2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle, often mistaken for a high-end luxury SUV due to its bold design. Its aggressive front end, slim windows, and large 20-inch wheels gave it a sporty, almost exotic appearance. The Blazer's exterior styling was a standout feature, drawing comparisons to much more expensive vehicles. However, the interior did not match the exterior's promise, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed out of place for its price range. The cabin was predominantly dark, with limited options for customization, which detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX offered a more refined and minimalist design. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its signature spindle grille and sleek styling. The interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, providing a more intimate and cozy atmosphere. The NX's cabin was well-appointed, with high-quality materials and thoughtful touches like padded surfaces for comfort. The F Sport trim added sporty elements, enhancing the driving experience. Overall, the NX's design was both sophisticated and functional, appealing to those seeking a luxurious yet practical vehicle.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with the 3.6-litre V6 being the preferred choice for its 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a strong and responsive driving experience, especially when paired with the sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle on the RS trim. However, the transmission calibration had some issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode that detracted from the sporty promise. Fuel consumption ratings were average, with the AWD V6 achieving 12.0 L/100 km city and 8.7 highway.

The 2022 Lexus NX, particularly the NX 350, featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivered a smooth and responsive performance, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport trim added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing the driving dynamics. Fuel consumption for the NX 350 was estimated at 9.5 L/100 km combined, with the F Sport trim slightly higher due to its sporty nature. The NX's handling was impressive, though the engine's refinement fell short of some German rivals.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer provided comfortable seating for four, with a low roof height that did not compromise interior space. The seats were mounted lower, making entry and exit easy, but sightlines were poor due to the design. Cargo space was generous, with 1,818 litres available with the rear seats folded. The Blazer's towing capacity was notable, reaching up to 2,041 kg with the right configuration. Controls were user-friendly, and features like heated seats and a hands-free power tailgate added convenience.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The cabin was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Cargo capacity increased by 14%, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. The NX's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ambient lighting and practical storage solutions enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The system was quick and easy to use, with options for navigation and wireless phone charging. Safety features like adaptive cruise control and a Safety Alert Seat were available, providing a modern driving experience. The infotainment system's ability to upload settings to a GM cloud account was a unique feature, though privacy settings were a concern for some users.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch upgrade available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson option. The NX also offered advanced voice assistant capabilities and a digital key feature. However, the large touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, which some users found inconvenient.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with standard driver assist features like forward collision alert and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its headlights were rated poorly by the IIHS. The Blazer lacked some advanced safety features like rear emergency braking and semi-automated functions.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also offered Emergency Driving Stop System and Safe Exit Assist technology. Additional safety features were available in packages, enhancing the vehicle's overall safety profile.