2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX, available in NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport gasoline models, carried forward the brand's signature design elements. The SUV's sharp exterior lines gave it a familiar look akin to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX, with dimensions similar to the Toyota RAV4. Standard features included power-folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior, maintaining Lexus's high standards for material fit and finish. However, the interior design, particularly the gauge cluster and center stack, felt dated compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, offered in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trims, featured a design inspired by the Camaro, both inside and out. The RS trim, with its V6 engine and optional AWD, stood out with a sporty appearance, especially when equipped with 20-inch wheels. The interior echoed the Camaro's style, with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls. However, the use of hard plastics, particularly on the upper door panels, detracted from the overall quality. The RS trim's red interior accents matched the exterior paint, adding a touch of sophistication, but the overall design left room for improvement.

The 2021 Lexus NX, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Its six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, with a relatively quiet ride except under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, enhancing engine noise through the speakers, which some found unnecessary. The NX offered FWD as standard, with AWD available, allowing up to 50% torque transfer to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX's adaptive suspension, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though steering feedback was limited. The NX had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, with a sophisticated dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 offered satisfying acceleration but was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer's driving modes included Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul, with a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds for the V6. While the Blazer RS felt firm and sporty in typical driving conditions, it struggled on winding roads, with a suspension that bounced excessively and a transmission slow to downshift. The steering in Sport mode felt artificially heavy, detracting from the driving experience. The Blazer RS AWD achieved an average of 20.5 mpg in testing, slightly below its EPA rating of 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for two adults in the rear. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design. While engine noise could intrude, road and wind noise were minimal. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubic feet with them folded, making it one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available, along with power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and functional interior, with black leather upholstery and red perforations in the RS trim. The steering wheel offered power tilt and telescopic adjustment, and both front seats featured power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The seats were accommodating for larger individuals, though the bottom cushions lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured comfort for all passengers. The Blazer's back seat was spacious, sliding on tracks to adjust for more cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment, center armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The Blazer's cargo area measured 30.5 cubic feet, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though still small for a midsize SUV.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package. This package included predictive traffic information, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus system was criticized for its complexity. Other features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various functions, and a 10-year subscription to Enform Services Connect was included.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen, physical controls, and easy-to-navigate menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an upgraded system offering satellite radio and connected navigation. OnStar Safety and Security plans and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were available. The system's voice recognition and navigation were praised for their accuracy. The Blazer also featured wireless smartphone charging, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, and advanced safety features like rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including 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 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 provided a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured Chevy Safety Assist, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. A rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology were standard. Available upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Blazer's safety systems were effective, though its headlights did not earn high marks from the IIHS. The Blazer's advanced driving aids worked well, providing smooth and responsive assistance.