2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a small SUV that managed to impress with its appealing styling. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, character lines, and small details, making even the base L trim look good. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. The Trailblazer came in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195 and ended up at $33,000 with options. However, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its overall value.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a vehicle that appealed to those who loved black-on-black aesthetics, despite the challenges of keeping it clean. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome from the GX’s exterior, giving it a unique look. However, the GX’s design felt dated, resembling the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth, silky refinement typical of Lexus. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The latter made the Trailblazer feel sprightly, especially with AWD, which came with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a Sport driving mode, making it fun to drive around town. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road, the Trailblazer required caution to avoid damaging its underside. Despite its small engine, the Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

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 allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, providing a 40/60 power split between the front and rear wheels. The GX’s drag coefficient was 0.35, contributing to its EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the GX returned 16.8 mpg. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride and handling, making the GX stable and secure. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could hold items up to 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The trunk provided 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, accommodating larger items like surfboards.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position from a 10-way power-adjustable seat with clear visibility. The GX’s tall, narrow, and short design made it maneuverable in various settings. The seats were comfortable, and the interior featured physical controls. However, the placement of stereo and off-roading controls was confusing. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The rear seat offered ample legroom but was difficult to access. 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 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. The system supported Chevrolet Connected Services, including a WiFi hotspot. Our test vehicle had the larger touchscreen, Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Additional technologies included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad system, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was equipped with a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player, a smartwatch-compatible Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle. The placement of stereo controls below the off-roading controls was inconvenient. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard Chevy Safety Assist included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

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