Blog

The 2021 Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger are solid off-roaders with powerful engines and good towing and hauling capabilities for its class. They handle well, offer comfortable seating, and get good gas mileage. Let’s compare the two. Design The 2021 Chevy Colorado offers a smooth, comfortable ride around town or adventures on the off-road. For 2021, Colorado’s Base trim is discontinued, and now features the WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims. The WT and LT trims offer available Crew Cab/short bed and Crew/long bed configurations. The Z71 and ZR2 feature off-road abilities and are capable of tackling trails and terrain, available in Extended Cab/long bed and Crew Cab/short bed configurations. Extended Cab models seat four and Crew Cab models seat up to five passengers, with spacious, comfortable seating up front. There are plenty of available bed features, including multiple tie downs, a step built into the corners of the rear bumper, and an EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate. There have been some updates to the exterior, but there are plenty of hard plastics and low-grade materials throughout the cabin. Higher trims will offer a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and optional heated front seats. The Extended cab seats four and the Crew Cab models seat five. The 2021 Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup that comes in two body styles with two bed lengths. The SuperCab provides seating for four occupants and has two smaller half-doors, while the SuperCrew seats up to five and comes with four full-size doors. Its cabin is quiet and comfortable, with easy-to-use controls, but the materials inside are mostly plastics with small bits of trim to make it look more upscale. Its trim levels range from the base model XL to the top-of-the-line Lariat. New for 2021 is the Black appearance package which adds black 18-inch wheels and grille, black Ford oval badges, and new bedside decals. Four new exterior colors have also been added: Cactus Bray, Carbonized Gray, Cyber Orange, and Velocity Blue. Cloth upholstery comes standard, and leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats are available. Performance/Fuel and Price The Chevrolet Colorado features a fuel efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. With plenty of power, this is great for everyday driving needs. There are two available engines: a 3.6-liter V6 with 308-horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque or a 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine with 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel comes with a six-speed automatic. The Z71 and ZR2 models offer four-wheel drive, along with heavy-duty suspension and locking rear differential but the ZR2 is even more capable with driver-selectable full-locking front and rear differential. When equipped with the turbodiesel engine, maximum towing capacity reaches 7,700 pounds and it can haul up to 1,578 pounds. Fuel is estimated at 19/25 mpg city/highway for the base four-cylinder and rear-wheel drive. The WT has a starting price of $25,200 for the Extended Cab/long bed and ranges to a starting price of $43,200 for the ZR2 Crew Cab/short bed configuration. The Ranger features a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing shifts that are smooth and quick. The Ranger is available with a Terrain Management System that improves the engine’s responsiveness and transmission gearing to optimize the truck’s performance in different types of terrain. There are four drive modes that are offered: Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. A new optional Tremor off-road package includes special off-road tires, a locking rear differential, skid plates, crawl control, and an off-road-tuned suspension. The Ranger and tow up to 7,500 pounds and has a payload of up to 1860 pounds. Fuel is estimated at 21/26 mpg city and highway with rear-wheel drive and 20/24 mpg with four-wheel drive. The base Ranger XL has a starting price of $25,000 and ranges to a starting price of $33,000 for the Lariat. Safety and Technology The Chevy Colorado’s available OnStar System provides emergency crash notification, stolen-vehicle notification, and remote locking and unlocking. This safety package comes standard on the LT and above. Also available on the LT and Z71 models includes forward collision and lane departure warning systems. A rearview camera and the Teen Driver Mode comes standard on all models and lets you have custom key settings for secondary drivers and provides in-vehicle reports. Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system comes standard in the Colorado and includes a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Its infotainment system is easy-to-use with easy to reach controls and an intuitive menu layout. An 8-inch touch screen, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, additional USB ports, and navigation are available, as well as remote start and automatic climate control. Standard advanced safety features on the Ford Ranger include a rearview camera, MyKey that lets you set speed and audio volume limits, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Available advanced safety features include front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with trailer coverage. Standard technology features include an infotainment system with a USB port, Bluetooth, four speakers, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Available features include SYNC 3 system, a 4.2-inch display, an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, a six- or 10-speaker audio system, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, satellite radio, HD Radio, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start are also available. Conclusion The 2021 Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger are two off-road vehicles with capabilities for your next adventure. However, the 2021 Chevy Colorado can tow slightly more, with dedicated off-road trims while the Ford Ranger is capable on the off-road with its new Tremor off-road package and its Terrain Management System.

The 2021 Chevy Trax and Buick Encore are sporty, small SUVs that are designed to move easily in and out of traffic and into tight spaces. Attractively priced, they will provide you with intelligent technology to keep you connected on the road. Let’s compare the two. Design The 2021 Chevy Trax features an attractive interior with many soft-touch surfaces and a surprisingly spacious interior for a compact vehicle. It seats five comfortably and has plenty of rear-seat space, even for adult passengers. It comes with cloth upholstery, a four-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a two-way adjustable passenger seat. Heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, deluxe cloth upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are available. You'll also get 18.7 cubic feet of space behind the back seat of the Trax and the second-row folds down almost completely flat to open up a maximum of 48.4 cubic feet. With the front seat folded flat, there is room for items up to eight feet long, making room for all your gear. The 2021 Chevy Trax comes in two trims: LS and LT, with a starting price of $21,400 for the LS trim and $23,200 for the LT trim. The 2021 Buick Encore SUV features a spacious cabin for passengers and cargo. It seats up to five people and has a maximum cargo space of 48.4 cubic feet, with 18.8 cubic feet of room behind the back row. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with both rows having plenty of head- and legroom for adults. Standard features include cloth and synthetic leather upholstery and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Additional features include a fold-flat front passenger seat and folding second row seats, as well as premium LED lighting, standard aluminum wheels, and a power sunroof on the Preferred trim. It comes in two trim levels: Base 1SV and Preferred, with a starting price of $24,195 for the Base 1SV and $25,595 for the Preferred. Safety and Technology The Chevy Trax comes standard with a rearview camera and ten standard airbags. Optional driver assistance features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. All Trax models come with Chevrolet’s user-friendly Infotainment 3 System and a 7-inch touch screen that has clear graphics and an intuitive menu structure. It also includes standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, Bluetooth, six speakers, voice command, two USB ports, and remote keyless entry. An optional sunroof and a seven-speaker Bose premium stereo is available, as well. The Encore is equipped with 10 standard airbags and available advanced safety technology including, rear cross-traffic alert, OnStar Safety and Security, rear vision camera, and side blind zone alert. The Preferred trim offers safety packages that include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. Additional technology includes an easy-to-use 8-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, keyless open and start technology, and available myBuick mobile app. A 120-volt power outlet and remote start is available on the Preferred trim. Performance and Price The Chevrolet Trax is easy to drive and has just enough pep to get up and go or maneuver in and out of tight spaces. All models on the Chevrolet Trax feature a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission that makes 138 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard and an all-wheel drive system is available to help when road conditions are less than ideal. Trax offers an impressive 26/31 mpg on the city and highway. Both trims featured on the Encore are powered by the same engine – a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 148 feet of torque; and it is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is a comfortable cruiser that maneuvers well, but is short on engine power. Front-wheel drive is standard on both trims, and all-wheel drive is available for the Preferred trim. Estimated city/highway fuel economy ranks at 26/31 mpg. Conclusion The 2021 Chevy Trax and Buick Encore are sporty subcompact SUVs that are similar in many ways. They are affordable and offer plenty of cargo space for a small SUV, along with equal power and fuel economy. So, ultimately it comes down to the style and look that you want in a small SUV.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a small-size SUV that is fun to drive, with plenty of active safety features and infotainment technology and a great predicted reliability rating. The 2021 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers some impressive features and a high-quality cabin. It also ranks high in the compact SUV rankings. Let’s look at both. Design The 2021 Equinox features a striking exterior, offering aerodynamic sculpting and accents that combine style and function. This five-seat compact SUV offers tremendous rear-seat legroom and ample headroom that allows tall adults to sit comfortably. The front seats will keep you supported on a long drive with its well-shaped seats. It is mixed in its interior quality because of hard plastic surfaces, but soft-touch accents are also present. Standard features included are cloth upholstery and four-way manually adjustable front seats. Standard and available features on the LT and Premier trim include leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated fronts, heated rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, and driver’s seat memory seat. You will get about 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and around 64 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The 2021 Kia Sportage is filled with upscale materials and comfortable and supportive seating for five. Both rows offer plenty of space for adult passengers, with generous head and legroom. The Sportage offers 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the row folded down. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats are available. Safety and Technology The Equinox offers plenty of driver’s assistance features to feel confident on the road. A lot of features are standard on all trims, but you’ll need to move up to the LT and Premier trim to get the available Confidence and Convenience packages that include added safety and convenience features; such as a power liftgate and a universal garage door opener. Standard features include forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, following distance indicator, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, rearview camera, Teen Driver system, and rear-seat reminder. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system comes standard with some great technology features. The L and LS offer standard features and the LT and Premier add a little bit more. Standard features on all trims include a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, a Wi-fi hotspot, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a six-speaker stereo. The Sportage features standard advanced safety features that include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention monitor, and high beam assist. Available safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and frond and rear parking sensors. The Sportage offers user-friendly technology, using Kia’s standard UVO infotainment interface and an 8-inch touch screen that is positioned toward the driver. Additional standard features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six speakers, Bluetooth, a USB port, and voice recognition. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is available, along with navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging. Performance/Trims and Pricing Equinox dropped its more powerful 2.0-liter engine this year, making the only power the Equinox offers for this model year a 170-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission shifts smoothly, but acceleration is a bit lackluster in its only engine. The Equinox delivers a comfortable ride and takes turns with composure but opting for larger wheels, will give you a jittery experience, especially over large bumps in the road. Some class rivals are more agile and athletic. The Equinox will tow up to a maximum of 1,500 pounds with its only engine and front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available on all trims. Fuel economy is estimated at 26/31 mpg city and highway. The Equinox comes in four trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier. Starting price is $23,800 for the Equinox L and ranges to a starting price of $31,400 for the Premier. The Sportage offers two engine choices and delivers a comfortable ride, poised handling, and responsive steering. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181-horsepower is standard and drives well for most driving situations. If you want something with a little more power and quicker ride, you can opt for the top-of-the line SX Turbo trim, which will give you a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 240-horsepower. Estimated fuel economy is 23/30 mpg for the base engine and 20/28 mpg for the turbocharged engine. The Sportage comes in four trims: LX, S, EX, and SX Turbo, with a starting price of $24,090 for the LX trim and ranging to $33,750 for the SX Turbo trim. Overall The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a solid crossover with an excellent predicted reliability rating. It offers an array of standard safety features and technology, as well as plenty of room for comfortable seating and cargo space. It lags some in its performance and cabin quality, offering one engine choice and hard plastics for its interior. The 2021 Kia Sportage on the opposing side, offers a stronger engine choice, an upscale interior, and average fuel economy.

