2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Lexus GX underwent a transformative redesign compared to its previous model year, the GX 470. Moving away from the softer, rounded edges of its predecessor, the new GX boasts sharply geometric styling that speaks to modernity and strength. While the trademark “spindle” grille remains, it is less pronounced, framed by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front fascia stands more vertically, a departure from the softer design of the second-generation GX, providing an aggressive, confident demeanor. Humps on the otherwise flat hood rise above the front wheels, aiding in positional awareness during off-road adventures.

Down the sides, the GX appears chiseled from a single block of metal, with minimal character lines that follow a horizontal path, reinforcing its robust persona. The low window beltline further enhances visibility for off-roading, with a slight uptick ahead of the C-pillar. For functionality, standard running boards are in place, with powered versions available in the Luxury+ trim.

Lexus offered the GX in six trim levels, including Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. While the Premium+ was expected to be the top seller, the GX Luxury+ and Overtrail+ trims exemplified the vehicle’s luxury and rugged nature, respectively. Luxury models included 22-inch wheels, illuminated doorsills, and ambient interior lighting, ideally suited for a high-end experience. In contrast, the Overtrail trims featured 18-inch wheels with larger 33-inch all-terrain tires and tough Nuluxe leatherette upholstery.

All GX models blended luxury with durability, boasting interiors with standard heated and ventilated front seats and utilitarian materials, such as polyurethane touchpoints. The dashboard, dominated by a 14-inch touchscreen display, remained flat and upright, unlike the driver-tilted units in other vehicles. Despite being less opulent than a Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the GX represented a premium SUV designed for arduous use.

Chevrolet's 2024 Blazer EV marked a significant evolution from past models, particularly the original K5 and S-10 variants. The Blazer transitioned from a truck-based off-roader to a car-based crossover in 2019, and the new Blazer EV built on that model's aesthetics using an electric vehicle platform. Based on General Motors' Ultium component set, the Blazer EV’s wheelbase could be adjusted by varying the battery modules, sharing a long 121.8-inch wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, although its proportions make it appear elongated.

The Blazer EV’s design echoed the gasoline model's aggressive front end and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a strong SUV presence compared to the aerodynamic designs of competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Kia EV6. Available in LT and RS trims, the Blazer EV offered distinct styling variations, with LT sporting a color-coordinated front fascia and RS boasting a blacked-out look with 21-inch wheels. A future Blazer EV SS promised unique elements and 22-inch wheels.

Inside, RS and SS models featured round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery for a fun, sporty feel. While some interior components felt cheap, the cabin was mostly free of piano-black plastic. The Blazer EV lacked the premium feel found in some rivals but offered a unique, bold design consistent with Chevy's evolution in the electric SUV market.

The 2024 Lexus GX dropped its naturally aspirated V8 in favor of a new twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This switch provided more power and low-end torque, crucial for off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Tacoma, the GX exhibited enhanced stability and handling due to its stiffer chassis. The 10-speed automatic transmission, borrowed from the Tundra but optimized for the GX, ensured smooth and decisive gear changes. Standard full-time 4WD, a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential, and optional E-KDSS on Overtrail trims boosted its off-roading credentials, allowing for better wheel articulation and stability.

In test drives, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, though conditions were favorable. Despite its hefty weight of over 5,000 pounds, it handled well with minimal body roll, a significant improvement over its predecessor. However, off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, leaving some features like traction management and crawl-control untested.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered several powertrains, including a single-motor RWD with 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque and a dual-motor AWD with 288 hp and 333 lb-ft. Unusual for dual-motor setups, the AWD configuration had a lower output but was seen as the base offering for AWD enthusiasts. A future single-motor FWD model aimed to be the most affordable option, expected in 2025. Topping the lineup, the Blazer EV SS featured a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft torque, promising a 0-to-60 mph time under four seconds thanks to the WOW mode.

During limited drive tests of the RWD and AWD Blazer EV RS, both showed strong acceleration, though the RWD felt slightly traction-limited. The AWD, despite its lower power, seemed to offer better off-the-line performance. With precise steering, the Blazer EV handled twisty roads well but at the cost of ride comfort. The stiff suspension often made smooth roads feel rough, though cabin noise was minimal. The regenerative braking system, controlled by a paddle on the steering wheel, allowed for customizable braking akin to downshifting in a manual car, providing a more involving driving experience.

The GX's interior in 2024 showcased a significant departure from its predecessor. It featured a minimalist and sophisticated design with fewer physical buttons but retained crucial controls. Rotary knobs for climate control flanked the 14-inch touchscreen, and physical buttons remained for off-roading features. Passengers enjoyed ample space in the front and second rows, with 41.2 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches in the second row. However, the third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was cramped, suitable more for children than adults.

Comparing cargo space, the GX excelled with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded. Total cargo volume reached 76.9 cubic feet, and Overtrail models offered even more, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a whopping 90.5 cubic feet overall. This made the GX a leader in cargo capacity compared to competitors like the Land Rover Defender.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV, while spacious, offered headroom and legroom similar to rivals Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The driving position was more car-like, lacking the commanding SUV feel. With 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, it fell short of the gasoline Blazer's capacity but surpassed the EV6. Notably, the Blazer EV lacked a front trunk (frunk), unlike the Mach-E, which offered 29.7 and 59.7 cubic feet, respectively, with additional frunk space. However, the Blazer EV featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a large center console and door pockets, though some controls had moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dashboard, with multiple USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad in the front. Overtrail models received additional rear USB-C ports, and all models included a 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect and Remote Connect subscription services offering voice-assisted commands and remote functionality. While the standard 10-speaker audio system was impressive, the Luxury and Overtrail+ trims offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, post-trial subscription costs for these connected services might concern long-term owners.

The Blazer EV debuted a new Google-based infotainment system, similar to those in Volvo and Polestar cars, integrating Google Maps and Assistant but eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both with sharp graphics. Built-in route planning for charging and over-the-air updates added functionality but meant some essential controls, like headlights, moved to the touchscreen. The Blazer EV introduced a hands-free start system, allowing drivers to start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal if the key fob was inside, enhancing convenience and aligning with a high-tech driving experience.

The Lexus GX improved its safety features significantly in 2024 with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature added further safety by braking the car as needed during adaptive cruise control use. While crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were pending, the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and modern GA-F architecture instilled confidence in the GX’s safety.

The Chevrolet Blazer EV included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional features like reverse automatic braking, park assist, and Super Cruise hands-free driving enhanced its safety suite. Super Cruise used detailed maps and a driver-monitoring system for safe lane-centering and adaptive cruising. Like the GX, official crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at launch.