2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic that aligned more closely with its larger siblings like the Chevrolet Traverse and Suburban. The new design featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive “shark fin” C-pillar, giving it a more robust and contemporary appearance. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the base Equinox LT available in chrome or a sleek Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim emphasized sportiness with black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires, highlighting its adventurous spirit. The interior of the Equinox was also revamped, with a focus on texture and space. The shifter was moved to the steering column, opening up the center console, and the new infotainment screen was integrated with the driver-information display. The RS and ACTIV trims featured distinct interior themes, with the RS offering a sporty look with red highlights and contrast stitching, while the ACTIV trim presented a lighter, two-tone interior.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was a $75,000 SUV that, despite its price, maintained a somewhat unremarkable appearance. The exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers added some flair, but the overall design remained dependent on the chosen version and color/wheel combination. The RX Hybrid lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h provided the most power. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range. All models came with standard all-wheel drive and various trim levels, with prices ranging from $52,875 to $72,710. The interior of the RX Hybrid was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, some controls were ergonomically challenging, and the vehicle avoided the common single curved display approach, maintaining a more traditional layout.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied between 184 lb-ft for front-wheel-drive models and 203 lb-ft for all-wheel-drive versions, due to different transmissions. The front-wheel-drive Equinoxes featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the all-wheel-drive models came with an eight-speed automatic, which was an improvement over the previous six-speed. The eight-speed transmission offered quicker gear shifts and reduced noise. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, but the engine's limitations became apparent during highway merges. The ride was generally quiet and comfortable, with the all-wheel-drive models capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. The new selectable drive modes, including Off-Road mode for all-wheel-drive models, added versatility to the Equinox's performance.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three distinct powertrains. The RX 350h was the least powerful but most efficient, with 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque from a hybrid powertrain. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 horsepower and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time, while the RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The RX 500h's performance was enhanced by a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road. The adaptive damping suspension produced unnatural sensations, and the vehicle's dynamic limits were difficult to discern.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on the 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 and 37.8 inches in the rear with the moonroof. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, adding light for passengers. The cabin featured a well-placed "dead pedal" for driver comfort. Cargo space was slightly reduced, with 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down. A hidden storage compartment was available, but overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured heated and ventilated front seats with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions were not very comfortable. The automatic climate system's fan was loud, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat. The rear seats were power-reclining, heated, and ventilated, providing ample room for adults. Interior storage was practical, but the rear center armrest lacked a lining. The RX Hybrid offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage space under the load floor. Folding down the second row created 46.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, which was limited for a midsize SUV.

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 for simultaneous infotainment activities. However, the voice control system was problematic, with the assistant's volume set too high. The Equinox's tech features included an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wi-fi hotspot capability, and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on RS and ACTIV trims, with no option for an upgraded sound system.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury vehicle expectations with its high-tech features. However, some expected features were optional, such as digital key functionality and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The RX Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and unlabeled, dual-function steering wheel controls, which were distracting to use. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system. The RX Hybrid also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, though steering wheel controls were challenging to use.

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. The Chevy Safety Assist suite included standard features like rear park assist, lane-change alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to program speed and volume limitations and provided a "report card" of driving behavior.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance for up to ten years. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Predictive Driving Assist monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to ensure safe distances. The RX Hybrid earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but received a Poor rating from the IIHS for occupant protection.