2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined evolution in its design, appearing shorter in height but broader in width, with a longer wheelbase while maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. This model offered increased cargo space compared to the 2022 version, although it still lagged behind some competitors. The RX's appearance was notably smaller due to a reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a more integrated spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, flowing into an elevated hood that swept back into the windshield pillars. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, maintaining a familiar yet fresh aesthetic that distinguished it from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, featuring digital instrumentation and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The Intelligent Assistant technology, part of the Lexus Interface, offered natural voice recognition, though it required a subscription after three years. The interior quality was high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and trims of textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The RX 350 was available in multiple trims, including Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, and F Sport Handling, with pricing expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based origins to a car-based crossover and now to an EV-specific platform. Built around the General Motors Ultium component set, the Blazer EV shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, though its proportions gave it a stretch limo appearance. The design featured a tall hood, a scowling front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look compared to aerodynamic rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was longer and wider than these competitors, emphasizing its SUV stance.

The Blazer EV launched in LT and RS trims, with distinct styling elements for each. The LT featured a color-coordinated front fascia, while the RS had a blacked-out front fascia and exterior accents. The interior of the RS and SS models included large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery for a more dynamic feel. While some interior components felt flimsy, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic. The Blazer EV's interior space was comparable to its rivals, with a focus on style and functionality.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered more torque and better high-altitude performance than the previous 3.5-liter V6, though it lacked the V6's smoothness. During testing, the RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure and composed ride. Both models featured 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, and the F Sport Handling trim included upgraded brakes. The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD version did so in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor RWD and a dual-motor AWD powertrain in the LT and RS trims. The RWD model produced 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while the AWD model had 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque with an 85-kWh pack. A single-motor FWD option was planned for the 2025 model year. The Blazer EV SS performance model would feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds. During testing, the RWD and AWD RS models demonstrated strong acceleration, with the AWD version offering better traction. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, though the stiff suspension compromised comfort. Regenerative braking was adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered a comfortable interior, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim included black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim, with optional Rioja Red NuLuxe. Both models provided ample rear seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RX offered improved cargo space over the previous generation, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The driving position was not as commanding as a traditional SUV, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. Cargo space was 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 59.1 cubic feet with them folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk, unlike the Mach-E. The interior offered practical storage solutions, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services. Drive Connect, free for three years, offered Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. User profiles could be set up for different drivers, and streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music were available. The system's primary drawback was the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional features like a digital rearview mirror and color head-up display.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. It lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users. A 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster were standard, with sharp graphics and built-in route planning. The system supported over-the-air updates for new features. The user experience was generally positive, though the touchscreen's angle and placement of some controls required adjustment. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift toward a high-tech driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve speed-reduction function. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also available. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, it had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and non-predictive curve-speed reduction technology.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional aids included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system, which maintained speed and lane position using detailed maps and a driver-monitoring system.