2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic that aligned more closely with its larger siblings like the Chevrolet Traverse. The new design featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive “shark fin” C-pillar, giving it a more robust appearance. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the base LT trim available in chrome or a contemporary Midnight Edition with high gloss black treatment. The RS trim, known for its sportier look, included black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new Activ trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. The interior of the Equinox was also revamped, with a focus on texture and space. The RS and Activ trims featured distinct interior themes, with the RS offering a darker, sportier look and the Activ trim providing a lighter, two-tone theme. Overall, the Equinox's cabin avoided a cheap feel, offering a choice of materials that felt intentional rather than compromised.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a high-end SUV priced around $90,000. Despite its price, the RX's design was somewhat unremarkable, with a large front grille and subtle orange brake calipers as standout features. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different powertrains and efficiency levels. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h provided the most power. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range. All models came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada and a variety of package options. Inside, the RX offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, the ergonomics of the controls were mixed, with some being intuitive and others less so. The RX avoided the common single curved display approach, maintaining a unique interior design.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The base LT FWD model featured a CVT, while AWD versions came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which was an improvement over the previous six-speed. The Equinox offered responsive acceleration at low speeds, though it struggled during highway merges. The ride was generally quiet and comfortable, with selectable drive modes available on RS and Activ trims. The Equinox could tow up to 680 kilograms with AWD, and 360 kilograms with FWD.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three powertrain options. The RX 350h had a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, providing efficient performance. The RX 450h+ PHEV used the same engine with a larger battery, delivering 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h included a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 AWD system, offering a rewarding driving experience despite its higher fuel consumption. However, the RX 500h's drivetrain occasionally hesitated, and its adaptive suspension produced unnatural sensations.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel in Canada. Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and driver’s seat memory were available in a package for RS and Activ trims. The Equinox's flat roof provided consistent headroom, with 970 mm in the front and 960 mm in the rear with the moonroof. The cabin featured a well-placed dead pedal and a flat floor for rear passengers. Cargo space was slightly reduced, with 844 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with them folded down.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug with enhanced bolstering, but the bottom cushions were uncomfortable on long drives. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX 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, though the cargo cover could be obstructive.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration was functional, projecting onto the driver information display. The Equinox featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on RS and Activ trims. However, the voice control system had volume issues in some test vehicles.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen with a conversational digital voice assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and cloud-based navigation. The RX's steering wheel controls were distracting, but the Lexus Interface technology was generally effective. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package with rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, traffic-sign recognition, and a camera rearview mirror. Standard safety features included rear park assist, side blind-zone alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Teen Driver Technology, which allowed parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a driving report card.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured Proactive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. In NHTSA crash tests, the RX received a five-star rating, but the IIHS rated it Poor in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test.