Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Lexus TX

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer continued to build on its sporty theme with a minor styling refresh that accentuated its aggressive design. The top accent lights were made thinner, and the grille was reshaped to suggest a need for more air intake, giving the vehicle a more athletic and serious appearance. Inside, the Trailblazer received a modern makeover with a new digital instrument panel and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, although the digital panel didn't fully occupy its enclosure, giving it a slightly downmarket feel. The materials used were typical for non-luxury subcompact SUVs, with harder plastics but adequately padded touchpoints. The interior layout was similar to the Volkswagen Taos, offering a cohesive design, while the Mazda CX-30 provided a more luxurious feel.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, offered a distinct luxury SUV experience. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX 350, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, provided adequate performance for typical driving situations. The interior of the TX 350 Luxury model was equipped with premium materials and features, including heated and ventilated seats, although the dark Peppercorn interior felt a bit too dark even with a panoramic sunroof. The third-row seat was notably more habitable than previous Lexus models, providing comfort for adults, while the second-row seat offered less legroom when adjusted for third-row passengers. The TX also boasted ample cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT that powered the front wheels. This setup resulted in slow responses and a droning engine under acceleration. The Activ-trim model featured a more powerful 1.3-liter engine with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite the increased power, the Trailblazer's performance was still considered adequate, with a zero to 60 mph time exceeding nine seconds. Handling was average, focusing more on comfort than spirited driving, with a smooth ride over road imperfections and muted road noise.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed a zero to 60 mph time of eight seconds for the FWD model, with the AWD version slightly quicker. The TX 350's performance was described as adequate, with a swell of torque aiding acceleration. The FWD model averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 23 mpg. The AWD option, costing an additional $1,600, provided better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, offering a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, although the brake pedal felt too soft in the test vehicle.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided ample space up front, with good outward visibility enhancing the sense of roominess. The wireless charging pad, cupholders, and storage bins offered convenient storage options. The front seats were firm yet comfortable, with heated seats standard on most trims. The rear seats accommodated adult passengers comfortably, with sufficient legroom and headroom for those under six feet. The Trailblazer offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, nearly matching the Hyundai Kona's capacity, and featured an available hands-free power liftgate.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a more spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seat, while not as welcoming due to its flat cushion, provided triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports. The third-row seat was notably more comfortable for adults, with adequate leg support and large side windows. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Storage options included numerous slots and bins, although some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen standard across all trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's response to inputs was slightly delayed, and a native navigation system was not available. The base six-speaker audio system performed well, with an optional Bose upgrade for enhanced sound quality. The Trailblazer's technology features were considered average for the class, with easy-to-use controls.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues detracted from the experience. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen, offered a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with free subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and "good" scores from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Confidence package added a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was available as a standalone option, and all features functioned reliably during testing.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of the system, provided braking and steering assistance but was not entirely transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The system generally performed smoothly, although it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.