2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was a mid-sized crossover that found its place between the smaller Trax and Trailblazer and the larger Blazer and Traverse in Chevrolet's lineup. Its design was a harmonious blend of SUV and car-like elements, with broad fenders, a squat roofline, and a tall grille that gave it a distinctive SUV character. Despite its unibody construction, the Equinox managed to convey a rugged appearance, more successfully than some of its competitors. The model was available in LT, Active, and RS trims, each offering unique styling features such as chrome or black grille mesh, different wheel sizes, and two-tone paint options. Inside, the Equinox's cabin was well-assembled, with a mix of plastic surfaces and neat details like large air vents and a spear-like trim piece. The Activ model featured unique microfiber and Evotex seats, while the RS trim added sporty touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two distinct versions: the Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level. The 1958 model was characterized by its round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim featured rectangular lamps and artificial leather upholstery. The latter also offered a broader color palette and more features. Starting at $59,775, the 1958 was aimed at those seeking a basic yet functional vehicle, while the higher trim, priced from $64,620, catered to those desiring more luxury. Our test vehicle, equipped with options like a two-tone paint job, Premium Package, and off-road enhancements, had an MSRP of $73,740. Inside, the Land Cruiser emphasized functionality, with a cabin that was not as upscale as its Lexus counterpart but still exuded quality. The optional Premium Package added luxurious touches like leather upholstery and a cool box, while the all-season floor mats highlighted its off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's construction and materials were of high quality, despite a slight metallic echo when closing the doors.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine, producing 175 horsepower. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for front-wheel drive models, limiting torque to 184 pound-feet, while all-wheel drive models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with 203 lb-ft of torque. The turbo-four engine provided adequate performance, though drivers needed a heavy foot for overtaking. The eight-speed automatic transmission occasionally hesitated to downshift, but steering-wheel paddle shifters helped mitigate this issue. The Equinox's suspension setup, with MacPherson struts in the front and a four-link rear, offered a comfortable ride but lacked body control, leading to bouncing in corners. Despite these shortcomings, the Equinox excelled as a highway cruiser, thanks to standard active noise cancellation, although the all-terrain tires on the Activ trim added some noise and reduced grip.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive were standard, along with a trailer brake controller and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg combined, but our test vehicle averaged 20.3 mpg during a heat wave and 18.1 mpg on a mountainous route. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like center and locking rear differentials, hill-start and hill-descent assist, and Crawl Control. The Land Cruiser's ground clearance was 8.7 inches, with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 32, 22, and 23 degrees, respectively. The i-Force Max powertrain provided ample torque, making it feel quick, though not exceptionally fast. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, effortlessly navigating challenging trails, while its on-road performance was mostly agreeable, with a few quirks like a touchy brake pedal and occasional drivetrain clunks.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered competitive interior space, with nearly identical headroom and first-row legroom compared to its rivals. While some competitors provided slightly more rear-seat legroom, the Equinox's rear row still felt spacious. The seats were supportive but under-cushioned. Our test car featured the $950 Convenience Package III, adding amenities like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and heated rear seats. The driver's elevated seating position provided an SUV-like feel, though forward visibility was somewhat limited by the flat hood and deep dashboard. Storage options were plentiful, with a wireless phone charger, cupholders, and a spacious center console. Cargo space measured 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the rear bench folded, falling short of segment leaders. The Equinox's towing capacity was 1,500 pounds for AWD models.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior varied between the 1958 model and the higher trim level. The 1958 featured manually adjustable front seats and cloth upholstery, while the higher trim offered power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, wrapped in SofTex artificial leather. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, boasted genuine leather, a power sunroof, and heated rear seats. The Land Cruiser accommodated up to five passengers comfortably, though it lacked a third-row seat. Storage was a mixed bag, with a small center console cool box and cupholders that couldn't accommodate larger bottles. The upper trim level included a power liftgate, providing access to a 46.2 cubic-foot cargo area. The cargo space expanded to 82.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though achieving a flat surface was challenging due to the battery pack's placement.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered excellent value in terms of technology. It featured an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen, both housed in a stylish curved design reminiscent of Audi cockpits. The Android-based infotainment system included Google built-in apps, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. While the Equinox lacked options for a head-up display or a premium audio system, it provided a well-rounded tech experience with its standard setup.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology varied between the 1958 model and the higher trim level. The 1958 came with a 7-inch digital driver display and an 8-inch touchscreen, while the higher trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle had the larger displays, along with wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Connected Services. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was simple and easy to use, with an Intelligent Assistant that worked well, though it occasionally misinterpreted commands.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with a suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. GM-specific features like a vibrating driver's seat and the Teen Driver system were also included. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera system and other advanced features. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with top Good ratings in some tests but lower scores in others. The NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the 2026 model at the time of writing.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Additional standard features included blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. The Premium Package added lane-change assist and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with varying scores in different tests. The IIHS gave it mostly Good ratings, with some Acceptable and Marginal scores.