2019 Acura RDX vs 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2019 Acura RDX showcased a bold new exterior design, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Acura MDX. The front end featured angular headlights and a broad grille, a significant improvement from the previous "shield" grille. The RDX's upright layout promised more cabin space, and the A-Spec trim added dark accents reminiscent of the Porsche Macan. Inside, the RDX boasted soft-touch surfaces, unique stitching, and brushed aluminum accents, though the latter could be blinding in sunlight. The redesigned center console housed Acura’s unique shifter and the new True Touchpad infotainment system. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, a power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof, with additional luxury and tech options available through various packages.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premier trim offered a clean design with 19-inch wheels and chrome detailing. The interior, while visually appealing with Jet Black and Brandy leather and metallic accents, felt less upscale due to hard plastics. The Equinox's cabin was equipped with a panoramic sunroof and a range of comfort features, including heated and ventilated seats. The sliding rear seat maximized passenger or cargo space, and the Premier trim added rear air vents and USB ports. Cargo space measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The Equinox provided ample storage with a large center console and various bins and trays throughout the interior.

The 2019 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system could divert torque between wheels for improved handling and performance in various conditions. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to switch between Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting throttle response and steering feel. Fuel economy for the front-wheel drive model was 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AWD version returned 21/27/23 mpg.

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. The optional 2.0-liter turbo engine provided 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Equinox's ride was firm, with some road and wind noise, but it handled well on winding roads. Fuel economy for the 2.0-liter engine was 22.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 24 mpg combined rating. The Equinox's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine.

The 2019 Acura RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior was spacious, with ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The RDX featured a floating center stack design with additional storage trays and USB ports, along with a conventional center console and door storage for water bottles.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox provided 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, increasing to 63.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The sliding rear seat allowed for flexible passenger or cargo space, with generous legroom in the rearmost position. The Equinox's cabin included a large center console storage bin and various bins and trays for additional storage.

The 2019 Acura RDX came standard with the True Touchpad infotainment system, featuring a high-definition screen and touchpad control. While the system offered sharp icons and a unique interface, it had a steep learning curve and required multiple steps for simple tasks. Apple CarPlay was available, but Android Auto was not.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered several infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a high-definition display, navigation, and a Bose sound system. The Equinox's technology was intuitive and easy to use, with options for wireless charging and rear-seat entertainment.

The 2019 Acura RDX included a reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The AcuraWatch suite offered forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Technology Package added parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance trim included a head-up warning system.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox featured Chevy Safety Assist, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. A reversing camera, rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology were standard. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Equinox earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.