2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Lexus GX

Summary: The Detroit automakers have focused more on their bread-and-butter full-size pickup trucks in recent years, but General Motors still has a balanced lineup that includes several crossovers aimed at the heart of the market. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox competes with segment stalwarts such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 and is related to the more upscale GMC Terrain. It was redesigned for the 2025 model year, which means changes for 2026 are limited to a standard drive mode selector and a new Polar White exterior color.

Verdict: The Equinox does everything a compact crossover should, but doesn’t set a new bar for the segment.

The Lexus GX midsize SUV seats up to seven people, tows just over 9,000 pounds when properly equipped, can hold more than 90 cubic feet of cargo, and easily travels where few vehicles dare to tread. The 2026 GX 550 comes in Premium, Premium+, Overtrail, Overtrail+, Luxury, and Luxury+ trim levels, each equipped with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and standard four-wheel drive (4WD). Lexus reported no changes to this SUV for the 2026 model year.

Verdict: Poor fuel economy aside, the GX is a good luxury SUV designed for serious off-roading and towing. For those who require neither, the Lexus RX is a better pick.