2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, especially in its Premier trim, presented a sleek and appealing design. Priced at $40,040 with options like a panoramic sunroof and AWD, it seemed costly, but Chevrolet often included rebates to offset this. The Equinox's design avoided typical SUV styling, featuring 19-inch wheels and chrome detailing that enhanced its upscale appearance. Inside, the cabin boasted Jet Black and Brandy leather with metallic accents, but the presence of hard plastics detracted from the luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid maintained a sharp, streamlined profile with familiar Lexus styling. Despite its sporty F Sport Black Line appearance, the NX's design had not evolved much over the years. The interior, once radical, now felt dated, with a stepped center console and plastic switchgear. The F Sport package added features like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery, but the material quality seemed more mainstream than luxury.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered two engine options. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivered 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, achieving 24.3 mpg with AWD, below the EPA's 28 mpg estimate. The optional 2.0-liter turbo engine provided 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a 9-speed automatic transmission, averaging 22.1 mpg. Both versions had firm ride qualities, with the Premier's 19-inch wheels enhancing its athletic feel.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 194 hp. It wasn't a performance vehicle, taking 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. The hybrid focused on efficiency, but the drivetrain struggled with transitions between electric and gasoline power. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but steering felt numb. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further reducing acceleration.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox provided comfortable seating with options like leather upholstery and heated seats. The sliding rear seat maximized space, offering generous legroom. Cargo space measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The cabin featured ample storage, including a large center console bin.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited headroom and rear legroom, making the rear seats feel cramped. Front seats offered good support, with 10-way power adjustment available. The sloping roofline affected rear visibility, but exterior mirrors helped. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power-folding second row and liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered various infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Premier trim included a high-definition display and Bose sound system. The technology was intuitive and user-friendly, with options for wireless charging and rear-seat entertainment.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, using a touchpad interface that was difficult to use while driving. It included an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The graphics felt outdated, and the base audio system lacked quality. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. It earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a 5-star NHTSA rating. Additional safety features were available, enhancing its safety credentials.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a 5-star NHTSA rating. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but a 360-degree camera system was missing.