2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a stylish subcompact SUV, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. It featured design elements like dark gray plastic trim and borrowed styling cues from competitors such as the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, making it an attractive choice. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a larger grille, complemented by a two-tone paint scheme. Inside, the Trailblazer impressed with its excellent interior design, offering a well-organized control layout and appealing detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic detracted from its overall appeal at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. While the exterior styling remained coherent and distinctive, the interior fell short of modern luxury standards. The wood trim resembled molded plastic, and the abundance of actual plastic was noticeable. Despite these shortcomings, the GX's tough and aggressive look appealed to SUV enthusiasts, and its semi-aniline leather seats provided a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model featured a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. Other versions, including the Activ AWD, came with a more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's powertrain was agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. It provided sufficient power for most driving conditions, although it struggled on steep inclines. The Trailblazer averaged 8.8 L/100 km in fuel economy, slightly below the official rating. While it exhibited good roll control and steering, the suspension impact harshness and interior noise were notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with ample power for initial acceleration but requiring careful planning for overtaking due to its weight. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, equipped with a Torsen centre differential, 4WD system with low range, and features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. It offered 20.5 cm of ground clearance and respectable approach and departure angles, making it a strong contender for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seats, with the latter tending to trap sweat. The automatic climate control system struggled to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, especially when the engine stop/start system activated. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less comfortable, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer's cargo space was competitive, expanding from 716 litres to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded, and the front passenger seat could fold down for additional cargo length.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics showed its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX featured three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use, and accessing it was challenging. With the second and third rows folded, the GX offered 1,833 litres of cargo space, less than some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems, with the upgraded version featuring an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation. The Bose sound system effectively masked road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX lagged in tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It featured a basic infotainment system with outdated graphics and limited functions. However, analog controls were available for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The GX came with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering high-quality sound.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. However, some systems, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, showed inconsistencies during testing.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including features like pre-collision detection, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.