2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to premium quality, offering captivating style and substance. This model year saw enhancements such as more standard equipment, improved cabin aesthetics, and noise reduction modifications. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained an off-road traction assistance feature. With prices ranging from $27,950 to $41,900, the CX-5 offered various trims, including the luxurious Signature trim with Nappa leather and real wood accents. Despite its upscale interior, the lack of contrast in the Caturra Brown leather slightly diminished its premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a bold statement in exterior styling, drawing comparisons to high-end vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive design featured slim-cut windows, sawblade 20-inch wheels, and a striking front end. The Blazer's mission was to impress with its looks, and it succeeded from every angle. However, the interior fell short of expectations, with a low-rent feel and unsupportive seats. Despite its sporty exterior, the Blazer's cabin materials and design did not match its over-$50,000 price tag, leaving it behind competitors in terms of interior quality.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged version, available in GT Turbo and Signature trims, delivered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Despite its 1,734-kilogram weight, the CX-5 Signature accelerated confidently, though its fuel efficiency was slightly lower than the naturally aspirated engine. The G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving engagement, but the SUV's excessive body motions in corners detracted from the overall experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada: a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft. The V6, standard on RS and Premier trims, provided a strong performance with a sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. Despite these drawbacks, the Blazer's handling was impressive, drawing comparisons to BMW. Fuel consumption ratings were average, with the AWD V6 achieving 10.5 L/100 km combined.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's interior was stylish and well-equipped, but it was more cramped than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Heated front seats were standard, with higher trims offering additional features like ventilated front seats and Nappa leather. Cargo space was 875 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,687 litres with the seats folded. The CX-5's focus on upscale features aimed to offset its limited practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer comfortably seated four, with lower-mounted seats for easy entry and exit. However, poor sightlines were a drawback, mitigated by large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera enhancements. Cargo space was 864 litres with the rear seat up, expanding to 1,818 litres when folded. The Blazer's towing capacity reached 2,041 kilograms with the right configuration. Controls were user-friendly, and the infotainment system was fast and intuitive.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering a premium impression but requiring acclimation. The system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Higher trims added features like a Bose sound system and surround-view camera. However, the system's controls were not ideal, and voice recognition was unreliable.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, known for its simplicity and speed. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The RS trim added wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system offered advanced features like cloud account settings and an app store, enhancing user experience.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard ADAS features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with high marks in crash tests.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer also offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision alert and lane-keep assist. However, it lacked semi-automated functions and rear emergency braking. The Blazer received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor."