2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, even if it lacked the futuristic design of some competitors. Its restrained bodywork was complemented by a chunky front end, making the grille appear smaller and more refined. The gold Bowtie emblem varied in appeal depending on the paint color, with Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic being particularly flattering. The Equinox was available in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with options for FWD or AWD. Its design shared elements with the larger Chevrolet Traverse, and the interior offered a sense of spaciousness, highlighted by two-tone leather upholstery in the Premier trim. Despite some dated interior features, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample cupholders.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with upscale styling. The Luxury trim featured striking 22-inch wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX's design was more conservative than other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred understated elegance. Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, the TX offered a range of prices and features. The TX 350, tested in Luxury trim, included a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. The interior boasted premium materials, though the dark Peppercorn color scheme felt overly somber. Despite this, the TX's cabin was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration adequately, it struggled to impress at higher speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to the engine's noise but provided a predictable driving experience. The AWD system required manual engagement, a minor quirk that some drivers might find inconvenient. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, offering smooth and predictable braking. Its suspension handled road imperfections well, and the steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in about eight seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in combined driving. The AWD option improved traction and slightly enhanced acceleration. The TX's suspension provided a comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft. Overall, the TX offered adequate performance for a luxury SUV, with a few minor irritations like engine noise and torque steer in the FWD model.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it surpassed some competitors. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, numerous storage options, and a nearly silent power liftgate.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It provided a comfortable third-row seat suitable for adults, with a stadium-style bottom cushion and large side windows. The second-row seat offered triple-zone climate control and USB ports, though legroom was limited when accommodating third-row passengers. The TX boasted 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a simple yet effective infotainment system. The Premier trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system was user-friendly, with quick response times and good voice recognition. The Premier trim also offered a wireless charging pad and an upgraded driver-information display.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, and surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues detracted from the experience. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen with a digital assistant and wireless smartphone integration. The TX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system, providing impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assistance. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and traffic jam assist. The system generally performed well, though it occasionally slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.