2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 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 vehicle 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 taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV shared a similar shape with its ICE counterpart but featured more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The EV's front fascia had more body color, and the rear design echoed the front with another light bar. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels adorned the 1LT and 2LT trims, while higher trims received 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available for certain trims. The interior color options expanded with higher trims, offering choices like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray. The Equinox EV's design allowed for a youthful and exuberant appearance, while also providing sophisticated options like Galaxy Gray Metallic.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and comfort with driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. The Range Rover Sport could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and tow up to 7,716 pounds. It boasted a new vehicle architecture with a 35-percent increase in torsional stiffness, adaptive damping air suspension, and various driving modes. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from competitors like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with features like Terrain Response, All Terrain Progress Control, and impressive ground clearance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a hands-free start feature and one-pedal driving, with drive modes including Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant produced 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version delivered 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds. It boasted an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kWh battery. The Equinox EV supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes. It also offered an 11.5 kW Level 2 charging option, adding up to 34 miles of range per hour. The Equinox EV's performance was smooth and stable, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. 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, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area provided 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport featured a power liftgate and various storage solutions, including a full-size spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting at the 2LT trim, offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and outside mirrors. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 41.65 inches of front legroom, with a total cargo volume of 26.4 cubic feet, expandable to 57.2 cubic feet. The AutoSense power liftgate and roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing practicality.

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. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport included impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was also available.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV boasted a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen 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, offering navigation, route planning, and access to public charging stations. The Equinox EV's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

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. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were not as smooth or reliable as expected.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV included Chevy Safety Assist, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. It also offered rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim. The Equinox EV's safety features were comprehensive and effective.