2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV that managed to convey a sense of sportiness without resorting to excessive design elements. Its styling changes were subtle yet effective, avoiding the typical performance design cues and blacked-out trims. The RDX A-Spec did not attempt to masquerade as an off-road vehicle, steering clear of oversized skid plates and bulging fender flares, focusing instead on its role as a daily driver and road-tripper. The interior of the RDX A-Spec mirrored its exterior's sporty appeal, featuring quality materials and a unique design that set it apart from typical compact crossover SUV cabins. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a standout in terms of exterior styling, often drawing comparisons to high-end vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive design, inspired by the Camaro, featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and a bold front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille. The Blazer's customization options were extensive, with various grille designs and packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions, allowing for a personalized touch. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, with a low-rent feel and unsupportive seats. Despite its over-$50,000 price tag, the Blazer's cabin materials felt dated and cheap, lacking the quality found in competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy and Toyota Venza Limited.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, provided a noticeable improvement in handling, making the RDX enjoyable to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim featured exclusive Shark Gray 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, enhancing its handling capabilities. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport or Sport+ mode were noted drawbacks.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada: a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The V6, standard on the RS and Premier trims, provided a strong performance, complemented by a sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering. The RS trim featured a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle, enhancing its handling capabilities. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. The Blazer's fuel consumption ratings were average, with the AWD V6 drivetrain rated at 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being classified as a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space, making it an extraordinary value. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation available on higher trims. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had an uncomfortable recline angle. Cargo space was competitive, with 835 litres behind the rear seat and 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. The RDX also featured a deep storage well and three separate storage compartments under the cargo floor.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height did not compromise interior space, and the seats were mounted lower for easy entry and exit. However, sightlines were poor due to the design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view mirror camera improved visibility. Cargo space was generous, with 864 litres behind the rear seat and 1,818 litres with the rear seat folded. The Blazer's towing capacity was impressive, with a maximum of 2,041 kilograms when equipped with the trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While it mirrored the screen and was an improvement over Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot as standard. The RS trim with the Safety Plus package added features like wireless phone charging, LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with navigation, onboard apps, and the ability to pair two phones at once. GM's cloud account feature allowed for the transfer of settings to another GM vehicle, and the app store functioned like those on smartphones.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars in frontal-impact and rollover resistance tests.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer included standard safety features like forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." A driver's knee airbag was standard, but rear emergency braking was not offered.