2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its updated front end and headlights, was a decade-old vehicle. It featured the garish hourglass grille design that had become a hallmark of the Lexus lineup. However, the GX wore it better than some of its siblings. The interior of the GX remained largely unchanged from the early 2010s, with a large, chunky center console and big buttons. This design choice worked well for a rugged SUV, even if it felt outdated compared to more modern luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was praised for its striking exterior styling, which drew comparisons to the Lamborghini Urus. The Blazer's design was aggressive and sporty, with slim-cut windows, sawblade 20-inch wheels, and an angry front end. The interior, however, was a letdown. It felt low-rent and dark, with featureless and unsupportive seats. The materials used were not up to par with the Blazer's price point, making it feel dated and cheap compared to competitors.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to standard 4-wheel drive. While these specs might not impress in today's market, the V8 provided a swell of power that was unmistakable in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light but direct, and the self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its various 4WD modes and adjustable suspension. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with an average of 16.3 mpg.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 193 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 227 horsepower, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower. The V6, especially in the RS trim, provided a strong and light driving experience. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering worked harmoniously, making it a joy to drive. However, the transmission calibration had issues, particularly in Sport mode, where it didn't downshift quickly enough. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with the latter also featuring power-folding third-row seats. While the captain's chairs were a smart option for families, accessing the third row was challenging for adults. The GX had 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, although the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four. The low roof height was offset by seats mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the design. The Blazer had 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded, similar to the GX. It could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine. The Blazer featured simple and handy controls, like movable rings around the front air vents for temperature adjustment and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a decade-old layout. However, it was a true touchscreen, which some drivers preferred over the more complex modern systems. The downside was the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a tough tradeoff for those who valued simplicity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The RS trim added features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The "Plus" version of the infotainment system offered navigation, 4G WiFi, and onboard apps. The Blazer also included driver assists like forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist on most trims.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, thanks to its high seating position and large windows, added to its safety.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer scored five stars overall from the NHTSA and received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. However, its headlights received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings. The Blazer included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking on top trims. However, it lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking.