2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagonal shapes and an LED light bar. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful and exuberant touch. Two-tone paint jobs were also available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. Inside, the base model was limited to black, but higher trims offered additional color choices, including sporty options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, was redesigned and presented in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, in Iridium silver, looked identical to the standard RX 350, lacking any hybrid-specific badges or design elements. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The RX models maintained a blunt-nosed appearance, with a visual imbalance due to the wheelbase stretch and signature rear roof pillar design. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, minimalistic look with fewer controls and an improved infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX 500h also offered an optional Rioja Red upholstery for a splash of color.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, which, while not universally loved, was becoming more common in EVs. The vehicle offered one-pedal driving, adjustable through a regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The Equinox EV provided a comfortable ride, with the single-motor FWD variant delivering 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The AWD version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kWh battery. The Equinox EV supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging at 11.5 kW, adding up to 34 miles of range per hour.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two main variants: the RX 350h and the RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it was less fuel-efficient, averaging 27 mpg. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control for a more engaging drive. The RX 350h, with its lower center of gravity and electric assist motor, offered a secure and quiet ride, averaging 32 mpg.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting from the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and outside mirrors. The 2LT also offered an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an optional panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim added power adjustment for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space was 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h Luxury, offered ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather and standard heating and ventilation. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The RX housed its battery packs under the rear seat, providing excellent leg support and good legroom, though rear headroom was tight. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, an improvement over the previous model.

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, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring a subscription for connected services after the trial period. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect, a cloud-based navigation system with an Intelligent Assistant. The system worked well, though it had some limitations, such as only displaying one screen menu at a time and suffering from reflections. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which could be challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

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

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with new motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist was also available, maintaining a safe following distance and recharging the battery through regenerative braking. The RX offered Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed, hands-free driving and Advanced Park for semi-autonomous parking, though the latter was not tested.