2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined exterior with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. Despite offering more cargo space than the 2022 model, it appeared smaller due to design changes like reduced rear overhang and softer lines. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood were available, enhancing the luxurious feel.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, at first glance, resembled its ICE counterpart but revealed distinct differences upon closer inspection. It featured more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia had more body color, and the rear echoed the front with a light bar. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels adorned the 1LT and 2LT trims, while higher trims sported 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available. Inside, the base model had a black interior, while higher trims offered additional color choices. The Equinox EV's interior was comfortable, with options for heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During testing, the RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven pavement, though it generally offered a smooth ride. The F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, felt more secure and eliminated unwanted bouncing. Both models had 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires. The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD version did so in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, though actual results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a hands-free start feature and one-pedal driving across all trims. It had drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode, allowing customization of steering feel, motor sound, throttle, and deceleration. The single-motor FWD variant produced 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version had a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 for AWD, with an 85-kWh battery. It supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling model had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim. Both models provided ample rear seat space, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting at the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and outside mirrors. The 3LT trim added power-adjustable passenger seats, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was available from the 3LT trim. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the rear, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space measured 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services. Drive Connect, free for three years, offered Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. User profiles could be set up, and music streaming was available through embedded apps. The system's main drawback was the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional features like a head-up display and digital key technology.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV boasted 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, Assistant, and Play Store access. 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 Equinox EV lacked standalone Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, it had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and curve-speed reduction technology that wasn't predictive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV included Chevy Safety Assist, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision alert. Additional safety features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control. GM's Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed alerts and volume limits. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available from the 2LT trim.