2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, especially in its Premier trim, was a stylish compact SUV that offered a clean design without resorting to overt SUV styling cues. It featured a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, and a power panoramic sunroof, with a price tag of $40,040, including destination charges. However, Chevrolet often included expected rebates and incentives, reducing the cost significantly. The Equinox Premier stood out with its 19-inch wheels, gray contrast cladding, roof rails, and chrome detailing, signaling its top-tier status. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with Jet Black and Brandy leather, a panoramic sunroof, and metallic accents, giving it an upscale appearance, though the presence of hard plastics detracted from the overall feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette. Introduced in 2007 and facelifted in 2018, the Sequoia received minimal updates for 2021, including a new Nightshade Special Edition. The Sequoia's design, with its massive center dash and small 7-inch touchscreen, felt dated, reminiscent of mid-2000s styling. However, it offered a spacious cabin with comfortable, supportive seats, especially in the second row. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the range-topping Platinum, each offering various features and packages to enhance comfort and style.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered two engine options. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivered 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It provided adequate performance for most drivers, though it fell short of the EPA's fuel economy ratings. The optional 2.0-liter turbo engine, with 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, offered significantly better performance and a higher towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This engine was paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, providing lively acceleration and a more engaging driving experience, though it also fell short of its EPA fuel economy rating.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration, even for a vehicle weighing up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were reminiscent of a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes, offering a confident driving experience. However, its towing capacity of 7,400 pounds lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The Sequoia's wide stance helped it settle in corners, despite some body roll, and its brakes, while strong, could be touchy.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered a comfortable interior with options for cloth or leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated features. The sliding rear seat maximized passenger or cargo space, providing generous legroom in its rearmost position. However, cargo volume was limited compared to competitors, with 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Equinox featured ample storage throughout the cabin, including a large center console and various bins and trays.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and over 66 cubic feet with the third row folded. With all rear seats folded, it offered an impressive 120 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, providing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered deep in-door pockets, a massive center console, and multiple cupholders, providing ample storage options.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox featured various infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays, all including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a high-definition display, cloud connectivity, and a Bose premium sound system. The Equinox's technology was intuitive and easy to use, with options for wireless smartphone charging and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. Our test model featured a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the large dash. The Sequoia's infotainment system, while dated, was user-friendly, with simple menu navigation and large hard buttons. The digital trip computer was small but easy to use, providing a straightforward experience.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. It also featured a reversing camera, rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and high-definition cameras. The Equinox earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense-P, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. While lacking some advanced tech, the Sequoia provided a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star NHTSA rollover rating, with no further crash test ratings available.