2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the NX 300 and the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside traditional color schemes. The interior's material quality was excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack's design appeared dated, with an elevated climate-control button setup and limited small-item storage. The F Sport also included a G-Force meter, though it was more of a gimmick than a functional feature.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, particularly in the RS trim, impressed with its striking exterior design, evoking comparisons to the Lamborghini Urus. The Blazer's aggressive styling included slim-cut windows, sawblade 20-inch wheels, and a bold front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille. Chevy offered various customization options, including different grille designs and packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions. However, the interior fell short, with a dark, unsatisfying cabin and materials that felt cheap for its price point. The seats were unsupportive, and the central screen was undersized compared to competitors.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with some noise under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The AWD model had similar figures, with a slight drop in combined mpg to 24. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-liter inline-four engine, found in the L and 1LT trims, was underpowered with 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 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The preferred engine was the 3.6-liter V6, standard 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, with a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission's slow responses and lack of paddle shifters detracted from the driving experience. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the AWD turbo inline-four achieved 22/27/24 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus NX's upscale interior was both stylish and comfortable. The front seats offered ample room for adults, and the second-row seats provided sufficient legroom for two adults. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats had a 60/40 split-folding design. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer comfortably seated four adults, with lower-mounted seats making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the low roof height, though large side-view mirrors and an optional rear-view mirror camera improved visibility. Cargo space was generous, with 64 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded and around 30 cubic feet with the seats raised. The Blazer could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 engine and trailering package. Convenient features included movable rings around the front air vents for temperature control, a hands-free power tailgate, and automatic activation of heated/cooled seats and steering wheel based on exterior temperature.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, providing in-car personal concierge services. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions and included a three-year trial subscription.

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. Unique GM features included cloud-based settings transfer, an app store, and the Marketplace app for contactless payments. Standard driver assists on most trims included forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in the frontal crash and four stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave the Blazer top "Good" ratings in all crash tests but rated its headlights as "Marginal" and "Poor." Standard safety features included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking with radar. However, the Blazer lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking.