2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a standout with its striking design, often mistaken for a luxury vehicle like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive front end, slim windows, and 20-inch wheels contributed to a bold, memorable appearance. The Blazer's styling was a departure from Chevy's typical utilitarian look, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a sporty, upscale vibe. However, the interior did not match the exterior's promise, with low-quality materials and a lack of supportive seating, which was disappointing given its price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid maintained a familiar yet distinct look with its sharp edges and streamlined profile. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX's design had not evolved much over the years. Inside, the NX offered a more comfortable experience with supportive seats and a driver-focused layout. However, the use of plastic materials detracted from its luxury status, and the interior felt more mainstream than premium.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, with the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim being the most desirable, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a lively driving experience, complemented by a sport-tuned suspension and torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission's slow response and lack of paddle shifters hindered the sporty promise. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was average at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. While the F Sport styling suggested performance, the NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over speed, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering lacked feedback, and the drivetrain struggled with power delivery. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further reducing acceleration.

The Blazer's interior space was comfortable for four passengers, with easy entry and exit due to low-mounted seats. Visibility was a challenge due to poor sightlines, but large side mirrors and optional camera systems helped. Cargo space was competitive, with 64 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The Blazer's towing capacity reached 4,500 pounds with the right configuration.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited headroom and rear legroom, making the rear seats feel cramped. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and available heating and ventilation. Visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars, but the dashboard layout was functional. Cargo space was limited, with 53.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, and the power liftgate was not standard.

The Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim added advanced features like wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The system was user-friendly, with cloud-based settings and an app store for additional functionality.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, relying on a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it included an 8-inch display with smartphone integration, the system felt outdated. Analog controls were available for basic functions, and higher trims offered a 14-speaker audio system, though the base system was lackluster.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS, though its headlights were rated poorly. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with enhanced options available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system, which was common among competitors.