The 2021 Chevy Blazer is a midsize SUV that features style and performance at an affordable price tag, with a drive mode for your off-road experience. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers excellent off-road and towing capability. Let’s see how they both compare. Design/Price The 2021 Chevy Blazer offers spacious seating and cargo room, with 2 rows of comfortable seating up front and enough room for up to five people. The seats are supportive and it is easy to enter and exit the SUV, but it's Camaro-like styling slopes the roofline making it harder for taller passengers to sit in the rear. Cloth upholstery is standard, and leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated rear seats are available. An additional option is a heated or power adjustment steering wheel. Cargo capacity is 30.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet behind the front seats. The Chevy Blazer features six trim levels: L 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, RS, and Premier, with a starting price of $28,800 for the L trim and ranging to $43,000 for the Premier trim. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a two-row SUV that features an upscale interior with comfortable, supportive seating in both rows. It seats five people, with ample head- and legroom up front, even for taller occupants. Cloth upholstery is standard and synthetic leather upholstery, genuine leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel are available. There is 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.3 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. Trims have grown to ten, with a new 80th Anniversary and Laredo X trim. Other trims include Laredo E, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, High Altitude, Summit SRT, and Trackhawk. Pricing starts at $34,200 for the Laredo E trim and ranges to a starting price of $87,895 for the Trackhawk. Safety and Technology The Blazer features plenty of available advanced safety features, including lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane change alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, high-speed automatic emergency braking, rear camera mirror, adaptive cruise control, safety alert seat, and a surround-view parking camera system. A rearview camera and Teen Driver come standard. Chevrolet offers an easy-to-use Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system and 8-inch touch screen, with graphics that are crisp and easy to see. It also has a handy shortcut bar and responsive touch controls. It comes standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system. The Jeep features a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment and comes with a standard 7-inch touch screen or an available 8.4-inch touch screen. Its layout displays simple menus, large icons, and additional buttons, for easy operating while driving. A six-speaker stereo, two USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and satellite radio are standard. Navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, HD Radio, a nine-speaker stereo are available. Safety features a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available advanced safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, hands-free park assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Power The Blazer will give you the choice of three engines. Its base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 193 hp but if you want more power, there’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 230 horsepower or a top-of-the-line 3.6-liter V6 with 308-horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This 3.6-liter V6 engine will be powerful enough for most driving situations and can tow up to 4,500 pounds. There are several drive modes available, including Tour, Sport, and Snow/Ice, as well as available Off-Road and Tow/Haul. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Chevy’s twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system is available. It delivers a 21/27 mpg city and highway rating with its base engine. The Jeep comes standard with a 295-horsepower V6 engine or three available V8 engines. A 360 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 is optional in the Trailhawk, Overland, High Altitude, and Summit trims. The SRT features a 475-horsepower 6.4-liter V8, and the Trackhawk packs a supercharged 707-horsepower V8. An eight-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and prompt gear changes while rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is available. It’s Trailhawk comes standard with all-terrain tires, multiple skid plates, a two-speed transfer case, a limited-slip rear differential, and Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension, making it perform well off-road (these features are optional in other trims). The Jeep can tow up to 6,200 pounds when equipped with its V6 engine and Class IV tow package; V8 models can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy is estimated at 19/26 mpg in the city/highway and 18/25 with four-wheel drive. Higher performance engines will give you 14/22 to 11/17 mpg. Conclusion The 2021 Chevy Blazer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are built with plenty of class-leading designs and capable off-road abilities. The Chevy Blazer is designed for your drive around town with an off-road drive-mode for your adventures, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee gives you more power options and towing capabilities.

