2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the 2023 GX 460, with a more angular and geometric design. The signature spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights that contributed to a more aggressive front fascia. The vehicle's side profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, enhancing visibility for off-road adventures. The GX was offered in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages available, each catering to different preferences, from luxury to off-road capabilities. The interior combined luxury with practicality, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions, making it a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a car-based crossover, and now to an electric vehicle. Built on the GM Ultium platform, the Blazer EV shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its design featured a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, exuding more attitude than its electric SUV rivals. The Blazer EV was available in LT and RS trims, with a forthcoming SS model promising unique styling and performance elements. Inside, the Blazer EV offered a distinctive interior with large round air vents and optional red leather upholstery, though some interior components felt less robust.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced wheel articulation. The GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with a composed on-road performance despite its size.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor RWD with 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and a dual-motor AWD with 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. The AWD was standard on the LT trim, while the RS offered both RWD and AWD at the same price. A future SS model promised 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV excelled in handling, with precise steering but a stiff suspension that compromised comfort. It featured adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, with a minimalist and sophisticated design. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front and 933 millimetres in the second row. The third row, available in select packages, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs, with high side sills and a deep dashboard. Cargo space measured 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with it folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription service offered an intelligent voice assistant, while Remote Connect provided remote locking, ignition, and diagnostics. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available in higher packages. However, some features required subscription plans after an initial trial period.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV debuted a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, with built-in route planning and OTA updates. The system offered a hands-free start sequence, but some controls were touchscreen-based, which could be inconvenient for passengers.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings were not available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in its safety.

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