2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, offered a blend of sporty aesthetics and practicality. The LT trim featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while other trims came with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The RS trim boasted a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better traction. The Blazer's design, inspired by the Camaro, was visually appealing, especially with 20-inch wheels. However, some design elements, like the black trim on the rear bumper, gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer echoed Camaro's design with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls, though it had an abundance of hard plastic surfaces.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a classic design reminiscent of its first-generation model, with a few modern touches like the signature spindle grille and LED headlights. The interior, while similar in theme to the original GX, was crafted with high-quality materials, offering a quiet and refined cabin experience. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim. Despite its dated appearance, the GX's cabin quality and comfort were commendable, though its design and features felt somewhat antiquated compared to more modern SUVs.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul. Higher trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, also mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim's dual-clutch AWD system enhanced its performance on low-traction surfaces. The Blazer RS felt sporty in urban and highway settings, though its suspension and transmission were less responsive on winding roads. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres, but real-world testing showed an average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 2,325 kilograms, was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, provided a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms. The GX's design resulted in a high drag coefficient of 0.35, contributing to its fuel consumption rating of 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres. However, during testing, it achieved a slightly better 14.0 L/100 km. The GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System improved stability and off-road capability, though its steering and brake pedal were less refined.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red accents in the RS trim. The front seats provided power adjustments and optional ventilation, though they lacked thigh support. The Blazer featured dual-zone automatic climate control and ample storage space, including a large glove compartment and centre armrest bin. The rear seat was spacious and adjustable, enhancing cargo or passenger space as needed. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though these figures were modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its interior featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control. The GX's second-row seats were comfortable, but access was challenging due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, with a total capacity of 1,322 litres when folded. The GX's side-opening tailgate further complicated loading, especially in tight spaces.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with simple physical controls. It offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The RS trim included a power liftgate with hands-free operation, though its success rate was inconsistent. The Blazer's technology was user-friendly, with effective climate control and ample connectivity options.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The GX's stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the dual-screen view and voice recognition technology were highlights. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. It also offered a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and available upgrades like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Blazer's safety features were effective and user-friendly, though its headlights received low ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but included the Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, the GX missed some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, which could be a drawback for some buyers.