2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was a blend of subtlety and sportiness. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels, looked nearly identical to the standard RX 350, lacking any overt hybrid indicators. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, embodying a performance-oriented aesthetic. Despite its popularity, the RX maintained its characteristic blunt-nosed design, with a stretched wheelbase that made it appear smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX offered a minimalist design with improved infotainment, ambient lighting, and luxurious materials like Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo trim in the RX 350h, while the RX 500h featured a sportier, all-black interior with optional Rioja Red upholstery.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a bold evolution for the Blazer nameplate, adopting a new EV-specific platform while retaining some styling cues from its gasoline counterpart. Built around the GM Ultium battery pack, the Blazer EV had a long wheelbase similar to the Cadillac Lyriq, but its proportions made it appear more like a stretch limo. The Blazer EV's design was more assertive than rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, with a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights. It launched in LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling, and promised a forthcoming SS model with unique features. Inside, the Blazer EV offered a fun, Camaro-inspired interior with optional red leather, though some materials felt less premium.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two main variants: the RX 350h and the RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and Direct4 AWD, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Despite its power, it averaged 20.9 mpg in testing. The RX 500h featured adaptive damping, rear-wheel steering, and a six-speed automatic transmission, enhancing its dynamic appeal.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered RWD and AWD powertrains in LT and RS trims. The RWD model had 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque with a 102-kWh battery, while the AWD version had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft with an 85-kWh pack. A future SS model promised 557 hp and 648 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time under four seconds. The Blazer EV excelled in handling, with precise steering but a stiff suspension that compromised comfort. It featured adjustable regenerative braking, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided comfort and practicality. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured ten-way power-adjustable seats, premium leather, and effective climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard leather. The battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space was 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the previous model.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a spacious interior, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs. Cargo space was 25.5 cubic feet with seats up and 59.1 cubic feet with them down, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were touchscreen-based.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. The system had some usability issues, such as limited screen views and reflective surfaces. The available head-up display had dual-function control pads, which were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV debuted a Google-based infotainment system with built-in apps like Google Maps and Assistant. It lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital cluster. The system included route planning and OTA updates. The user experience was generally positive, though some controls were awkwardly placed on the touchscreen. The Blazer EV featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist maintained safe distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. Some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had usability issues. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but untested.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional aids included reverse automatic braking and Super Cruise, a hands-free driver assist system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.