2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

In 2022, Chevrolet offered the Blazer in multiple trim levels including 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS. Most of these trims came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The standout RS model, however, included a more powerful V6 engine and an advanced AWD system with a twin-clutch design, enhancing its responsiveness on slick surfaces. For 2022, the Blazer saw limited changes. Premier trims featured redesigned bumpers and side trim along with new wheel designs. Enhancements like the Enhanced Convenience Package and the Trailering Package were also introduced, and two-tone paint became available for LT and RS trims.

The Blazer’s pricing in 2022 ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. The RS model tested had AWD, special paint, and several packages that brought its total to $49,000. Inspired by the Camaro, the Blazer's design stood out with its sporty appearance, especially when fitted with 20-inch wheels. However, the rear black trim on the bumper gave it an unfinished look. Inside, Camaro-inspired elements were evident in its infotainment and climate control systems. The 8-inch touchscreen with simple physical controls, innovative air vents, and a strip of climate buttons made the interior user-friendly. The black interior with red accents matched its sporty exterior, but the extensive use of hard plastics, particularly on the upper door panels, detracted from its overall luxury.

The 2023 Lexus RX, shorter in height but broader and with a longer wheelbase, maintained the same overall length as its predecessor. It offered increased trunk cargo space despite looking smaller due to the reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines. The signature spindle-style grille integrated seamlessly with a modern mesh texture, blending into an elevated hood that flowed into the windshield pillars. Upswept body sides and flared rear fenders added to its appeal, while the rear featured a light-blade taillight design, block lettering for the Lexus name, and a sporty bumper.

The RX’s design retained enough familiarity while looking refreshingly modern compared to the previous model. It wasn't a mere upscale version of the smaller NX, giving buyers a clear reason to invest in the midsize model. Inside, the new RX featured fewer buttons and knobs, large touchscreen displays, and a head-up display. Natural voice recognition via the Intelligent Assistant, however, required a subscription after three years. The RX’s interior quality standards remained high with optional genuine leather and simulated suede. It also offered diverse dashboard trim options, enhancing its luxurious feel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered 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, it featured multiple driving modes including Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul. The Blazer RS came with a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This engine was available for 3LT and Premier trims but only paired with a sophisticated dual-clutch AWD system in the RS. The V6 also included the same driving modes and could tow up to 4,500 pounds.

In real-world driving, the Blazer RS felt sporty and firm, offering decent acceleration despite the 3.6-liter V6's sometimes loud and unrefined sound. The 20-inch wheels provided good grip, and the steering felt natural except in Sport mode, where it felt artificially weighted. However, the Blazer RS faltered on twisty back roads, with the suspension feeling bouncy and the nine-speed automatic slow to downshift. Even the steering’s artificial heft in Sport mode detracted from the driving experience. Fuel economy ratings stood at 21 mpg combined, with our tests averaging 20.5 mpg in FWD mode.

The 2023 Lexus RX, during media test drives, featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, replaced the previous 3.5-liter V6, offering better performance at higher altitudes and slightly improved fuel economy. However, it lacked the smooth refinement of the V6.

On varied driving terrains, the RX 350 Luxury trim showed mild torque steer under hard acceleration and excessive body motion over uneven surfaces but generally offered a smooth ride. The RX 350 F Sport Handling felt more secure, especially in Sport mode, thanks to its adaptive damping suspension. Both trims had 21-inch wheels, but the F Sport's suspension managed unwanted bouncing and rolling better. The turbo-four engine, while less refined, felt quicker than its 0-60 mph times (7.5 seconds for FWD, 7.2 seconds for AWD) suggested. Fuel economy expectations were 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, with our tests showing 22.5 mpg and 21.8 mpg, respectively.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer boasted a comfortable and functional interior. The RS model's black leather seats with red perforations looked sporty, though they didn’t feel particularly luxurious. The heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustments, along with the front seats' power adjustment and heating/ventilation features, enhanced comfort. However, the front seats lacked side bolsters and sufficient thigh support.

The Blazer featured dual-zone automatic climate control with effective air conditioning and rear air vents. The spacious back seat, which could slide forward and backward, provided ample legroom and comfort. Storage space was impressive, with a large glove compartment, a roomy center bin, door shelves, seatback pockets, and a decent cargo area. The power rear liftgate revealed 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though these numbers were small for a midsize SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX offered a more refined and comfortable cabin. The RX 350 Luxury featured semi-aniline premium leather, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustments. The interior looked sophisticated with Peppercorn color, suede door trims, and black open-pore wood accents.

The RX 350 F Sport Handling had black NuLuxe or optional Rioja Red seats with sportier design elements. Both RX models offered exceptional comfort, though the F Sport’s seat bolsters might feel too snug for some. The back seat provided excellent leg support, legroom, and foot space, though taller passengers might find headroom tight.

Lexus claimed improved cargo space over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding the rear seat expanded it to 46.2 cubic feet, still below segment standards but better than before.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with intuitive controls and physical power and tuning buttons. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhanced connectivity. The upgraded system included satellite radio and enhanced voice recognition. Connected services like OnStar and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were available, though trial periods were brief.

The Blazer's infotainment, similar to the Camaro's, proved easy to use, complemented by effective voice recognition and a decent 8-speaker Bose audio system. Safety tech included rear parking sensors, a high-resolution reversing camera, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and several connected service plans. Drive Connect, free for three years, included Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant, though it sometimes provided incorrect directions.

User profiles allowed for personalized settings, while embedded music streaming apps added convenience. The biggest drawback was the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously. Both test vehicles had a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system that performed well with adjusted tone settings. Advanced tech like digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, digital key technology, and a color head-up display were also available.

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. Safety features like a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat were also included. Upgrades such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights were available. The Blazer’s advanced driving assistance systems worked effectively, providing smooth adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. However, its headlights did not score well enough for an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" rating.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included advanced driver assistance and collision avoidance features. New additions were motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve speed reduction. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were new semi-autonomous driving technologies.

LSS+ 3.0 performed well but had issues, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls that relied on the HUD, which was invisible with polarized sunglasses. Curve-speed reduction wasn’t predictive and sometimes caused abrupt braking. The driver monitoring system also proved sensitive, requiring constant attention.