2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL Platinum trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission choice, and options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The SL Platinum trim, priced at an estimated $37,998 CAD, featured a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, giving it an appealing look despite its age. However, the interior design felt dated, with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded centre console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer boasted a striking exterior that drew comparisons to high-end vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive styling, with slim-cut windows, sawblade 20-inch wheels, and a bold front grille, made it stand out. The Blazer's design was inspired by the Camaro, featuring a muscled body and a low roofline. Despite its stylish appearance, the interior was less impressive, with a dark, unsatisfying cabin and materials that felt below par for its price range. The Blazer's interior lacked the quality and detail found in some competitors, but its exterior design left a lasting impression.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Weighing 1,664 kilograms, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, even with a Sport driving mode. The CVT managed power well, but the Rogue struggled with acceleration and responsiveness, especially during highway merging or passing. Fuel efficiency was also a concern, with real-world consumption higher than expected. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it lacked driving excitement due to heavy steering and CVT drone.

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 strong performance and a sport-tuned suspension. The Blazer's handling was impressive, with good grip, steering, and braking. However, the transmission's slow response and lack of paddle shifters detracted from the driving experience. Fuel consumption ratings were average, with the V6 AWD achieving 10.5 L/100 km combined.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. While the seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design, they were somewhat undersized, making it difficult for taller drivers to find a comfortable position. Rear passengers enjoyed better comfort with high seat cushions, good legroom, and a panoramic moonroof. The Rogue offered 1,112 litres of cargo space, with additional underfloor storage and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system, but in-cabin storage was limited.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer provided comfortable seating for four, with seats mounted low for easy entry and exit. However, visibility was compromised by poor sightlines, mitigated by large side mirrors and optional rear-view camera features. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 864 litres with them raised. It excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 2,041 kilograms when properly equipped. The Blazer's controls were user-friendly, with innovative features like temperature dials integrated into air vent rings and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with optional upgrades like navigation and a Bose audio system. However, the 7-inch touchscreen felt outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering a quick and intuitive interface. 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 system supported navigation, onboard apps, and cloud-based settings transfer, with privacy settings for data collection.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included ProPilot Assist and a surround-view camera. However, the Rogue's safety ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered standard safety features like forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It received a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" or "Poor." The Blazer lacked some advanced features like rear emergency braking but included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking.