2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader origins to a modern, car-based crossover. This electric version retained some styling cues from the 2019 model but was built on a new EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV's design was characterized by a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more assertive presence compared to other electric SUVs. It was notably larger than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, emphasizing its SUV-like appearance.

The Blazer EV was available in LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling elements. The LT featured a colour-coordinated front fascia, while the RS boasted a blacked-out front fascia and exterior accents. The interior of the RS and SS models included large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery adding a playful touch. Despite some flimsy interior components, the Blazer EV's cabin was mostly free of the piano-black plastic found in other brands, offering a more engaging and fun atmosphere.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly in the RX 500h F Sport Black Line trim, was a $90,000 SUV that combined luxury with practicality. Despite its high price, the RX's design was somewhat unremarkable, with a massive front grille and subtle orange brake calipers as standout features. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different powertrains and efficiency levels. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h delivered the most power with 366 hp.

Inside, the RX Hybrid offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. The controls ranged from confusing to intuitive, but the RX avoided the common single curved display approach, maintaining a unique interior design. The RX 500h featured a turbocharged engine and a sport-tuned suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience. However, its fuel efficiency was lower than expected, and the drivetrain occasionally hesitated during city driving. The RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and practicality, with ample rear seat space and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the overall experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options in Canada, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration. The RWD models delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack. In contrast, the AWD models produced 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque, with an 85-kWh battery pack. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD had a lower output than the single-motor RWD, positioning it as the base offering. The Blazer EV also introduced a single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option for the 2025 model year, anticipated to be the most popular configuration. The Blazer EV SS performance model promised 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.

During test drives, the RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS demonstrated strong acceleration, with the AWD model offering better traction off the line. The Blazer EV shared dimensions with the Cadillac Lyriq but provided a different driving experience, focusing on handling over comfort. The stiff suspension made for a less comfortable ride, but the steering was precise, and cabin noise was minimal. The Blazer EV featured a steering-wheel paddle for adjusting regenerative braking, allowing for a more engaging driving experience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance levels. The RX 350h was the least powerful but most efficient, with 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque from a hybrid powertrain. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The RX 500h's drivetrain provided quick acceleration and a rewarding sound, but its fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 13.5 L/100 km during testing.

The RX 500h included a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system, which adjusted power distribution based on conditions. Despite its capabilities, the RX 500h's driving experience was filtered, lacking the dynamic communication expected from a performance-oriented SUV. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration and sporty appearance but fell short in overall dynamic satisfaction.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior offered a spacious feel, though headroom and legroom were comparable to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs, and its high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique driving experience. Cargo space was limited, with 722 litres available with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with the seats folded. Despite this, the Blazer EV offered more cargo space than the EV6 and featured a "presence activated" liftgate for convenience.

The Blazer EV's interior design included ample small-item storage, with a large centre console and door pockets. However, some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment for users. The Blazer EV's design emphasized style over practicality, with a focus on creating a modern and engaging interior.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, but the rear seats offered ample room and comfort, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding down the second row increased cargo volume to 1,308 litres, though the cargo cover could be cumbersome when loading larger items.

The RX Hybrid's interior included practical storage solutions, such as an illuminated shelf under the air vents. However, the rear centre armrest storage compartment lacked a lining, potentially causing noise and vibration. Overall, the RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and practicality, making it a suitable choice for families and long journeys.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system, featuring built-in Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. However, it eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users but limited options for iOS users. The Blazer EV came with a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both with sharp graphics. The infotainment system included built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates, enhancing the user experience.

The Blazer EV's user interface was mostly intuitive, with layouts that kept essential information accessible. However, the touchscreen's angle could be inconvenient for passengers, and some vehicle functions were touchscreen-based, lacking physical switches. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with high-tech features, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Black Line model featured a 14-inch touchscreen display and a modern Lexus Interface infotainment system with a volume knob and large climate control dials. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloud-based navigation.

The RX Hybrid's technology worked well, though there were occasional glitches, such as disappearing song titles on satellite radio. The head-up display was helpful but not as comprehensive as some rivals. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the steering wheel controls were distracting and challenging to use while driving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication. However, it came equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on the SS trim and optional on the RS, offering advanced driver assistance capabilities.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, a connected service plan providing automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. The RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also came with a blind-spot monitoring system and Proactive Driving Assist, which used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances.

The RX Hybrid's safety technology worked well, though there were some quirks, such as a Traffic Jam Assist feature that requested driver recording. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly in an updated frontal-impact test. The RX's safety features provided a comprehensive safety net, though some functions were challenging to use due to the steering wheel controls.