2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding visual presence with its large spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end appeared ready to conquer the road, framed by massive headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colours, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design seemed more engineered for off-road adventures, with a short 2,789 mm wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, featuring heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, but also a disappointing amount of plastic material.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was an attractive crossover, albeit without the space-age design of some competitors. Its restrained bodywork and chunky front end made the grille appear smaller, offering a refreshing change from the aggressive front fascias common in the industry. The Equinox was available in four trim levels, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims in Canada. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery in the Premier trim. While the interior design felt a bit dated, the Equinox was practical and easy to use, with a simple PRNDL shift lever and a well-sorted suspension that handled bumps and potholes nicely.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. However, its 2,948-kilogram towing capacity and fuel economy of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city were less impressive compared to modern SUVs. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable roll through corners, and its driving dynamics were enhanced by a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a standard 4WD system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speed. The six-speed automatic transmission held gears longer, contributing to the powertrain's noise. The Equinox offered AWD, but it required manual engagement. The new brake-by-wire system improved braking performance, and the well-engineered suspension provided a comfortable ride. Steering was tight and accurate, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, and the door pockets were small. The GX retained physical controls, which were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door was not power-operated, and the cargo space was limited to 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox provided 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with plenty of storage for smaller items. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an improvement over the previous system, with standard integrations like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. Optional features included a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was simple yet effective, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch screen in the Premier trim. The system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. All trims included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim added a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system was available as an option.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX offered modern safety technology.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on most trims.