2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was a refined blend of subtlety and performance. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch alloy wheels, maintained a low profile, lacking any overt hybrid identifiers. This understated elegance was contrasted by the RX 500h F Sport Performance, which stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with its front-heavy appearance and signature rear roof pillar design making it seem smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX embraced minimalism with fewer controls and a modern infotainment system, complemented by luxurious materials like Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim in the RX 350h, and a sportier black interior with artificial suede in the RX 500h.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a bold evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based origins to a sleek, EV-specific platform. Built on GM's Ultium component set, the Blazer EV shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, though its proportions were more pronounced. Its design featured a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a distinctive SUV attitude. The Blazer EV was available in LT and RS trims, each with unique styling elements, and a forthcoming SS model promised even more aggressive aesthetics. Inside, the Blazer EV offered a fun and stylish cabin with large round air vents and optional red leather upholstery, though some interior components felt less premium.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It promised efficiency with an estimated 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 7.4 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and Direct4 AWD system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. Despite its power, it consumed more fuel, averaging 11.3 L/100 km during spirited driving. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering enhanced its dynamic capabilities, making it a joy to drive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a choice between single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD powertrains. The RWD model delivered 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque with a 102-kWh battery, while the AWD version produced 288 hp and 333 lb-ft with an 85-kWh pack. A future SS model promised 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV excelled on twisty roads with precise steering, though its stiff suspension compromised comfort. Regenerative braking was adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, adding a layer of driver involvement.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and practicality. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way adjustment and sportier bolsters. Rear passengers enjoyed excellent leg support, though headroom was limited due to the battery placement and lower roofline. Cargo space was generous, with 838 litres behind the rear seats and 1,308 litres with them folded, surpassing the previous model.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Its driving position was less commanding, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a cocooned feeling. Cargo space was 722 litres with the rear seats up and 1,673 litres with them folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk but offered a presence-activated liftgate for convenience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The system had some quirks, such as limited screen multitasking and reflections, but overall improved the RX's tech offering. A head-up display with dual-function steering wheel controls was available, though it posed challenges for polarized sunglasses wearers.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV debuted a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google Maps and Assistant, but lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, offering sharp graphics and built-in route planning. The system's layout was user-friendly, though some controls were touchscreen-based, which could be inconvenient. The Blazer EV also introduced a hands-free start sequence, enhancing its high-tech appeal.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and regenerative braking enhanced safety and efficiency. Some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations, but overall, the safety tech was comprehensive.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on the SS and optional on the RS, offering advanced lane-centring and speed maintenance capabilities. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.