2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large 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 colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was built for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was marred by an abundance of plastic, which detracted from its luxury status. Yet, it still offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as visually striking as some competitors, was an attractive crossover with a restrained body design. Its chunky front end made the grille appear smaller, a refreshing change in an industry dominated by aggressive fascias. The gold Bowtie emblem looked better on some colors than others, with Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic being particularly appealing. The Equinox was available in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with both FWD and AWD options. The thick C-pillar and large windows gave an impression of spaciousness, which was confirmed by the roomy interior. The Premier trim featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Despite some dated elements, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly, with a well-sorted suspension and tight steering.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 delivered a satisfying linear power rise and a distinctive roar. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable but noticeable body roll. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system made it capable off-road, with features like downhill assist, hill-start assist, and traction control enhancing its performance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for city driving, the Equinox struggled with acceleration at higher speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission, though outdated, was smooth but contributed to the engine's noise. The AWD system required manual engagement but retained the setting upon restart. The new electronically assisted brake-by-wire system improved braking performance, and the well-engineered suspension handled bumps and potholes effectively. The Equinox's tight and accurate steering made it enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a phone slot ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The abundance of hard buttons was a blessing for those who preferred physical controls over touchscreens. The adjustable center console lid and comfortable second-row seats, including optional captain's chairs, added to its practicality. The third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. The side-hinged, non-power-operated trunk door was cumbersome, and the cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While not the largest in its class, it was competitive. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, plenty of cupholders, a decently sized center console bin, and good door pockets. The Premier trim's standard power liftgate was nearly silent, adding to the convenience.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. Off-road technology was a highlight, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and multi-terrain select.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was simple but effective. The 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and 8-inch in the Premier trim were clear and easy to use. The infotainment system responded quickly and offered good voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard across all trims. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad. The upgraded driver-information display, though simple, provided useful features like music, navigation, and trip computer information.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its 2010 engineering raised concerns about structural safety. However, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with a suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure assistance, and automatic high beams. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but scored poorly in IIHS tests, with a Poor rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and a Marginal score in the side-impact crash test.