2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer had a striking exterior that often drew comparisons to high-end vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus. Its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and aggressive front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille made it stand out. The Blazer's design was a departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more exciting and memorable look. However, the interior was a letdown, with low-rent materials and an all-black cabin unless specific exterior colors were chosen. The seats were unsupportive, and the overall quality did not match the Blazer's price point.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX offered a more refined and minimalist design. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, featuring a spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The interior was comfortable, especially in models with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim added sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner, enhancing the sporty feel. The NX also featured a panoramic sunroof and a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system in the Luxury trim. However, the decluttered dashboard design made it harder to locate some functions quickly.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-liter inline-four engine, available on the L and 1LT trims, was underpowered with just 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, standard on the 2LT, 3LT, and Premier trims, provided a more acceptable 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The preferred engine was the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The RS trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering, making it the most enjoyable to drive. However, the transmission calibration had issues, particularly in Sport mode, and the lack of paddle shifters was a drawback. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, available with FWD or AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and had an estimated 25 mpg combined. The F Sport trim offered a more engaging driving experience, while the Luxury trim provided a softer ride.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer seated four comfortably, with low-mounted seats making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the low roof height, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera improved visibility. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 30 cubic feet with them raised. The trailering package allowed the Blazer to tow up to 4,500 pounds. The Blazer featured simple controls, including movable rings around the front air vents for temperature adjustment and a hands-free power tailgate. Upper trims offered a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and rear heated seats.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room for passengers and cargo, with a 14% increase in cargo space behind the back seat, totaling 22.7 cubic feet. Folding the back seats down created 46.9 cubic feet of volume. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim added better-bolstered seats and padded areas for bracing legs. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, rear air conditioning vents, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim with the Driver Confidence II package added wireless phone charging, LED headlights, 360 cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The "Plus" version of the infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, onboard apps, and better voice recognition. GM's system allowed for cloud-based settings transfer and contactless payments through the Marketplace app. Standard driver assists included forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring a 9.8-inch touchscreen display as standard and a 14-inch screen as an option. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. The NX offered a 10-speaker sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands. The NX also featured User Profiles for storing preferences and settings, digital key capability, and a digital mirror showing a camera-based view of what's behind the SUV. The 10-inch head-up display was detailed but faded with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer scored an overall five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top "Good" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in all crash tests. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for headlights. Standard safety features included a driver's knee airbag, but it lacked GM's inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking. Enhanced forward emergency braking was available on top trims with the Driver Confidence II package.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included several new features such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also featured the Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.