2026 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV was Chevrolet's smallest all-electric SUV, closely resembling the Blazer EV in size and design. It featured a rounded and graceful exterior, with gently flared fenders and a horizontal light stripe that added a futuristic touch. The interior shared similarities with the Blazer EV, boasting beveled dual screens for instrumentation and infotainment. While outward visibility was generally good, the louvered dashboard top occasionally caused unsettling reflections. Material quality was typical for a compact SUV, with hard plastic surfaces and lightly padded touchpoints. Overall, the Equinox EV was an attractive choice in its class, though it didn't stand out significantly.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid aimed for high style with the RX 500h F Sport Performance, featuring a bold design that some found excessive. The front end showcased a large, black trapezoidal grille, slim headlights, and a hood that bent into the grille. The profile was stylish, with flat flares around the wheels and a character line suggesting motion. Inside, the RX 500h offered Dark Graphite or Rioja Red leather, a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The driver was surrounded by soft-touch materials and digital screens, creating a sporty and luxurious atmosphere.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with a single 220-horsepower electric motor and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive version offering a combined output of 300 hp. It featured an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing an estimated range of up to 513 kilometres for the front-drive model. The AWD variant had a slightly reduced range, depending on the charger used. The Equinox EV's acceleration was quicker than its specs suggested, with the AWD model reaching 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The ride quality was smooth, and the cabin was quieter than a gas-powered SUV, though there was some noticeable boominess on the highway.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 500h, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque through a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The RX 500h achieved a 0-96 km/h time of 5.9 seconds, with seamless transitions between electric and gas propulsion. The vehicle came with adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and a firmer suspension, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The ride could be busy on bumpy roads, and the steering lacked feel. The RX 500h offered a Custom mode for personalized settings, but for a truly sporty experience, other luxury SUVs were recommended.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered comfortable front seats with adequate padding and support. Most features were operated through touchscreen menus, but physical knobs and buttons were available for climate controls. The rear seats were flatter and firmer, with limited thigh support but ample headroom and legroom. Storage was adequate, with small trays and cupholders, while cargo space was generous at 748 litres. A hands-free power liftgate was optional, but there was no front trunk.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with eight-way power-adjustable sport seats, standard heating and cooling, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats offered good legroom, though accommodating three adults was uncomfortable. The RX 500h had 838 litres of cargo space with the second row up, expanding to 1,308 litres when folded down. The interior was well-appointed, with a panoramic sunroof and ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses. It was powered by Google Built-in, offering map, traffic, and productivity features. However, the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration was a significant drawback. The six-speaker audio system was unimpressive, with limited bass and some distortion. A wireless charging pad was available.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch touchscreen, and a standard head-up display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Lexus Intelligent Assist for voice commands. The touchscreen was responsive, but the touch-sensitive steering wheel pads were frustrating. A three-year Drive Connect subscription with Google points of interest and real-time traffic information was included.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, excelling in frontal and side impacts and rollover protection. It came with advanced safety features like frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Active Safety Package 3 included a semi-automated parking system and Super Cruise for hands-free highway driving.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but scored "Poor" in the updated moderate front overlap test by the IIHS. The RX offered additional safety options like automatic parking and a surround-view camera system.