The all-new 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is bold, spacious, and capable, with multiple trims and style options that set it apart from the crowd. Let’s compare it to the Toyota RAV4. Design/Price The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a four-door SUV with five seats and offers an upscale, spacious interior, with comfortable seating and ample cargo space. The front seats are roomy with enough room for taller occupants; and your passengers will stay comfortable with plenty of rear-seat leg room and places to store their things. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard, and heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and synthetic leather upholstery is available. The Trailblazer offers 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Front passenger seat folds forward, allowing long items to fit, and a hands-free liftgate is available for your convenience. The Trailblazer comes in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS. The entry-level Trailblazer L has an affordable starting price of $19,000 and ranges to a starting price of $26,900 for the all-wheel drive Trailblazer RS trim. The Toyota RAV4 seats up to five people with comfortable seating and ample front and rear legroom even for tall passengers. It offers quality cabin materials with a modern design, cloth upholstery, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, and a four-way manually adjustable passenger seat. You can upgrade to additional features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, synthetic leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The RAV4 gets 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 69.8 cubic feet with its back seats folded down. It comes in six trims: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, and TRD Off-Road model. Pricing starts at $26,150 for the LE trim and ranges to $35,880 for the TRD Off-Road trim. Safety and Technology The Trailblazer features a user-friendly 7-inch screen, with an available 8-inch screen, both with simple menus that react quickly to inputs. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a four-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Safety features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights are standard. Standard safety features on all RAV4 models feature a rearview camera and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle of technologies. Included in this bundle are pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. Additional standard advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition. Available advanced safety features include a surround-view parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers and rear cross traffic alert. An easy-to-use 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Amazon Alexa integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Satellite radio, a USB port, Bluetooth and voice recognition are also standard. You can upgrade to an 8-inch screen, four additional USB ports, an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo, and navigation. Other available features include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. Power The Trailblazer has the capability to take you wherever you want to go; you can get the traction you need with Normal, All-Wheel Drive and Sport drive modes. It has two engine choices: a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that makes 137-horsepower and a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that makes 155 horsepower. Front-wheel drive comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission and is an option with either engine. All-wheel-drive models however, only come with the 1.3-liter engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission that maneuvers well around turns and has quick steering to help you in and out of parking spaces. The Trailblazer gets an estimated 28/31 mpg in the city and on the highway with its 1.2-liter engine, and it gets slightly higher ratings with the 1.3-liter engine. The Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission delivers well-balanced handling with smooth and timely shifts, and the engine supplies plenty of power and gets up to highway speeds with little effort. Front-wheel drive is standard, with two optional all-wheel-drive systems, and the base engine provides the RAV4 with the ability to tow 1,500 lbs. Its estimated fuel economy is 28/35 mpg in the city and on the highway. Overview The all-new Chevrolet Trailblazer has a great new look at an affordable price; it features a roomy interior and an easy-to-use infotainment system with lots of standard tech features. Both SUVs are designed with off-road capabilities and for your drive around town, but the Trailblazer has a better price tag with an off-road look while the RAV4 offers more power and towing capabilities.

The 2021 Chevy Colorado is a compact pickup truck with decent gas mileage, an energetic V6 engine, great towing capabilities, and some specialty off-road trims. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has some great off-road capabilities of its own so, let’s look at both. Design/Price The 2021 Chevy Colorado offers a smooth, comfortable ride around town or adventures on the off-road. For 2021, Colorado’s Base trim is discontinued, and now features the WT, LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims. The WT and LT trims offer available Crew Cab/short bed and Crew/long bed configurations. The Z71 and ZR2 feature off-road abilities and are capable of tackling trails and terrain, available in Extended Cab/long bed and Crew Cab/short bed configurations. Extended Cab models seat four, and Crew Cab models seat up to five passengers, with spacious, comfortable seating up front. There are plenty of available bed features, including multiple tie downs, a step built into the corners of the rear bumper, and an EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate. There have been some updates to the exterior, but there are plenty of hard plastics and low-grade materials throughout the cabin. Higher trims however, will offer a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and optional heated front seats (the Extended cab seats four and the Crew Cab models seat five). The WT has a starting price of $25,200 for the Extended Cab/long bed and ranges to a starting price of $43,200 for the ZR2 Crew Cab/short bed configuration. The Toyota Tacoma has two available cab styles: the standard Access Cab seats four and has a small two-seat second row, while the larger Double Cab has an extended three-person second row and seats five. If you’ll be carrying passengers, the Double Cab is what you’ll want as there is just 24.6 inches of legroom in the Access Cab, and the seats are hard and upright with little cushioning or support. The Tacoma comes with either a 5-foot standard bed or a 6-foot-1-inch-long bed; Access Cab models are only paired with the long bed, while the Double Cab is available with both. The Tacoma offers six trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro. Pricing starts at $30,853 for the SR trim and ranges to a starting price of $44,075 for the top-of-the-line TRD Pro trim. Additional Appearance Packages include added pricing. Performance/Fuel The Chevrolet Colorado features a fuel efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. With plenty of power, this is great for everyday driving needs. There are two available engines – a 3.6-liter V6 with 308-horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque or a 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine with 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel comes with a six-speed automatic. The Z71 and ZR2 models offer four-wheel drive, along with heavy-duty suspension and locking rear differential. While the ZR2 is even more capable with driver-selectable full-locking front and rear differential. When equipped with the turbo diesel engine, maximum towing capacity reaches 7,700 pounds, and it can haul up to 1,578 pounds. Fuel is estimated at 19/25 mpg city/highway for the base four-cylinder and rear-wheel drive. The Toyota Tacoma is known for its outstanding off-road capability, especially in the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims; offering a unique suspension tuning and shock absorbers, a locking rear differential, and skid plates. With that said, the Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 159 horsepower which delivers sluggish acceleration especially if you are carrying passengers and cargo. Your other option is a 278-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine that is stronger and delivers a quicker acceleration (both engines come with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission). Note, the six-speed automatic transmission gets some criticism as it hampers both engines to find the right gear. The 2021 Tacoma, with the base engine and rear-wheel drive gets an estimated 20/23 mpg in the city and on the highway. Models with the optional V6 get an estimated 19/24 mpg in the city and on the highway. Additionally, the maximum towing capacity of the Tacoma is 6,800 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,685 pound. The Tacoma offers six trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro. Safety and Technology The Chevy Colorado’s available OnStar System provides emergency crash notification, stolen-vehicle notification, and remote locking and unlocking, which comes standard on the LT and above. Also available on the LT and Z71 models includes forward collision and lane departure warning systems. A rearview camera and the Teen Driver Mode comes standard on all models, and lets you have custom key settings for secondary drivers and provides in-vehicle reports. Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system comes standard in the Colorado and includes a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Its infotainment system is easy-to-use with reachable controls and an intuitive menu layout. An 8-inch touch screen, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, HD Radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, additional USB ports, and navigation are available, as well as remote start and automatic climate control. The Tacoma comes standard with advanced safety features that include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise controls. Available safety features include rear parking sensors, blind spot Monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. It also features an easy-to-use infotainment system that comes with both a 7-inch touch screen and physical controls. It includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, as well as six speakers, Bluetooth, three USB ports, satellite radio, and voice recognition. Available features include an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, wireless device charging, and a six-speaker JBL stereo. Conclusion The 2021 Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma are two compact trucks with off-road capabilities for your next adventure. However, the 2021 Chevy Colorado can tow slightly more, with more powerful engines at a lower base starting price.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a small-size SUV with a great predicted reliability rating and great strengths. It’s fun to drive and offers plenty of active safety features and infotainment technology. On the other hand, the 2021 Chevy Traverse is a midsize SUV that is stylish and also offers some impressive features. Let’s look at both. Design The 2021 Equinox features a striking exterior, offering aerodynamic sculpting and accents that combine style and function. This five-seat compact SUV offers tremendous rear-seat legroom and ample headroom that allows tall adults to sit comfortably. The front will keep you supported with its well-shaped seats, and the interior is a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch accents. Standard features include cloth upholstery and four-way manually adjustable front seats but upgrade to the LT or Premier trim for more. Standard and available features on the LT and Premier trim include leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated fronts, heated rear seats, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, and driver’s memory seat. Optional Sport and Midnight Edition that are available on the LT trim offer unique gloss-black exterior trim pieces, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and special black alloy wheels. You’ll get about 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and around 64 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse features lots of space for passengers in all three rows of seating, and plenty of cargo space. It seats eight people in its lower trims with a second-row bench seat, while higher trims offer second-row captain's chairs and seat seven. The Traverse provides a comfortable, cushioned ride, with easy access to get in and out of each row. Cloth upholstery comes standard and leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats are available; as well as heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. You’ll get plenty of cargo space with 23 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 57.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space with both folded down. Safety and Technology The Equinox offers plenty of standard driver’s assistance features to feel confident on the road. However, you’ll have to upgrade to the LT and Premier trim to get the available Confidence and Convenience packages that include added safety and convenience features, such as a power liftgate and a universal garage door opener. Standard features include forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, following distance indicator, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, a rearview camera, Teen Driver system, and a Rear-Seat Reminder. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system comes standard with some great technology features but each trim offers a bit more as you move up. Standard features on all trims include a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, a Wi-fi hotspot, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a six-speaker stereo. Standard features in the Traverse include Chevrolet's user-friendly Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touch screen, six USB ports, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen responds quickly to inputs and features an intuitive menu layout. A rear-seat entertainment system, an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and satellite radio are available options, as well. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver system and a reminder to buckle up before driving. Available active safety features include adaptive cruise control, a surround-view parking camera system, a rear camera mirror, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, rear parking sensors, and rear cross traffic alert. Performance/Trims and Pricing Equinox dropped its more powerful 2.0-liter engine this year, making the only power the Equinox offers for this model year a 170-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission shifts smoothly, but acceleration is a bit lackluster in its only engine. Overall, the Equinox delivers a comfortable ride and takes turns with composure but opting for larger wheels will give you a jittery experience, especially over large bumps in the road (some class rivals are more agile and athletic). The Equinox will tow up to a maximum of 1,500 pounds with its only engine, and front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available on all trims. Fuel economy is estimated at 26/31 mpg city and highway. The Equinox comes in four trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier. Starting price is $23,800 for the Equinox L and ranges to $31,400 for the Premier. The Chevy Traverse features a 310-horsepower V6 engine on all models with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing enough power for everyday driving needs, but with average acceleration. Its design makes the Chevrolet easy to drive and maneuver and ride smoothly over most road surfaces. When properly equipped, the Traverse can tow up to 5000 pounds; it comes standard with front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. The Traverse has a gas mileage rating of 18/27 mpg in the city and on the highway when equipped with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive will give you 17/25 mpg. The Traverse is available in seven trims: L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. Pricing starts out at $32,900 for the LS trim and ranges to a starting price of $53,200 for the all-wheel-drive High Country. Overall The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a solid crossover with excellent, predicted reliability. It offers an array of standard safety features and technology, as well as plenty of room for comfortable seating. However, it lags some in its performance and cabin quality, offering one engine choice and hard plastics for its interior. The 2021 Traverse delivers a turbo-four engine option, a high predicted reliability rating, and seats more passengers. Keep in mind though, several interior features are also made from hard plastics and ultimately, it has a higher price tag.

