2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet stylish SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It managed to balance SUV ruggedness with a touch of sophistication, thanks to its intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ model featuring a rugged front fascia and roof rails, while the RS model embraced a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive flair, especially when paired with bold exterior colours like Nitro Yellow. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin was a mix of leatherette upholstery and copper-toned accents, providing a unique personality despite its predominantly black interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and substantial ground clearance. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, offered exclusive paint options, enhancing its visual appeal. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards functionality, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, making it adept at tackling off-road challenges. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its premium status. Nevertheless, features like heated and cooled seats and a power-retracting steering wheel added a touch of luxury to the GX's otherwise utilitarian interior.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a choice between a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 1.3-litre turbo-three with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was limited to front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-litre engine offered both FWD and AWD options. The Trailblazer Activ test car featured AWD, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the 1.3-litre engine, providing a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. Despite some rough shifts, the Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, with dampers tuned for gravel roads. However, the selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems.

The 2023 Lexus GX, on the other hand, was defined by its 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was impressive, but its fuel economy was less so, with estimates of 16.2 L/100 km in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable body roll, but its driving dynamics were improved with a Torsen limited-slip differential and a 4WD system that adjusted based on wheel slip, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility with generous headroom and mid-pack legroom. Its cargo space of 716 litres with the rear seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded was respectable, though not class-leading. The Trailblazer's interior featured clever storage solutions, including a covered storage bin and a deep tray, but its towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX's interior featured hard buttons for controls, a welcome choice for those who prefer tactile interfaces. The second row offered good legroom and headroom, but the third row was cramped, suitable only for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats and 1,832 litres with both the second and third rows folded, less than a Toyota RAV4.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings were adequate for most, they might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers.

The 2023 Lexus GX, updated in 2022, featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. Despite improvements, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX's tech suite included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a CD player, but its real strength lay in its off-road capabilities, with features like a 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with high marks for crash prevention and overall safety.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing a reassuring level of protection.