2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, was a stylish subcompact vehicle. It featured dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter, triple front lights similar to the Hyundai Kona, and two-tone paint schemes reminiscent of the Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged appearance with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport terrain tires, a larger grille, and standard two-tone paint. Our test vehicle, priced at $30,580, included Mosaic Black paint, a Summit White roof, and Jet Black leatherette seats with Arizona cabin accents. The interior design was excellent, with a well-laid-out control system, useful storage, and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was less appealing at higher price points.

The redesigned 2022 Lexus NX, available in four model series (NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+), offered a range of trim levels from base to Luxury. Prices ranged from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding a $1,075 destination charge. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of this review. The NX's design featured a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior boasted NuLuxe simulated leather, with real leather and open-pore wood trim in the Luxury model. The F Sport trim included sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The minimalist interior design, while decluttered, sometimes made it difficult to locate and use certain features quickly.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine in the front-wheel-drive L, LS, and LT trims, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Other versions featured a more powerful turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, and when equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), a 9-speed automatic transmission replaced the CVT. The Activ AWD's powertrain was agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. The 9-speed automatic provided smooth gear changes, and Sport mode enhanced responsiveness. The Trailblazer averaged 26.6 mpg on the testing loop, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The SUV exhibited excellent roll control, nicely weighted steering, and decent grip, but the suspension impact harshness and loud interior noise were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 hp and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft 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 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, available with FWD or AWD. Both models included Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with the F Sport adding Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving experience. The NX 350's turbocharged engine was less refined than German rivals, and the SUV had more road and wind noise than expected. The NX was not suitable for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior featured leatherette seats, which tended to trap sweat, and an automatic climate control system that struggled to keep the cabin cool. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver, but the rear seats were flat and uncomfortable, with no air conditioning vents. The cargo space expanded from 25.3 cubic feet to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and the front passenger seat also folded down for additional cargo length.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The front seats were comfortable, with better bolstering in the F Sport trim, and the rear seats were roomy with air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, and the Luxury trim included a Thematic Ambient Illumination system. The cargo space increased by 14%, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems: a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, Teen Driver technology, and Chevrolet Connected Access services, and an upgraded 8-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization. The Trailblazer also featured USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless smartphone charging, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for power, volume, tuning, and navigation.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and five connected service subscription plans. The NX also featured 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, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for individual driver preferences.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe following distance indicator. Optional features included a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assistance, a high-definition reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control were sometimes over- or under-reactive, and the lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist were inconsistent.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which featured Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, and rear pedestrian detection. Premium trim added an adaptive front lighting system, 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.