The 2021 Chevy Trax and Ford EcoSport are sporty, small SUVs that are designed to move easily in and out of traffic and into tight spaces. Attractively priced, they provide you with a stylish interior and intelligent technology to keep you connected on the road. Let’s compare the two. Design The 2021 Chevy Trax features an attractive interior with many soft-touch surfaces, and a surprisingly spacious interior for a compact vehicle. It seats five comfortably and has plenty of rear-seat space, even for adult passengers. It also comes with cloth upholstery, a four-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a two-way adjustable passenger seat. Heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, deluxe cloth upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are available, and you'll get 18.7 cubic feet of space behind the back seat. The second-row folds down almost completely flat to open up a maximum of 48.4 cubic feet and with the front seat folded flat, there is room for items up to eight feet long: making room for all your gear. The 2021 Ford EcoSport features style inside and out, with comfortable and spacious seating on all trims. Its exterior is available with LED lighting and halogen projector headlamps, a unique rear swing gate, a power moonroof with sunshade, and a choice of 10 exterior colors. It offers one of the largest cargo capacities in the class, with 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats folded down. It reportedly seats up to five people, but four averaged-size adults fit more comfortably. Cloth upholstery, four-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and height-adjustable front seats are standard. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-trimmed seats, and ambient lights are also options. Safety and Technology The Chevy Trax comes standard with a rearview camera and ten airbags, but optional driver assistance features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. All Trax models come with Chevrolet’s user-friendly Infotainment 3 System and a 7-inch touch screen that has clear graphics and an intuitive menu structure. It also includes standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, Bluetooth, six speakers, voice command, two USB ports, and remote keyless entry. An optional sunroof, and a seven-speaker Bose premium stereo is available. The EcoSport features few standard and available advanced safety features that are included with Ford Co-Pilot 360 to help you feel confident on the road. Standard features include a rearview camera, Hill Start Assist (helps you switch from brake to gas without rolling backward), and Ford MyKey (adds seat belt reminders and sets limits on speed and audio volume.). Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, reverse sensing system, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are available. EcoSport comes with a 4.2-inch display, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, six-speaker audio system, and two USB ports. It has an optional SYNC 3 user-friendly infotainment system and an 8.0-inch LCD touchscreen, but in higher models it comes standard along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Convenience Package includes navigation, a seven-speaker audio system, and a 110-volt household-style power outlet. Performance and Price The Chevrolet Trax is easy to drive and has just enough pep to get up, go around and maneuver in and out of tight spaces. All models on the Chevrolet Trax feature a turbocharged 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission that produces 138 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard and an all-wheel drive system is available to help when road conditions are less than ideal. In terms of fuel economy, the Trax offers an impressive 26/31 mpg on the city and highway. The 2021 Chevy Trax comes in two trims: LS and LT, with a starting price of $21,400 for the LS trim and $23,200 for the LT trim. Ford’s EcoSport is a little underpowered, with its first two trims coming with a 123-horsepower turbocharged, 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine and 125 pound-feet of torque, but it is one of the easiest small SUVs to maneuver around town and through tight spaces. The SES and Titanium trim come with a 166-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that comes with Ford’s intelligent 4WD. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on every trim; while a six-speed automatic transmission comes on both engines. The EcoSport is offered in four trims: S, SE, Titanium, and SES, with pricing starting at $19,995 for the S trim and ranging to $27,575 for the SES trim. Conclusion The 2021 Chevy Trax and Ford EcoSport are sporty, subcompact SUVs that are easy to maneuver and get in and out of tight spaces. They are affordable and offer plenty of cargo space for a small SUV; also featuring an easy-to-use infotainment system, though EcoSport’s is optional. The EcoSport will offer an available 4WD that is perfect for your off-road terrains and sporty performance, while Trax will deliver more power from its only engine compared to EcoSport’s base engine.

The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt is simple, convenient, and ready to take you where you want to go. It is affordable, great for the environment, and will take you farther than you think. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 boasts one of the longest driving ranges of any vehicle in the luxury hybrid and electric car class. It delivers sharp handling, brisk acceleration, and many high-tech features. These two electric cars have a lot in common, but each has differences. Design/Price The Chevrolet Bolt has everything you want in a car starting with its bold colors and beautifully sculpted shape. It is a subcompact five-door hatchback that seats up to five people, with enough head- and legroom for two adults in both rows. It is less than 14 feet long, making it easy to maneuver in and out of tight spaces and through city streets. The Bolt features a tall roof, a rear hatch door and optional roof rails. Its high roof adds on to the generous amount of cargo space, and when the seats fold, you will get maximum cargo room, with 16.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and a total of 56.6 cubic feet folding the 60/40 split rear seats down. It is simple, modern and practical at the same time, adorned with hard plastics and firm seats, but adding some quality textured material to the dashboard. The Bolt features two trim levels: LT and Premier, with a starting price of $36,500 for the LT and $41,700 for the Premier trim. The Tesla Model 3 seats up to five people, with standard front seat heating and power adjustability. It offers plenty of room up front, with well cushioned seats in both rows, but the back seats are a bit tight for seating. It features a 15-cubic foot trunk, but it also has a front trunk, or “frunk” and the rear seats can fold down to have room for bulky items. A power trunk lid comes standard. The interior is simple, but upscale and distinct. You won’t find any buttons or knobs on its dash because everything is controlled by a large touch screen. Tesla makes three trim levels in the Model 3: Standard Plus, Performance, and Long Range. The Standard Range Plus has a starting price of $37,990 and ranges to a starting price of $54,990 for the Performance trim. Safety and Technology The Bolt comes standard with few advanced safety features on the LT trim, with several available options that are standard on the Premier trim. Standard safety features include rearview camera mirror, Teen Driver, remote keyless entry, and remote start. A