver Technology was also standard, allowing parents to set speed alerts and volume limits. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a comprehensive list of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Other features included traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist systems were noted to be overly sensitive but could be deactivated.