2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle, often mistaken for a high-end luxury SUV due to its aggressive styling. Its exterior design, inspired by the Camaro, featured a bold front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille, giving it a sporty and memorable appearance. The Blazer's customization options allowed for various grille designs and packages, enhancing its visual appeal. However, the interior did not match the exterior's promise, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed below par for its price range. The cabin was predominantly black, with limited options for colour and material upgrades, making it less inviting compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a classic and somewhat dated exterior design, reminiscent of its first-generation model. However, the interior quality was a highlight, showcasing the craftsmanship and refinement Lexus was known for. The cabin was quiet and comfortable, with high-quality materials throughout. Despite its dated design, the GX offered a luxurious and serene driving experience, with a focus on comfort and quality rather than modern aesthetics.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with the base being a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The preferred engine was the 3.6-litre V6, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing a strong and agile driving experience. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering contributed to its dynamic handling, although the transmission calibration had some issues, particularly in Sport mode. Fuel consumption ratings for the AWD V6 were average, with 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2022 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the GX's performance was more about refinement and torque, with a leisurely 7.8-second run to 60 mph. The GX's full-time 4WD system and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced its off-road capabilities and stability. However, its fuel consumption was high, with a combined estimate of 14.5 L/100 km. The GX's ride and handling were refined, but the steering was slow and heavy, making it less agile in urban settings.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height was offset by seats mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to its design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera improved visibility. Cargo space was decent, with 1,818 litres available with the rear seats folded. The Blazer's towing capacity was impressive, especially with the V6 engine and trailering package, reaching up to 2,041 kg.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with comfortable seating and ample interior padding. However, the rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, especially with the third-row seat in use, and the side-swinging tailgate made loading cumbersome. Despite these drawbacks, the GX provided a comfortable and spacious environment for front and second-row passengers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The system was user-friendly and quick, with options for navigation and advanced voice recognition. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system's ability to upload settings to a GM cloud account was a unique feature, enhancing user convenience.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant upgrade from previous models. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The system's dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition were highlights, though the placement of stereo controls was awkward. The GX also offered Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with standard driver assist features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." The Blazer lacked some advanced safety features, such as semi-automated driving functions and rear emergency braking.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. The absence of these features might appeal to those preferring a more traditional driving experience.