2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years. The GX adopted Lexus' signature spindle grille in 2014, which was further refined in 2020 with a new textured insert and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn't introduce any new styling changes, but it did make silver 18-inch wheels standard on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior didn't quite meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted an appealing and well-proportioned design. Chevrolet nailed the primary character lines and small details, and the available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. Even the base L trim looked good, which was impressive. The Trailblazer came in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim. Our RS trim test vehicle, equipped with AWD, started at $28,195 and reached $33,000 with options. Despite the high price, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, though it had a sense of style. The Trailblazer's interior was functional, but the hard plastic detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept things simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460's performance was a throwback to an earlier era of SUVs. The V8 engine provided ample power for acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, the GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. Stopping the vehicle also required advanced planning due to its weight. The GX's ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. Despite lacking the adaptive suspension of the Luxury trim, the GX's off-road capabilities were impressive. It featured a Torsen center differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids for off-roading. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and respectable ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The latter made the Trailblazer feel sprightly, especially with its torque arriving at 1,600 rpm. The Trailblazer came with a CVT for FWD models and a nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models. The AWD version also had a more sophisticated rear suspension for improved ride and handling. Our RS trim test vehicle, with AWD and 18-inch aluminum wheels, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience. It was fun to drive around town and on narrow, winding roads, with a Sport driving mode that added to its sporty feel. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps and rutted terrain. Despite these drawbacks, it averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age. The upright dashboard and high center console left little legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle, combined with the tall seating position, made it feel like driving a bus. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating for seven, with a power-folding third row available on higher trims. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and it was best suited for children. The GX had more first-row legroom on paper but wasn't generous in practice. Cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It offered plenty of room for four people, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The high seating position made it easy to get in and out. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The Trailblazer's trunk held 25.3 cubic feet of cargo, with a load floor offering two positions and additional storage slots. Folding the back seat down provided 54.4 cubic feet of cargo space, and the front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the Trailblazer to carry long items like a surfboard.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, reflecting its decade-old design. Standard features included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. The infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a separate display for time and temperature. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, like other Chevrolets, came with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto, with options for Chevrolet Connected Services and a WiFi hotspot. Our test vehicle had the larger touchscreen, Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics, a smartphone-style interface, and useful voice recognition. Physical controls below the display made it easy to use. Additional features included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad system, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. It also included Teen Driver technology for monitoring young drivers. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, and its advanced driving assistance systems performed well during testing.