2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-coloured C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was predominantly body-coloured, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagonal shapes and an LED light bar. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 2LT trim, while other trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant colour options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available for certain trims. Interior colour choices expanded with higher trims, offering options like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Grey, and sportier trims featured Adrenaline Red or black with red accents.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the model year, maintained a similar appearance to the standard RX 350, with the RX 350h Luxury test vehicle lacking any hybrid-specific badges. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not considered particularly attractive, with a blunt-nosed appearance and a wheelbase stretch that visually reduced the rear overhang. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic design with fewer controls and an improved infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX 350h was priced at $63,436 in Canada, while the RX 500h started at $83,086.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, which some found unsettling but not uncommon in modern EVs. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, managed through a regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The Equinox EV provided a comfortable ride, with the single-motor FWD variant delivering 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version offered 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. It could tow up to 680 kilograms. The FWD model had an estimated range of 513 kilometres, while the AWD version offered 494 km, with a larger 85-kWh battery contributing to these impressive figures. The Equinox EV supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 125 kilometres of range in 10 minutes.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new powertrain for the RX 350h, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to average 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a total output of 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 8.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control for an engaging driving experience. However, accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system, and the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 11.3 L/100 km. The RX 350h, on the other hand, averaged 7.4 L/100 km, offering better fuel efficiency and a more secure driving experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's base model, 1LT, lacked heated front seats, steering wheel, and outside mirrors in the U.S., with Canadian availability uncertain. The 2LT trim included these features, along with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an optional panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV offered 994 mm of front headroom and 978 mm in the second row, with 1,058 mm of front legroom. Cargo space measured 748 litres with all seats in place and 1,620 litres with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with the RX 350h Luxury trim offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were located under the rear seat, resulting in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the back seat folded down, an improvement over the previous model but still slightly less than some competitors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription payments after trial periods. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. The system worked reasonably well, though it had some limitations, such as only displaying one screen menu at a time and suffering from reflections. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic for users wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with new motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist was also available, automatically slowing the RX to maintain safe distances. The system had some irritations, such as the front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.