2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was both familiar and fresh. It was shorter in height but broader in width, with a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, maintaining the same overall length. The SUV offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though it still lagged behind some rivals. Its appearance was more compact due to reduced rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a floating roof effect. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, maintaining the Lexus RX's recognizable yet updated aesthetic.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality was high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and trims of textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h models were available, with a plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ on the horizon. Pricing in Canada started at $58,650 for the RX 350, reaching up to $80,000 for the RX 500h, excluding additional charges.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a car-based crossover, and now to an EV-specific platform. Built around the GM Ultium battery pack, the Blazer EV shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, though its proportions gave it a stretch limo appearance. Its design featured a tall hood, a scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look than rival EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6.

The Blazer EV launched in LT and RS trims, with distinct styling elements for each. The LT had a colour-coordinated front fascia, while the RS featured a blacked-out design. The forthcoming SS model promised unique styling and mechanical elements. Inside, the RS and SS models offered a distinctive interior with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery. While some interior parts felt flimsy, the cabin was mostly free of piano-black plastic.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 AWD could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a combined fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km, though real-world results were slightly higher.

During testing, the RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, but the F Sport 3's suspension minimized unwanted bouncing and rolling. The F Sport 3 also featured upgraded brakes, though the testing route didn't allow for a thorough comparison of brake performance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor RWD and a dual-motor AWD powertrain in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model had 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque with a 102-kWh battery pack, while the AWD model had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque with an 85-kWh pack. A single-motor FWD option was planned for 2025, and the SS model would feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 96 km/h in under four seconds.

The RWD and AWD Blazer EV RS models offered strong acceleration, with the AWD model providing better traction. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, though the stiff suspension compromised comfort. Cabin noise was minimal, with only slight wind noise at highway speeds. The steering-wheel paddle allowed for adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, though the F Sport 3's sport seat bolsters might be too snug for some. The Executive trim featured premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport 3 had simulated leather seats and a sportier interior design. Both models provided ample rear seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,308 litres with them folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The driving position wasn't as commanding as a traditional SUV, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. The Blazer EV offered 722 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,673 litres with them folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The interior provided ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. User profiles could save settings and preferences, and the system supported streaming services. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, though it required tone adjustments for optimal sound. The RX also offered a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps. It lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users. The system featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. It included built-in route planning and OTA software updates. The user experience was generally good, though the touchscreen's angle might be inconvenient for passengers. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech feel.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were available, though some features had limitations. The system's curve-speed reduction technology was not predictive, and the driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. It offered 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, providing hands-free driving with detailed maps and a driver-monitoring system.