Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, fitting snugly between the Lexus UX and RX models. Its design, while not traditionally SUV-like, maintained a familiar Lexus aesthetic. The F Sport Black Line variant featured a distinctive mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, which contrasted nicely with the darker trim elements. Inside, the NX Hybrid's interior design, once radical, had become familiar due to its consistency over the years. The F Sport package added unique touches like a heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals, but the overall material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted appealing styling with well-executed proportions and character lines. Available in five trims, it offered a range of customization options, including a black- or white-painted roof. The RS trim, tested with AWD, featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a sporty demeanor. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer provided a functional and stylish interior, though it was marred by hard plastics. The cabin was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for urban driving.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on efficiency than excitement. The NX Hybrid accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension in the F Sport model improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with seamless power delivery. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the larger 1.3-liter engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, enhancing ride and handling. The Trailblazer's light weight and turbocharged torque made it nimble and fun to drive, especially in RS trim with Sport mode. However, it was noisy on highways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Despite these quirks, it delivered a respectable 26.1 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid offered limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats, however, provided excellent support and comfort. The dashboard design was sporty, with controls easily accessible, but rear visibility was compromised by thick pillars. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer excelled in functionality, offering ample room for four passengers and a versatile cargo area. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, and the rear seat, though flat, provided decent legroom. The Trailblazer's cargo space was impressive, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, accommodating longer items with ease.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with a cumbersome Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt dated, with text-heavy menus and lackluster graphics. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Mark Levinson system a worthwhile upgrade.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a WiFi hotspot and Teen Driver technology. The RS trim featured a 7-speaker Bose audio system, delivering decent sound quality. The system's intuitive design and physical controls made it easy to use, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist provided essential ADAS features, such as forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.