2023 Lexus GX vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a bold visual presence with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Standing at an overall height of 74.2 inches, the GX's front end appeared ready to dominate the road, with large headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with new paint options, including Eminent White Pearl and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested a design focused on off-road capability. The interior, however, was marred by an abundance of plastic, which detracted from its luxury status, though it did offer features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a sleek, electric SUV. Built on GM's Ultium platform, the Blazer EV featured a long 121.8-inch wheelbase, shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, but with a more pronounced stretch-limo appearance. Its design incorporated a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive stance than other electric SUVs. The Blazer EV launched in LT and RS trims, with distinct styling elements and wheel sizes, while the forthcoming SS model promised even more unique features. Inside, the Blazer EV offered a distinctive interior with large round air vents and optional red leather upholstery, though some interior components felt flimsy.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX boasted a 6,500-pound towing capacity, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential for its 4WD system, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor RWD with 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and a dual-motor AWD with 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. The AWD was standard on the LT trim, while a forthcoming SS model promised 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV excelled on twisty roads with precise steering, though its stiff suspension compromised comfort. It featured adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement and efficiency.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, offering only USB-A. The GX retained physical controls, which some drivers preferred over touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required familiarization. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was cramped, and the side-hinged trunk door was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were comparable to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs, and its high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. Cargo space was 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place, expanding to 59.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Blazer EV offered a "presence activated" liftgate but lacked a frunk. Small-item storage was adequate, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While an improvement over the previous system, it lagged behind newer Lexus models in terms of graphics and responsiveness. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player, but its infotainment technology felt dated. Off-road capabilities were a highlight, with a real 4WD system, KDSS, and an Off-Road Package for enhanced performance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, but it lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. The system offered built-in route planning and OTA updates. The Blazer EV also introduced a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift toward a high-tech driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were relatively modern.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication. It came standard with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking and Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assist system.