2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to devour the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with three paint options: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was built for off-road adventures. The flared fenders added to its chunky look, but the overall design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky aesthetics. Inside, the GX had a mix of luxury touches and disappointing plastic materials, with features like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer, after its 2021 reintroduction, marked a significant departure from its predecessor. It was 18 inches shorter and sported aggressive styling with sharp body creases reminiscent of the sporty Camaro. For 2024, the Trailblazer received a minor refresh, with thinner accent lights, a reshaped grille, and smaller, deeper-set lower headlights, giving it a more athletic and serious appearance. Inside, the dashboard was modernized with a new digital instrument panel and an 11-inch touchscreen, though the digital panel's enclosure seemed a bit downmarket. The materials on the doors and dash had convincing graining but were made from harder plastic, common in this class. The Trailblazer's interior layout was similar to the Volkswagen Taos, with a cohesive design, while the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more modern and upmarket interiors, respectively.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in noise and power as the accelerator was depressed. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying driving experience for some. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but the roll was predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and solid. The GX featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, distributing power in a 40:60 front:rear split, adjustable based on wheel slip, making it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2024 Trailblazer offered two powertrains: a base 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT, and a more powerful 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter engine provided adequate performance but required planning for highway acceleration and passing. The Trailblazer's zero to 60 mph time exceeded nine seconds, making it one of the slower SUVs in its class. Braking was straightforward and predictable, and while the Trailblazer cornered confidently, it didn't encourage spirited driving. The ride quality was comfortable, smoothing over road imperfections, with muted road and wind noise at highway speeds. Compared to rivals, the Trailblazer's performance was average, with the Mazda CX-30 offering sharper handling and more power.

The 2023 Lexus GX had ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a handy space for a phone, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A ports. The GX's hard buttons were a blessing for those who preferred physical controls over touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged, non-power-operated trunk door required muscle to open. The GX offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded, less than a Toyota RAV4's 69.8 cubic feet.

The 2024 Trailblazer provided a spacious front area with good outward visibility and a largely unobstructed view. It featured a wireless charging pad, medium-sized cupholders, a deep bin with a removable organizer tray, and large door pockets. The front seats were firmly padded and heated on all but the base trim, with a heated steering wheel on the Activ and RS trims. The rear seats offered ample legroom and space for rear-facing infant seats, with adequate headroom for passengers under six feet. The Trailblazer excelled in cargo space, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, almost matching the Hyundai Kona's 25.5 cubic feet. The Volkswagen Taos offered 24.9 cubic feet, while the Mazda CX-30 had 20.2 cubic feet. The Trailblazer's hands-free power liftgate with selectable opening height added convenience.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo, and a CD player. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2024 Trailblazer's 11-inch infotainment touchscreen was standard on all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had a slight delay in response, but the wireless charging pad and satellite radio were convenient. The digital instrument panel was easy to read, though a native navigation system was not offered. Voice control through smartphones was more natural than Chevrolet's system. The base six-speaker audio system performed well, with an optional Bose premium upgrade available. Overall, the Trailblazer's technology features were average for the class but easy to use.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features, its safety systems were commendable.

The 2024 Trailblazer received five stars from the NHTSA in overall, frontal, and side crash evaluations, and four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave it the highest score of "good" in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, and optional blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control was available as a standalone option. The Trailblazer's safety features functioned well, though a head-up display would have been a welcome addition.