2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer had more to offer than just its good looks, but its appealing styling certainly helped. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, primary character lines, and small details, with the available black- or white-painted roof adding to its charm. Even in the base L trim, the small SUV looked good, which was quite a feat.

The Trailblazer came in five versions: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with pricing 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, but options raised the price to $33,000. However, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, making it hard to justify the high price.

The redesigned 2022 Lexus NX, available in four model series (NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+), offered a range of trim levels including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury. Prices ranged from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding a $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid and the NX 450h+ a plug-in hybrid.

The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a spindle grille and refined styling details. Longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, the new NX provided more passenger and cargo space. Most models had NuLuxe simulated leather, with real leather and open-pore wood trim in the Luxury trim. The F Sport trim added sporty features like a unique grille, 20-inch wheels, and sport-bolstered seats.

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. A CVT came with both engines for FWD, but AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The AWD powertrain also featured a more sophisticated rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

Our RS trim test vehicle, with AWD and 18-inch aluminum wheels, felt zippy and nimble, especially in Sport mode. However, it was loud on freeways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-roading required caution to avoid damaging the underside. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h with 239 horsepower and 39 mpg combined, and the NX 450h+ with 302 hp and 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.

The NX 350 F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer ride. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for both models. The F Sport averaged 22.2 mpg, while the Luxury achieved 25.5 mpg, close to Lexus's estimate of 25 mpg combined. The NX's handling impressed, but the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold items up to 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded down.

The Trailblazer's trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, accommodating long items like surfboards.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver’s seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim added better bolstering for the front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports.

The NX had a 14% increase in cargo space, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space.

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 Android Auto. Our test car had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was available.

The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Remote engine starting was available from the LT trim, and a keyless entry keypad system allowed for convenient access.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a significant leap forward with its new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect included cloud-based navigation and Intelligent Assistant. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including 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 NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. Additional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist.