Chevrolet Equinox vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox presented a robust SUV character with its broad fenders, squat roofline, and tall grille, complemented by high-mounted daytime running lights. Despite its car-like unibody, the Equinox successfully differentiated itself from rivals that awkwardly blend car and SUV styling cues. Available in LT, Activ, and RS trims, each offered unique styling features. The LT featured a chrome grille mesh and 17-inch wheels, while the RS boasted black trim, a wider grille, and 19-inch wheels. The Activ trim emphasized ruggedness with a prominent lower front fascia and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Equinox's cabin, though primarily plastic, was well-assembled with thoughtful details like large air vents and a spear-like trim piece. The Activ model stood out with its Maple Sugar and black two-tone treatment and unique microfibre and Evotex seats.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid followed a conservative design path, reminiscent of the popular RAV4, but on a larger scale. This approach resulted in a vehicle that felt like an enlarged RAV4, offering seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with the Platinum trim adding a layer of luxury. However, glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces were evident. The climate system was straightforward, with large knobs for temperature adjustments, but the infotainment interface had its quirks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob. Despite these minor issues, the Grand Highlander provided a practical and spacious environment for families.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the front-wheel drive (FWD) setup, offering 184 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, FWD was available only on the base LT trim, while all-wheel drive (AWD) was optional on LT and standard on Activ and RS trims. AWD models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with 203 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox's engine performance was adequate, though drivers needed a heavy foot for overtaking. The eight-speed automatic transmission occasionally hesitated to downshift, but steering-wheel paddle shifters helped mitigate this issue. The suspension setup provided a comfortable ride, though quick steering inputs could upset the chassis. The Equinox excelled as a highway cruiser, aided by active noise cancellation, though the all-terrain tires on the Activ trim introduced some noise and grip penalties.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, with the six-speed automatic transmission avoiding the droning typical of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max offered impressive power, it came with a fuel economy trade-off, rated at 8.8 L/100 km combined. During testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km on a balanced city and highway route. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was smooth, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though road undulations could cause some vertical and lateral movement. Handling was secure, but the tires tended to scrub and squeal early when pushed. Visibility was excellent, aided by available camera systems, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was occasionally intrusive.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered competitive headroom and first-row legroom, though some rivals provided slightly more rear-seat legroom. The seats were supportive but under-cushioned. The Equinox Activ test car featured the $1,195 Convenience Package III, adding a power-adjustable front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a memory system, and heated outboard rear seats. The driver enjoyed an elevated SUV-like perch, though forward visibility was somewhat limited by the flat hood and deep dashboard. Storage space was ample, with an angled wireless phone charger and a spacious centre console storage bin. Cargo capacity was 844 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with the rear bench folded, though these figures lagged behind segment leaders. The Equinox's towing capacity was 680 kilograms for AWD models.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating across all three rows, with more than 2,700 litres of maximum cargo space. However, many storage locations were unlined, potentially contributing to cabin noise. The Platinum-trim test vehicle featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The front and second-row seats offered heating, ventilation, and supportive cushions. The rear doors required ample space to open, posing challenges for parents with small children. The test vehicle had second-row captain’s chairs with a removable centre console, allowing easy access to the third row. The rearmost seats were reasonably comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space was 586 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,640 litres with the third-row bench folded, and 2,761 litres with the second row folded.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered good value in terms of technology, featuring an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen in a stylish curved housing. The Android-based infotainment system included Google built-in apps, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. Physical knobs and buttons controlled climate and seat functions, though the headlight switch was a touchscreen icon. The Equinox's touchscreen was larger than some competitors, providing clear icons and text without dominating the cabin. While it lacked options for a head-up display or a more elaborate audio system, it covered the basics for the average user.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel available on Limited and Platinum trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Toyota Connected Services offered various features, including automatic collision notification and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was generally easy to use, though the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously and the low-contrast font were minor drawbacks. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, enhancing the user experience. The Platinum test car included a head-up display, a digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with a suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. GM-specific features included a vibrating driver’s seat for warnings and the Teen Driver system. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera system, a digital rear-view mirror, and traffic sign recognition. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with top Good ratings in some tests but lower Acceptable ratings in others. The NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the 2026 model at the time of writing.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies. Proactive Driving Assist was standard, though it was found to be irritating in some situations. The Grand Highlander’s safety tech operated with accuracy, though the lane keep assist system occasionally strayed too close to lane markers. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating due to Acceptable ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.