2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the 2015 model, carried over the design updates from 2017, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, roof rails, LED lights, and upgraded seats, among other features. Various styling packages and driver assistance options were also available for the LT trim.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, eliminated almost all chrome from its exterior, giving it a sleek, dark appearance. Despite its modern touches, the GX's design remained reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin maintained Lexus's legendary quality with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, especially over potholes, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable and enjoyable rides. A retuned engine for the 2022 Trax promised 155 horsepower while maintaining the same torque.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. The GX's drag coefficient of 0.35 and its V8 engine resulted in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg combined. The standard Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, though its slow steering and touchy brake pedal were drawbacks. The Off-Road Package, available with the Luxury trim, added features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered ample headroom and legroom in both rows, though the rear seats lacked bolstering for long trips. The front seats were supportive, and the cabin featured multiple storage trays and well-placed cupholders. The Trax provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for larger items. However, there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The interior featured comfortable seats, physical controls, and NuLuxe upholstery in the Black Line Special Edition. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the rear seats were heated. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making access difficult. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The GX's tailgate swung open to the side, complicating loading in tight spaces. Cargo capacity was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-use menus and vivid graphics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the old Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. A CD player and a Lexus app with smartwatch compatibility were also available. The GX featured a dual-screen view for navigation and radio display, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The test vehicle did not include the optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. However, advanced safety features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning were not available.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking recent crash-test ratings, came with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the GX lacked more advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.