2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premier trim, equipped with a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), a power panoramic sunroof, and a Confidence and Convenience II option package, had a price tag of $40,040, including the $1,195 destination charge. This price seemed steep, but Chevrolet factored in expected rebates and incentives, such as a $4,500 discount at the time. The Equinox Premier boasted a clean design with 19-inch wheels, gray contrast cladding, roof rails, and extra chrome detailing, giving it a sophisticated look. Inside, the Jet Black and Brandy leather, panoramic sunroof, and metallic accents provided an upscale appearance, though the presence of hard and shiny plastic detracted from the overall feel.

The 2020 Lexus GX, introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, continued to the 2020 model year with some design tweaks. The updated GX featured the hourglass grille design, which looked better on the GX than on other Lexus models. Despite the new front end and headlights, the GX remained a decade-old vehicle, sharing a platform with the Toyota 4Runner. This rugged capability allowed the GX to maintain its appeal despite its age. The cabin, unchanged from a decade ago, featured a large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen, which worked well for a rugged SUV. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features and options.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered two engine options. The standard turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine provided 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 203 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD, averaged 24.3 mpg in real-world driving, short of the EPA's 28 mpg combined rating. The optional 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine delivered 252 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided lively acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, averaging 22.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 24 mpg combined rating. Both versions had firm, connected ride qualities, with the Premier's 19-inch wheels offering a more athletic feel on winding roads.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). The V8 engine provided a swell of power in real-world driving, making the GX capable of handling various terrains. The GX's light steering felt over-boosted initially but proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth, composed ride, with the ability to adjust suspension height and response. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered comfortable seating with cloth upholstery in the LS trim and leather in the Premier trim. The Premier trim included an 8-way power front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The sliding rear seat maximized passenger or cargo space, with generous legroom in the rearmost position. Cargo volume measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The cabin featured ample storage, including a large center console storage bin and various bins, trays, and cubbies.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs in the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard in the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, getting into the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The GX featured a side-opening rear hatch and a separately opening rear window/hatch for convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered several infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays. All systems included Bluetooth pairing for two devices, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and Chevrolet Connected Access services. Upgrades included a high-definition display, cloud connectivity, improved voice recognition, HD Radio, satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The Equinox's technology was intuitive and easy to use, with wireless smartphone charging and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system available.

The 2020 Lexus GX featured an older generation of Lexus Enform with a true touchscreen and large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. This simpler layout was easier to use than the modern Lexus infotainment setup but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite this, the system's simplicity was appreciated by many drivers.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a safe following distance monitor, and automatic high-beam headlights. A reversing camera, rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology were also standard. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control, lane change warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Equinox earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX offered excellent visibility with large windows and mirrors, enhancing safety.