Chevrolet Equinox vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was positioned as a mid-tier option in Chevrolet's lineup, larger and more expensive than the Trax and Trailblazer, yet below the Blazer and Traverse. Its design shared familial styling cues with its siblings, making it challenging to distinguish without the model name on the doors. Despite this, the Equinox's broad fenders, squat roofline, and tall grille with high-mounted daytime running lights gave it a distinct SUV character. The design was more successful than rivals that attempted to blend car and SUV aesthetics, avoiding clichés. The Equinox was available in LT, Active, and RS trims, each offering unique styling features, such as chrome grille mesh on the LT, black trim and a wider grille on the RS, and a rugged lower front fascia on the Activ. Inside, the Equinox's cabin was well-assembled, with neat details like large air vents and a spear-like trim piece. The Activ model featured unique microfiber and Evotex seats, while the LT and RS offered different upholstery options.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels based on powertrain, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and new Matador Red Mica paint. Most models had 20-inch wheels, while the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels. The TX retained a large grille with sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX provided luxury features like multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with recline function. However, material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic present. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four producing 175 horsepower. It was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in front-wheel drive models, limiting torque to 184 pound-feet. All-wheel drive models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with 203 lb-ft of torque. The turbo-four's output was adequate, but the eight-speed automatic sometimes hesitated to downshift. The Equinox's suspension, with MacPherson struts in the front and a four-link rear, provided a comfortable ride but lacked body control, leading to bouncing. The Equinox excelled as a highway cruiser, aided by active noise cancellation, though the Activ trim's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip. The Equinox offered Off-Road, Normal, and Snow drive modes with AWD.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. It featured a seven-kilowatt charger, allowing a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX offered various drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. The 550h+ provided a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The TX 500h hybrid, with adaptive suspension and rear steering, offered better handling but less power than the plug-in hybrid.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provided nearly identical headroom and first-row legroom to its competitors, though some rivals offered slightly more rear-seat legroom. The seats were supportive but under-cushioned. The Equinox Activ test car included a $950 Convenience Package III, adding features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and heated rear seats. The driver enjoyed an elevated perch, but forward visibility was limited by the flat hood and deep dashboard. The Equinox offered 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the rear bench folded. Its maximum towing capacity was 1,500 pounds for AWD models.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ featured standard luxury amenities like multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled front seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and headroom for adults. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. 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 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered good value in tech, with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch touchscreen in a stylish curved housing. The Android-based infotainment system included Google built-in apps, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. The Equinox's touchscreen was larger than some competitors, providing clear icons and text. However, it lacked options for a head-up display or a more elaborate audio system.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen that was easy to use but had some quirks, like the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were multi-functional and unlabeled, complicating use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but sometimes conflicted with the native audio system. The TX offered a clear back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an available Advanced Park system. It also had seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. GM-specific features included a vibrating driver’s seat for warnings and the Teen Driver system. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic-sign recognition. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with top Good ratings in some tests but lower Acceptable ratings in others. NHTSA ratings were not available.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with features like forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist applied brakes or steering if the vehicle got too close to another car or pedestrian. The adaptive cruise control worked well but was initially confusing to set up. The NHTSA hadn’t released safety ratings for the 550h+, but the TX 350 and 500h earned five stars. The IIHS gave the TX an Acceptable rating in the small overlap front crash test and Good ratings in other areas.