2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, even if it didn't boast the futuristic design of a Kia Sportage or the rugged appearance of a Toyota RAV4. Its restrained bodywork was complemented by a chunky front end, which made the grille appear smaller and more refined compared to the aggressive fascias common in the industry. The gold Bowtie emblem, while a bit garish against certain paint colors like Radiant Red Tintcoat, looked appealing on others such as Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic. The Equinox was available in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with options for either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The interior of the Premier trim was highlighted by two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, although the overall design felt somewhat dated with its small touchscreen and plastic buttons. Despite this, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample cupholders.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a bold geometric styling, moving away from the softer lines of its predecessor. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the front fascia a more aggressive look. The GX's profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, enhancing visibility for off-road adventures. Offered in six trim levels, the GX catered to both luxury and off-road enthusiasts, with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting in luxury models, and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires in the Overtrail trims. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. While not as luxurious as a Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the GX was a premium SUV built for durability and off-road capability.

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 deliver strong performance above 30 miles per hour. The Equinox reached highway speeds in about eight seconds, but the process was noisy. Its six-speed automatic transmission, while older, contributed to the powertrain's noise by holding gears longer than newer transmissions. The Equinox offered all-wheel drive across all trims, but it required manual engagement via a button on the center console. The braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. The suspension was well-tuned, offering a comfortable ride and precise steering.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, making off-road driving more manageable. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability both on and off-road. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive, and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. The GX accelerated well in various conditions, and its brakes were effective, although the vehicle's weight required caution during long descents. Despite its off-road capabilities, the GX maintained composure on-road, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a cargo area of 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, it surpassed competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester. Passenger space was ample, with sufficient headroom and legroom for a six-foot-tall driver and rear passengers. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, numerous cupholders, and a quiet power liftgate.

The 2024 Lexus GX showcased a more minimalist and sophisticated interior design, with fewer physical buttons and a focus on essential controls. It provided 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row, while the third row was best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. The Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a simple yet effective technology suite. The touchscreen interface, measuring 7 inches in lower trims and 8 inches in the Premier, was easy to use despite its small size. The infotainment system offered quick response times, good voice recognition, and customizable icons for easy access to features. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard across all trims, with a wireless charging pad included in the Premier trim.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an intelligent voice assistant. Drive Connect and Remote Connect services were available with initial three-year trial subscriptions, offering features like remote locking and vehicle diagnostics. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo in higher trims. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, the subscription costs for certain features after the trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came equipped with a suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked genuine level two autonomous driving technology. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test and marginally in the side-impact crash test.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety features, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 now standard. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS provided confidence in the GX's safety.