2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color. This model eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a sleek, dark presence on the road. However, it took less than a day for a layer of dust to make the Lexus look old and shabby. Despite its modern touches like the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin quality was top-notch, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, save for the faint roar of the V8 engine.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer sported a more road-car-like aesthetic, with a low roofline and sleek profile. The Blazer RS test vehicle, with its blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels, was particularly striking. The 2023 model received minor styling updates, including new taillights and tweaked grille and headlight designs, which kept the look fresh. Inside, the Blazer's sportier aesthetic was evident, with an upright dashboard and large round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro. The material quality in the high-end RS model was impressive, with leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control adding to the premium feel.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. However, its 5,126-pound curb weight and high drag coefficient of 0.35 resulted in a combined fuel economy of just 16 mpg. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped improve stability and off-road capability, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience. The Off-Road Package, available only with the Luxury trim, added features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Blazer RS, with its V6 engine, felt quick and had a sporty exhaust note, but its handling was typical of a midsize crossover, with considerable weight and a top-heavy design. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some rivals that automatically switch between FWD and AWD. The Blazer's 4,500-pound towing capacity was competitive for its class.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and clear outward visibility from its 10-way power-adjustable seat. The interior featured comfortable seats and well-placed padding, but some switchgear felt outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. However, the rear seat access was tricky, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. The GX's cargo space was limited, with just 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 side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading and unloading.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offered nearly identical front-seat headroom to rivals and decent rear-seat legroom. The Blazer's cargo space was 30.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was less than most competitors. Despite the numbers, the Blazer felt spacious from behind the wheel, with good visibility and functional interior details like well-placed USB ports and intuitive air vent controls. The relatively short overhangs made parking easier, and the windshield provided an unobstructed view.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was a significant improvement over the previous model. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. A CD player and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system were also available. However, the placement of the stereo controls below the off-roading controls was awkward. The dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology were highlights of the new system. Standard Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras added to the tech offerings.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. The infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. RS and Premier models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The system's intuitive menus and large touchscreen made it user-friendly. The optional 8-inch instrument cluster display complemented the analog gauges, and the new touchscreen was among the largest in the segment.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its 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 beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services were also standard. However, the GX lacked more advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist and evasive steering assist, which were available in competitors.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered the Chevy Safety Assist Package as standard, which included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control was available on more trim levels for 2023. Optional safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system, and GM’s Teen Driver monitoring system. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all six IIHS crash-test categories.