2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer presented itself as a compact yet stylish SUV, reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Blazer. It balanced ruggedness with sophistication, featuring intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim that elevated its appearance. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling cues, with the Activ showcasing a rugged front fascia and the RS embracing a sportier look with blacked-out trim and dual exhausts. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive touch, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Trailblazer's cabin combined various textures and colors, providing a unique personality, though it didn't scream adventure.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, aimed for a luxury SUV feel. It featured upscale styling with 22-inch wheels that enhanced its presence. The design was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred subtlety. The TX came in multiple trims, with the TX 350 being the most popular. It offered a turbocharged engine with options for FWD or AWD. The interior, especially in the Luxury trim, boasted premium materials and features, though it felt a bit dark despite the panoramic sunroof. The TX provided a luxurious experience, fitting for the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform with the Buick Encore GX, offering two engine options: a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter turbo-three producing 155 horsepower. The 1.2-liter engine was FWD only, while the 1.3-liter offered both FWD and AWD. The AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which, despite some rough shifts, provided a decent driving experience. The Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, with specific tuning for gravel roads, though it exhibited typical body roll. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems.

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. It accelerated to 60 mph in about eight seconds, offering adequate performance. The FWD model averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating. The AWD option improved traction but slightly reduced fuel economy. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft. Overall, the TX 350 offered a balanced driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It provided generous headroom and mid-pack legroom compared to rivals. The rear seats were comfortable for short trips, but longer journeys might be less appealing. Cargo space was respectable, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.4 cubic feet with seats folded. However, it lacked significant towing capacity, rated at only 1,000 pounds. Upfront, storage solutions were well thought out, though some features, like the dashboard carve-out, seemed impractical.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous Lexus SUV shortcomings by offering a spacious and comfortable three-row configuration. The TX 350 Luxury trim featured premium materials and heated seats, though it lacked a massage function. The second-row bench was less welcoming due to its flat cushion, but the third row was surprisingly accommodating for adults. Cargo space was ample, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 8-inch touchscreen and Bose audio system were available. While the tech features were adequate, they might not satisfy tech-savvy buyers due to the relatively small screen size and lack of a fully digital instrument cluster. However, the system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy-to-read graphics.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, and a 14-inch touchscreen. The Lexus Interface system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were drawbacks. The TX also provided a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, enhancing the listening experience. Additional connectivity features included Drive Connect, Service Connect, and Safety Connect subscriptions.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was included but was not always smooth. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and traffic jam assist were available. The system generally performed well, though it occasionally slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.