Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Chevrolet Equinox EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more defined 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 flair. 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a more traditional appearance with minimal changes for the year, introducing a new Cypress Green paint colour. The design was characterized by exaggerated forms, including scowling headlights and dramatically sculpted rear forms, which some found visually overwhelming. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid featured oversized elements like large air vents and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the interior's mismatched textures and reflections from the display created a visually cluttered environment. Despite these design choices, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride, although the quality of materials and construction left much to be desired, with controls and storage areas feeling inexpensive and poorly constructed.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a hands-free start feature, which some found unsettling but not uncommon in modern EVs. It provided a "normal" driving experience with optional one-pedal driving and various drive modes, including Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 680 kilograms and offered impressive range estimates of 513 kilometres for FWD models and 494 km for AWD. It featured an 85-kilowatt-hour battery, capable of DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 125 kilometres of range in 10 minutes.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It offered standard all-wheel drive and could operate solely on electricity at low speeds. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power, and towing capacity was rated at 1,588 kilograms. The Highlander Hybrid featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system to optimize fuel economy. Despite Toyota's claims of 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, the test vehicle returned 8.2 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension tuning and a continuously variable transmission contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a range of interior features, with higher trims including heated functions, power-adjustable seats, and premium features like front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided ample headroom and legroom, with 994 mm of headroom in the front and 1,058 mm of legroom. Cargo space measured 748 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,620 litres with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with higher trims offering additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort, while the third row was best suited for occasional use. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded and 2,387 litres with the second row down. However, the centre armrest storage console design was criticized for its complexity.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with 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, offering navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning through the MyChevrolet app.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system offered over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect service plan provided an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics were noted for lacking contrast.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, and blind-zone steering assist. GM’s Teen Driver Technology was standard, allowing parents to set speed alerts and monitor driving behaviour. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with higher trims gaining parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well in most situations, though it struggled with certain road conditions. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and vehicle location services, and the Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.