2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

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 version 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 assertive, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels adorned the 2LT trim, while other trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant colour options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful and exuberant touch. Two-tone paint jobs were available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. Interior colour choices expanded with higher trims, offering combinations like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Grey, and sportier options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that featured an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was largely unremarkable, with a massive front grille and a dramatic swell into the rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+. The RX 350h was the base model, offering 246 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency. The RX 500h delivered 366 hp and was the most powerful, while the RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 60 km of electric-only range. All models came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada, and the RX 500h featured sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes. The RX's interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting, though some controls were ergonomically challenging.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, which some found eerie 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. The AWD version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing up to 680 kg. The FWD model had an estimated range of 513 km, while the AWD version offered 494 km, or 463 km with the 19.2 kW onboard charger. The Equinox EV's 85-kWh battery contributed to its impressive range, and it supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 125 km of range in 10 minutes.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid's RX 350h model was the least powerful but most efficient, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a hybrid powertrain. The RX 450h+ PHEV offered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. The RX 500h's drivetrain was powerful and quick but less fuel-efficient, averaging 13.5 L/100 km in testing. The adaptive damping suspension provided a firm ride, and while the RX 500h was capable on twisty roads, it lacked communication between the road and driver, making it less rewarding to drive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's base model, 1LT, was not yet available, and its features in Canada were uncertain. The 2LT trim included heated functions, 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 was 748 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,620 litres with the second row folded. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the automatic climate system's fan was loud. A panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, which featured power-reclining, heated, and ventilated options. The RX provided ample room for adults in the back seat. Interior storage was practical, though the rear centre armrest compartment lacked lining. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row increased cargo volume to 1,308 litres.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's cockpit was dominated by technology, with a driver-oriented curved display. The base 1LT trim featured 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 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury vehicle standards with high-tech features. The RX 500h F Sport Black Line included digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a three-year Drive Connect plan with a digital voice assistant. The RX 500h's optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, though steering wheel controls were distracting and dangerous to use while driving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. It also featured rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. GM's Teen Driver Technology was standard, allowing parents to set speed alerts and produce a "report card" of the drive. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 was standard, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to ensure safe distances. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS rated it Poor in a frontal-impact test.