2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a stylish subcompact SUV, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. It featured design elements like dark gray plastic trim and borrowed styling cues from competitors such as the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, making it an attractive choice. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique wheels, and all-terrain-style tires. Inside, the Trailblazer impressed with its excellent interior design, offering a well-organized control layout and appealing detailing, though it was marred by the presence of hard, shiny plastic.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its age, with a tough and aggressive look that appealed to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior fell short of modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior design felt outdated compared to contemporary luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a choice between two turbocharged 3-cylinder engines. The base engine, a 1.2-liter, produced 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The more powerful option, a 1.3-liter engine, delivered 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, and when equipped with AWD, it came with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's powertrain was agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. It provided sufficient power for most driving conditions, though it struggled on steep inclines. The Trailblazer averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating. While it handled well, the ride was firm, and suspension impact harshness was noticeable.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with ample power for initial acceleration but requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking due to its weight. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled off-road, equipped with a Torsen center differential, 4WD with low range, and various off-road aids. It had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, making it a capable choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior offered a mix of comfort and practicality. While cloth seats were only available on lower trims, the leatherette seats were comfortable, though they tended to trap sweat. The automatic climate control struggled to maintain a cool cabin temperature. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less comfortable, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 25.3 cubic feet expanding to 54.4 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded, and the front passenger seat folded down for added cargo length.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high center console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position added to the bus-like feel. While outward visibility was excellent, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small cupholders and storage bins. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, making it less practical for carrying large loads.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems, with the base system featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The upgraded system included an 8-inch display, wireless connectivity, and a Bose premium sound system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation. The Bose sound system effectively masked road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX lagged in technology, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It featured standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, with two USB ports for the first two rows. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the interface was basic. However, analog controls provided a straightforward alternative to touchscreen-based systems, offering a refreshing change from the norm.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. While the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems had some inconsistencies, the Trailblazer offered a robust safety package. However, crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. Crash-test ratings were not available for the GX.