2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, adorned with Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced its visual appeal. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950, including destination, and featured packages like Convenience and Technology, culminating in an MSRP of $67,869. The Luxury trim added premium interior elements, though the dark Peppercorn interior felt overly somber despite the panoramic sunroof. Overall, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior exuded sufficient luxury to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a modern redesign, aligning with the aesthetic of larger Chevrolet models like the Traverse and Suburban. Each trim level boasted distinct exterior styling elements, with the base Equinox LT offering chrome or an optional Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim featured sportier elements like black mirrors and badges, while the ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. The higher trims sported a dark blue Chevy bowtie and offered two-tone paint combos at no extra charge. Interior styling varied across trims, with the RS trim featuring a darker interior with red highlights, while the ACTIV trim offered a lighter "Maple Sugar and Black" theme. The cabin's design improvements included a new infotainment screen and a more open center console. The Equinox's interior avoided a cheap feel, with textures that felt like deliberate choices rather than compromises. Overall, the 2025 Equinox presented a contemporary and customizable look, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about this engine choice for a midsize luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. The engine's grating note and occasional torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 FWD averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, a $1,600 option, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained a single engine option: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with powertrain, offering 184 lb-ft in FWD models and 203 lb-ft in AWD versions. The transition from a six-speed automatic to a CVT in FWD models and an eight-speed automatic in AWD models marked a significant change. The eight-speed automatic, tested in AWD RS and ACTIV trims, improved acceleration and reduced noise compared to the previous six-speed. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, though highway merging highlighted the engine's limitations. The ride remained quiet and comfortable outside of these situations. The 2025 Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds with AWD, while FWD models were limited to 800 pounds. Selectable drive modes, new to the Equinox, allowed drivers to switch between Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes, enhancing versatility.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUV offerings. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though less welcoming, offered triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports. The TX's third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably, a significant improvement over the RX L. Sliding the second-row seat forward slightly improved third-row comfort, though it compromised second-row legroom. The TX offered ample storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel in RS and ACTIV trims. A $950 package added front seat ventilation, heated rear seats, and driver's seat memory. The Equinox's flat roof provided consistent headroom, with 38.2 inches in the front seats with a moonroof and 37.8 inches in the rear. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, enhancing light for passengers. The flat floor in the rear improved comfort for middle-seat occupants. The Equinox's cabin design included a well-placed "dead pedal" for driver comfort. Cargo space measured 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with them folded. A hidden storage compartment beneath the load floor added utility, though overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the package replaced marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX also offered 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, along with Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration projected onto the driver information display, allowing simultaneous infotainment activities. However, the voice control system's volume was excessively loud in the RS trim tested, though this issue was not universal. The Equinox's tech features included an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, 30% larger than the previous model's priciest option. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, six-speaker audio system, and wireless smartphone capability. Wireless charging was standard for RS and ACTIV trims, with availability on LT. No upgraded sound system option was mentioned.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance, though it was not entirely transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. LSS+ 3.0 generally performed smoothly, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package for $1,085, adding rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, traffic-sign recognition, and a camera rearview mirror. Most safety features were standard, including rear park assist, lane-change alert, enhanced automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear seat reminder, and automatic high beams. Teen Driver Technology, a standard feature, allowed parents to program a key to enforce speed and volume limitations, provide overspeed warnings, and require seatbelt use. It also generated a "report card" detailing driving behavior, offering valuable insights for parents and guardians.