2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was offered in several trim levels, including 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS. Most trims came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The RS trim stood out with a V6 engine and a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system designed for better performance on low-traction surfaces. For 2022, the Blazer saw minor updates, such as revised bumper and bodyside trim for the Premier version, new standard wheels, and the introduction of an Enhanced Convenience Package and a Trailering Package for models with the turbocharged engine. Two-tone paint options were also available for the LT and RS trims. Pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Blazer RS with optional AWD and several packages, totaled $49,000.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, was redesigned and tested in Santa Barbara, California. Visually, the RX 350h Luxury model looked identical to the standard RX 350, with no hybrid-specific badges or design elements. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, featured a more aggressive look with a blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and specific interior trimmings. The new RX models maintained the brand's signature design elements but with a cleaner, more minimalistic interior. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. Pricing for the new RX models was not announced, but estimates suggested the RX 350h Luxury would be just over $60,000, and the RX 500h F Sport Performance would be close to $70,000.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup powered either the front or all four wheels, with driving modes including Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul. The Blazer RS featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, also mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was optional for the 3LT and Premier trims but came standard with a dual-clutch AWD system in the RS. The V6 could tow up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the base engine. The Blazer RS offered a firm and sporty driving experience, though the V6 engine could be loud and unrefined. The SUV's handling was decent, but the suspension and transmission performance in Sport mode left room for improvement. The Blazer RS AWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new powertrain for the RX 350h, which included a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system producing 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. This setup was expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This model could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds but was expected to achieve only 27 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance also featured an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and a Dynamic Rear Steering system, making it more fun to drive. However, accessing driving modes required navigating the infotainment system, which could be cumbersome. The RX 350h averaged 32 mpg during testing, while the RX 500h averaged 20.9 mpg, reflecting the use of Sport mode and frequent use of its power reserves.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a reasonably comfortable and useful interior. The RS test vehicle featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with heating. The front seats were accommodating but lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort. The back seat was spacious and could slide forward and back to adjust cargo space. Storage options included a large glove compartment, a center armrest bin, door panel shelves, and rear seatback pockets. The Blazer's cargo area measured 30.5 cubic feet, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury model with its ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were located under the rear seat, raising the seat cushion and reducing rear headroom. However, leg support and legroom were excellent. The new RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, a significant improvement over the previous model but still smaller than some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-resolution graphics, a power/volume knob, and tuning buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an upgraded system offering satellite radio and connected navigation. The system was easy to use, with separate stereo volume and tuning functions and climate controls. The enhanced voice recognition and connected navigation systems were fast and accurate. The Blazer also had wireless smartphone charging, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, rear parking sensors, a high-resolution reversing camera, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, the Lexus Interface, which required a subscription for full functionality. The system included Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, with a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant. The system worked well but had some drawbacks, such as limited screen menu views, reflections on the screen, and the lack of a tuning knob. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be frustrating to use, especially with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights. The Blazer's advanced driving assistance systems worked well, providing smooth and effective operation in traffic.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included a motorcycle detection system, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and a curve-speed reduction feature for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was also available, automatically slowing the RX to maintain a safe following distance. The new front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had some drawbacks, and the driver monitoring system could be triggered by certain driving positions. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these features were not tested.