2026 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV was a standout in the electric crossover SUV market, characterized by its sharp and sporty design reminiscent of the Camaro muscle car. Its sleek profile, with a narrow bar of lights and exaggerated flared fenders, gave it an athletic stance that set it apart from more conventionally styled electric SUVs. The interior echoed the Camaro theme with sporty round air vents and faceted screens dominating the dashboard, complemented by contrast stitching for a racy personality. However, the presence of hard plastic elements, despite their textured finish, detracted slightly from the overall luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid aimed for high style with its RX 500h F Sport Performance model, though some found its design excessively flamboyant. The front featured a large, black trapezoidal grille flanked by slim headlights, creating a bold, over-stylized face. The profile was stylish yet more restrained, with flat flares around the wheels and a character line suggesting motion. Inside, the RX 500h offered a choice of Dark Graphite or Rioja Red leather, with sporty elements like a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals. The interior was well-appointed with soft-touch materials, providing a comfortable and luxurious environment.

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, making it a versatile choice for different driving preferences. The LT and RS trims came standard with dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated range of 455 kilometres. A front-wheel-drive option extended the range to 502 kilometres, while the rear-wheel-drive RS trim offered 340 horsepower and a 538-kilometre range. The high-performance SS trim boasted 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-96 km/h in 3.4 seconds, though its range dropped to 488 kilometres. The Blazer EV's ride was firm yet compliant, with one-pedal driving and adjustable brake regeneration enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 500h, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque through a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system. The AWD system, featuring a front motor between the engine and transmission and a rear motor as part of an eAxle, provided seamless power delivery. The RX 500h achieved 0-96 km/h in 5.9 seconds, with smooth shifts from the six-speed automatic transmission. Standard adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and a firmer suspension contributed to a stable ride, though the all-season tires lacked grip. The RX 500h offered a Custom mode for personalized settings, but for a truly sporty experience, other luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 or Audi SQ7 were recommended.

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV provided good support and cushioning in the front seats, with a massive touchscreen placed high on the dash for easy access. The rear seats offered ample legroom, though headroom was more limited. With 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Blazer EV was average for its class, and the flat cargo area made loading easier. However, the climate control system took time to heat the cabin, and the placement of the brake regeneration paddle was inconvenient.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with eight-way power-adjustable sport seats offering heating and cooling. The rear seats provided good legroom, though fitting three adults was a squeeze. With 838 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,308 litres with the seats folded, the RX 500h offered average cargo capacity. The interior was well-appointed, with a heated steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof as standard features.

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV came equipped with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, digital instrument panel, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system ran on the Google Built-in platform, offering quick responses and clear displays. However, the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant drawback, making smartphone integration cumbersome. The standard six-speaker audio system was underwhelming, with an eight-speaker Bose upgrade available only on the SS trim.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Intelligent Assist allowed for voice commands, and wireless phone charging was standard. The touchscreen was driver-oriented and responsive, though the touch-sensitive steering wheel pads were frustrating to use. A three-year Drive Connect subscription provided useful navigation and traffic information.

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV received five stars in NHTSA crash tests for the RWD model, with the AWD model receiving four stars for rollover protection. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. GM's Super Cruise offered hands-free driving, though it struggled on sharper curves.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and more. It received a five-star rating from NHTSA but scored poorly in the IIHS updated moderate front overlap test. The safety features worked well during testing, though the touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons were challenging to use.