2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face. Its appealing styling, with well-proportioned lines and small details, made it stand out. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. Even the base L trim looked good, which was quite a feat. The Trailblazer came in five versions: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195 and ended up at $33,000 with options. However, the interior was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its overall value.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was redesigned and tested in Santa Barbara, California. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions were the focus, with the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid arriving later in 2023. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle looked identical to the standard RX 350, with no hybrid-specific badges or design elements. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The 2023 RX models maintained the RX's traditional blunt-nosed look, with a wheelbase stretch that reduced the rear overhang, making it look smaller despite being the same size as the outgoing model. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance with contemporary textures and backlit ambient lighting.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. Both engines came with a CVT for FWD models, but AWD models got a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim, with its 18-inch aluminum wheels and Sport driving mode, was fun to drive around town and on winding roads. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. Our test vehicle averaged 26.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid had a new powertrain lineup. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, and was expected to average 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 a six-speed automatic transmission, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it was expected to get no better than 27 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering made it fun to drive, but accessing the Sport mode was cumbersome. Our test vehicle averaged 20.9 mpg, while the RX 350h averaged 32 mpg, short of the estimated 36 mpg.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim test vehicle had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded down. The trunk held 25.3 cubic feet of cargo, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for longer items.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was comfortable and spacious. The RX 350h Luxury trim had ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard leather. The hybrids' battery packs were under the back seat, raising the seat cushion and reducing rear headroom. The RX had 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, an improvement over the old model but still less than some rivals.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Our test car had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was easy to use, with physical controls for essential functions. Remote engine starting and a hands-free power tailgate were available.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid had a new infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services plans after trial subscriptions. The Lexus Interface included Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The system worked well but had some issues, such as reflections on the screen and the lack of a tuning knob. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which were problematic with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was also available, automatically slowing the RX when the accelerator was released. The new front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had some issues, and the driver monitoring system could be obstructed by the driver's arm. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were also available.