2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet robust SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It managed to strike a balance between ruggedness and sophistication, with intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim enhancing its upscale appearance. 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 boasted a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhaust outlets. The contrasting roof colours added a distinctive touch, making the Trailblazer stand out among its peers. 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 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It featured upscale styling with 22-inch wheels that enhanced its presence. The TX's design was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred understated elegance. The TX 350 model, which was tested, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, although the dark interior felt somewhat oppressive. Despite this, the TX 350's cabin was quiet and comfortable, with a firm yet compliant suspension that ensured a smooth ride.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. An optional 1.3-litre turbo-three engine increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Trailblazer's AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, while FWD models had a CVT. The Activ model, tested with AWD and the 1.3-litre engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note, although the transmission occasionally exhibited rough shifts. The Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, with dampers tuned for gravel roads, but it exhibited some body roll and bouncing over road imperfections. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension that provided a comfortable ride and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, although it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs available, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase that improved passenger space. The Trailblazer provided generous headroom and mid-pack legroom, surpassing the Hyundai Kona and its Buick Encore GX sibling in rear legroom. The rear seats were comfortable for short trips, but the flat cushions made long journeys less appealing. Cargo space was respectable, with 716 litres behind the second row and 1,540 litres with the seats folded, although it lagged behind the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Up front, storage solutions included a covered bin, deep tray, and cupholders, although the dashboard carve-out's purpose was unclear.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable and spacious interior with premium materials, including semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. The TX 350 featured heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, unlike previous models, and the TX provided ample cargo space with 572 litres behind the third row, 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down. However, moving the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised second-row comfort. The TX also had numerous storage compartments, although some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bose audio system, and wireless phone charging were available. While the Trailblazer's tech features were adequate for most buyers, the optional touchscreen was relatively small, and a fully digital instrument cluster was not offered. The 8-inch screen was well-sized for the dashboard, with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist in the Executive packages. The head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were frustrating, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, particularly with a Drive Connect subscription that added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, and the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance but was not entirely transparent. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with additional options like front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist in the Executive packages. The traffic jam assist system worked well at low speeds but was limited to approved highways.