Chevrolet Equinox vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, aligning its appearance with the larger Chevrolet Traverse. The modernized look featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive “shark fin” C-pillar, making it more visually compatible with models like the Suburban and Silverado. Each trim level offered unique exterior styling elements, with the base Equinox LT available in chrome or a contemporary Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim, known for its sportier design, included black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. The interior of the 2025 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 ACTIV trim offering a “Maple Sugar and Black” theme and the RS trim incorporating red highlights and contrast stitching.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels based on the powertrain, with the 550h+ plug-in hybrid featuring a standard panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint. The exterior design retained the large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, with rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. The interior provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and individual cupholders and USB-C ports. However, the material quality was not up to luxury car standards, with basic plastic elements present. The redesigned door handles were a unique feature, but some might have preferred more attention to detail in the cabin. The TX offered a quiet and smooth ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps and potholes effectively, making it suitable for long road trips.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with the powertrain, offering 184 lb-ft in front-wheel-drive models and 203 lb-ft in all-wheel-drive versions. The FWD models came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD versions featured an eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed transmission was an improvement over the previous six-speed, providing quicker gear shifts and reduced noise. The Equinox offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with responsive acceleration at low speeds. It could tow up to 1,500 pounds with AWD, and selectable drive modes were available, including Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The onboard seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes available. The Sport mode increased throttle sensitivity, but the TX 550h+ was not designed as a sports car. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The 550h+ provided a quiet and smooth ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured 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 offered consistent headroom throughout the cabin, with 38.2 inches in the front seats with the moonroof and 37.8 inches in the back seats. The flat floor in the back row was appreciated for accommodating three passengers. Cargo space was 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down, with a hidden storage compartment beneath the load floor.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and individual cupholders and USB-C ports. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The climate controls were mostly on the screen, but temperature controls were physical dials. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came with Google Built-In as standard, along with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 11.3-inch infotainment system touchscreen was 30% larger than the previous model, and wireless charging was standard on RS and ACTIV trims. The voice control system had some issues, but the navigational functionality of Google Built-In was praised. Most tech features were standard, including a wi-fi hotspot and a six-speaker audio system.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen that was easy to use, but some features lacked polish. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues were noted. The steering wheel buttons were multi-functional and not labeled, causing confusion. The back-up camera was clear, and the available Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX offered seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt/1500-watt outlet in the second row.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox included the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard, with features like rear park assist, lane-change alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to program a key to enforce speed and volume limitations and provided a report card of driving behavior. An available Safety & Technology package added rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, and a camera rearview mirror.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, including forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, but the steering wheel controls were confusing. The NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the 550h+, but the TX 350 and 500h earned five stars. The IIHS gave the TX an “Acceptable” score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a “Good” score for the passenger’s side.