2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer had a striking exterior that often drew comparisons to high-end vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive front end, slim-cut windows, and 20-inch wheels gave it a sporty and memorable appearance. The Blazer's design was a significant departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more stylish and dynamic look. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, with low-rent materials and an overall dark, unsatisfying cabin that felt dated and cheap.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. While the exterior styling was kept up to date, the interior felt outdated and cramped. The wood trim in the Premium model looked like molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic. Despite standard leather upholstery, the overall feel did not meet modern luxury SUV standards.

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, particularly in the RS trim, provided a strong and engaging driving experience, thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission calibration had issues, especially in Sport mode, and the lack of paddle shifters made manual mode cumbersome. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was average at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept it simple with a single 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed performance sluggish, and the ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, meaning it wasn't very good. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability with features like a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids. The GX also had a respectable towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four people. The low roof height was mitigated by seats mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera helped. Cargo space was 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 30 cubic feet when raised. The Blazer could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the right configuration.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics felt outdated, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position made it feel like driving a bus. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The "Plus" version of the infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Standard driver assists included forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, which some might find refreshing. The GX did offer Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, along with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer scored an overall five stars from the NHTSA and received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests, except for headlights, which were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." Standard safety features included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking on top trims.

The 2021 Lexus GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models.