2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was inspired by its larger sibling, the Blazer, and presented a charming subcompact design. It borrowed styling cues from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, featuring dark gray plastic trim and two-tone paint options. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique wheels, and sport terrain tires. Inside, the Trailblazer impressed with its control layout and storage, though it was let down by hard plastic surfaces, which felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid maintained a sharp, streamlined profile, reminiscent of its Lexus family. Despite its sporty F Sport Black Line trim, the NX's design felt dated. The interior, while initially radical, became familiar over time. The NX offered a sporty feel with a high dashboard and door sides, but material quality seemed more mainstream than luxury, with plastic switchgear and trim.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model featured a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower, while other trims, including the Activ AWD, had a 1.3-liter engine producing 155 horsepower. The AWD models swapped the CVT for a 9-speed automatic, providing smooth gear changes. Despite its modest power, the Trailblazer managed most driving conditions well, though it struggled on steep inclines. It averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, and the hybrid system struggled with seamless power delivery.

The Trailblazer's interior offered leatherette seats, though climate control issues affected comfort. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats were less accommodating, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. Cargo space was competitive, expanding from 25.3 to 54.4 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited headroom and rear legroom, making the rear seats feel cramped. The front seats provided excellent support, with available heated and ventilated options. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet expanding to 53.7 cubic feet. The NX's design aimed for a sporty feel, but rear visibility was compromised.

The Trailblazer featured two infotainment systems, with the upgraded version offering an 8-inch display, wireless connectivity, and a Bose sound system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls enhancing user experience.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, relying on a difficult-to-use touchpad. The standard 8-inch display lacked a touchscreen, and the graphics felt outdated. While analog controls were available, the overall system felt dated. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the Mark Levinson upgrade appealing.

The Trailblazer came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, some systems were inconsistent, and crash-test ratings were pending.

The Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It included Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist. The NX offered impressive safety features, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.