Driver’s Confidence Package is available on the LT and standard on the Premier and includes rear park assist system, rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert, and blind spot monitoring. Chevrolet’s infotainment system is easy to use and features an intuitive menu layout, with a large touch screen and physical controls. Standard features include a 10.2-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, six-speaker stereo, and automatic climate control. A premium audio system with seven Bose premium speakers and a woofer is available on the Premier trim; as well as wireless mobile device charging, and two additional USB charging ports. Several advanced safety features come standard in the Tesla, but they are mostly bundled in Tesla’s Autopilot system. It includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, sensors all around the vehicle, surround-view parking camera system, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and parallel and perpendicular park assist. Autopilot also lets the Model 3 steer and accelerate within its lane. Available advanced safety features include automatic parking, automatic lane change, stop sign and traffic light recognition, and summoning your car. These are all featured in the Full Self-Driving Capability. The Tesla features apps for streaming services like Spotify, but there is no smartphone integration beyond Bluetooth, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Standard infotainment features include a 15-inch touch screen, navigation, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB ports, HD Radio, along with Bluetooth. An available 14-speaker stereo is an option. Power The Chevrolet Bolt delivers plenty of power and an impressive range for an electric vehicle; along with peppy acceleration from a stop or merging on the highway. Charging is simple and convenient with options on-the-go or at home. It is powered by a 66-kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired to an electric drive motor that combines to make 200 hp and 266 pound-feet of torque. It ranges 259 miles on a full charge, and it is standard with a 120-volt portable charge cord, or available with a 240-volt/32-amp charging unit or DC Fast Charging that will charge up to 100 miles of range in about 30 minutes of charge time. Each trim of Tesla’s Model 3 gets its own powerful electric motor. The Long Range gets 141 MPG in the city and 127 MPGe on the highway, the Performance trim will give you 118/107 MPGe city/highway. The Standard Range Plus gets 148/132 MPGe city and highway. Instant torque will give you rapid acceleration that launches from a stop, but Tesla doesn’t distinguish its models by horsepower or kilowatt-hours. The Model 3 Performance will get an all-electric range of 315 miles, 353 miles for the Long Range, and an estimated 263 miles for the base Standard Range Plus. Tesla’s fastest charge time comes with Tesla’s supercharger stations, which will give you 175 miles of range in 15 minutes. The Model 3’s at home battery with a 120-volt power outlet will take between five hours and four days to charge. Tesla’s Wall Connector, with a 240-volt outlet, will reduce that time to about 10 or 11 hours. Conclusion The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt is a practical electric vehicle with an impressive electric range at a great price tag. Tesla features a longer range for its all-electric, and a unique trunk space in front, but for a higher price. These two cars are the wave of the future, while being great for the environment.

Redesigned for 2021, the Chevy Silverado has revamped styling, revised engine lineup, and updated its feature list. The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 is redesigned to have a great performance and an all-new interior. Let’s see how these two trucks compare. Design The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado offers plenty of room throughout its cabin and bed. The Regular Cab Silverado models seat up to three, while Double and Crew Cab models seat up to six. Synthetic leather upholstery comes standard and leather upholstery is available. The seats aren’t the plushiest, with hard plastics throughout the cabin, but seating is comfortable and it features lots of head- and legroom, especially in crew cab models. It is available with a 5-foot-10 inch, a 6-foot-7-inch, or an 8-foot-2-inch bed. Available features, such as a multifunction tailgate and an in-bed power outlet will improve the bed’s versatility and usability, as well as offering a wide and deep bed. The Ford F-150 is your home on the road, with an upgraded interior that includes the Pro Power Onboard. It will give you the option to use your truck like a mobile generation. More premium materials and comfort are noticed throughout the cabin, along with more storage and convenience features; such as a mobile workplace. It offers several new functions on its tailgate to boost its usability on job sites, with cleats on either side of the tailgate to tie down long items and pockets to attach clamps. Additionally, the 10-speed automatic shift lever can be folded flat with the center console to create a large flat workspace. It also can be ordered with fold-flat front seats to provide space for sleeping. Three cab configurations will be offered in both long and short bed lengths: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew. The four-door crew-cab body style will be the most spacious and family friendly of the trims. Power and Pricing The Silverado offers several powertrain options. The base engine features a 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes in the WT, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss. Available in all trims is a 4.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque is available in Custom Trail Boss, LT, Trail Boss, RST, LTZ, and High Country. Lastly, a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque is available in the LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive is available. Towing capacity reaches 13,300 pounds and it can haul up to 2,280 pounds. The Silverado is available in eight trims: WT (Work Truck), Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, LT Trail Boss, RST, LTZ, and High Country. The WT starts at a base price of $28,600, while the Double Cab models start at $32,500 and the Crew Cab models start at $34,900. Pricing ranges to $53,400 for the Silverado High Country, with added pricing for different cab styles on select trims. Chevrolet Silverado also offers several Work package options for added costs. The 2021 F-150 will be available with a 3.3L V-6; a 5.0L V-8; a twin turbocharged 2.7L V-6; a twin-turbocharged 3.5L V-6; and a 3.0L diesel V-6. They are all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The F-150 will also be offered with a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 3.5L twin-turbo V-6, a 35-kW electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It will give you a combined effort of gas and electric to tow and carry the load; and it will give you up to 700 miles of driving range on a full tank of gas. Buyers will be able to choose between rear-and four-wheel drive with any of the F-150’s powertrains. The base 3.3-liter V-6 as a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, while models equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Six trim levels will be available: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. Pricing will start at $28,940 for the XL and range to $70,825 for the range-topping Limited. Safety and Technology Silverado’s standard advanced safety features include a rearview camera and Teen Driver that lets you set limits on speed and audio. The Silverado also offers plenty of available advanced safety features include a head-up display, Adaptive cruise control, forward collision, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane change alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, surround-view parking camera system, rear camera mirror, and a safety alert seat. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system is easy-to-use with a touch screen that responds quickly to inputs. Standard features include a 7-inch touch screen, two speakers, two USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It is available with an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, a six-speaker audio system, a seven-speaker Bose Audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, wireless device charging, additional USB ports, A Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ford F-150 offers plenty of standard and available safety features, with each trim level offering more. It will include a rear-facing camera for monitoring a trailer while on the go, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Ford features smart new tech on an 8.0-inch infotainment display, with an updated version of the Sync 4 system that will provide traffic and weather updates, and onboard telematics to help track fleet vehicle location. It will also provide over-the-air updates for future software releases. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Navigation and Sirius XM radio will be available options; as well as a 12.0-inch touchscreen display and a premium stereo system from Bang & Olufsen. Conclusion You can’t go wrong with both highly rated trucks. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 provide plenty of power and features to keep your work on the road. The Ford F-150 offers an all-new optional hybrid powertrain, and a few more conveniences and features for a workplace out in the field, but at a higher price range.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota Rav4 are two small-size SUVs that feature a comfortable, fun, ride and a long list of features. Let’s look at both to see how they compare. Design The Equinox features a striking exterior, offering aerodynamic sculpting and accents that combine style and function. This five-seat compact SUV offers tremendous rear-seat legroom and ample headroom that allows tall adults to sit comfortably. The front seats will keep you supported on a long drive with its well-shaped seats. It is mixed in its interior quality because of hard plastic surfaces, but soft-touch accents are also present. Standard features included are cloth upholstery and four-way manually adjustable front seats. Standard and available features on the LT and Premier trim include leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated fronts, heated rear seats, heated rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, and driver’s seat memory seat. Optional Sport and Midnight Edition available on the LT trim offers unique gloss-black exterior trim pieces, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and special black alloy wheels. You will get about 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and around 64 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The Equinox comes in four trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier. Starting price is $23,800 for the Equinox L and ranges to a starting price of $31,400 for the Premier. The Toyota RAV4 seats up to five people with comfortable seating and ample front- and rear legroom even for tall passengers. It offers quality cabin materials with a modern design, cloth upholstery, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, and a four-way manually adjustable passenger seat. You can upgrade to additional features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, synthetic leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The RAV4 gets 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 69.8 cubic feet with its back seats folded down. It comes in six trims: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, and TRD Off-Road model. Pricing starts at $26,150 for the LE trim and ranges to $35,880 for the TRD Off-Road trim. Safety and Technology The Equinox offers plenty of driver’s assistance features to feel confident on the road. A lot of features are standard on all trims, but you’ll need to move up to the LT and Premier trim to get the available Confidence and Convenience packages that include added safety and convenience features; such as a power liftgate and a universal garage door opener. Standard features include forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, following distance indicator, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, rearview camera, Teen Driver system, and Rear-seat reminder. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system comes standard with some great technology features. The L and LS offer the standard features and the LT and Premier add a little bit more. Standard features on all trims include a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, a Wi-fi hot spot, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a six-speaker stereo. Standard safety features on all RAV4 models feature a rearview camera and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle of technologies. Included in this bundle are pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. Additional standard advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition. Available advanced safety features include surround-view parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers and rear cross traffic alert. An easy-to-use 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Amazon Alexa integration, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Satellite radio, a USB port, Bluetooth and voice recognition are also standard. You can upgrade to an 8-inch screen, four additional USB ports, an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo, and navigation. Other available features include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. Performance Equinox dropped its more powerful 2.0-liter engine this year, making the only power the Equinox offers for this model year a 170-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission shifts smoothly, but acceleration is a bit lackluster in its only engine. The Equinox delivers a comfortable ride and takes turns with composure. Opting for larger wheels, will give you a jittery experience, especially over large bumps in the road. Some class rivals are more agile and athletic. The Equinox will tow up to a maximum of 1,500 pounds with its only engine; and front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available on all trims. Fuel economy is estimated at 26/31 mpg city and highway. The Toyota RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission delivers a well-balanced handling with smooth and timely shifts, and the engine supplies plenty of power and gets up to highway speeds with little effort. Front-wheel drive is standard, with two optional all-wheel-drive systems. Its base engine provides the RAV4 with the ability to tow 1,500 lbs. Its estimated fuel economy is 28/35 mpg in the city and on the highway. Overall The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a solid crossover with excellent predicted reliability at a great price tag. It offers an array of standard safety features and technology; as well as plenty of room for comfortable seating. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 features an off-road model, more cargo room,and better fuel economy.