Chevrolet Equinox vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic that aligned it more closely with its larger siblings like the Chevrolet Traverse and Suburban. The flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive “shark fin” C-pillar gave it a robust presence, a departure from its previous, more subdued look. Each trim level offered unique exterior styling elements, with the base LT featuring chrome accents and the option for a Midnight Edition with high gloss black treatment. The RS trim sported black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new Activ trim showcased dark chrome and all-terrain tires, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. The interior of the Equinox was equally refreshed, with a focus on texture and space. The removal of the substantial cowl and relocation of the shifter to the steering column opened up the centre console, while the new infotainment screen integrated seamlessly with the driver-information display. The RS and Activ trims featured distinct interior themes, with the RS offering a sporty look with red highlights and contrast stitching, and the Activ trim presenting a lighter, two-tone theme that brightened the cabin.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The TX 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the option for the F Sport 3 package. The exterior maintained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. The interior offered three colour options and ambient lighting, though material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles added a modern touch, but some might have preferred more attention to detail elsewhere. The TX's interior was spacious, with a third row that accommodated adults comfortably, and a one-touch button for easy access. However, folding the second row flat required a specific sequence of lever adjustments. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and while the climate controls were mostly on-screen, physical dials for temperature adjustments were retained. Cargo space was generous, with the ability to expand significantly by folding the rear seats.

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 came with a CVT, while AWD versions featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, which improved upon the previous six-speed. The eight-speed provided smoother and quieter shifts, enhancing the driving experience. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, though highway merging highlighted the engine's limitations. The ride was generally quiet and comfortable, with selectable drive modes available on RS and Activ trims, including Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes. The Equinox could tow up to 680 kilograms with AWD, while FWD models were limited to 360 kilograms.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid came with a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had standard electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h used Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada, with additional amenities available in a package for RS and Activ trims. The flat roof provided consistent headroom, with measurements of 970 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back with the moonroof. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, adding light for passengers. Cargo space was slightly reduced, with 844 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with them folded. A hidden storage compartment was available, though overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats as standard. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated access to the third row, though folding the second row flat required multiple steps. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the cupholders were versatile. Most climate controls were on-screen, but temperature dials remained physical. Cargo space was excellent, with 572 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

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, allowing simultaneous infotainment activities. However, voice control volume was an issue in some test models. The new 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen was larger than previous options, and standard tech features included Wi-Fi hotspot capability and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on RS and Activ trims.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen that was responsive but lacked some functionality, such as manual satellite radio input. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera offered a clear view, and the Advanced Park system was available. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package that added features like rear pedestrian alert and HD surround vision. Most safety features were standard, including rear park assist, side blind-zone alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits and provided a report card of driving behaviour.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" score from the IIHS for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.