2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle that often drew comparisons to high-end models like the Lamborghini Urus, thanks to its aggressive styling and bold design elements. Its exterior featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and distinctive 20-inch wheels, all contributing to a memorable presence. The Blazer's design was a departure from the typical utilitarian look of Chevy's SUVs, borrowing excitement from the Camaro with its muscled body and snarling face. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, as it was criticized for its low-rent materials and lack of support in the seats, which felt inadequate for its price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V was noted for its functional design, which prioritized practicality over standout aesthetics. While its exterior styling was similar to many other compact crossovers, the CR-V offered a few distinguishing features like its grille and chromed plastic accents. The interior was more modern, with angular seat designs and a choice of materials that improved with higher trims. Despite its understated appearance, the CR-V was praised for its spaciousness and ability to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered a choice between two engines in Canada, with the base being a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The more desirable option was the 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing a strong and agile driving experience. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle on the RS trim enhanced its handling, although the transmission's slow response and lack of paddle shifters were noted drawbacks. Fuel consumption for the AWD V6 was rated at 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, came with a single powertrain option across all trims: a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower. While not designed for high-performance driving, the CR-V offered smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of about 8 seconds. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of traditional automatic transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V's standard front-wheel drive could be upgraded to all-wheel drive, which was standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers, with its low roof height not affecting interior space due to the lower-mounted seats. However, visibility was compromised by poor sightlines, a trade-off for its stylish design. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 864 litres with them raised. It also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,041 kg with the right configuration. The Blazer's interior featured user-friendly controls, such as temperature dials integrated into the air vents and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space, offering more than 100 litres of additional volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, it provided 1,065 litres of cargo space. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably fit five passengers, making it a strong contender for families seeking space and functionality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included navigation, onboard apps, and the ability to upload settings to a GM cloud account. Privacy settings for apps were also a notable feature.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering similar connectivity options. Higher trims upgraded the audio system and added features like Sirius XM and HD radio. The Touring trim introduced a wireless phone charger and a satellite navigation system. Charging ports were abundant, with multiple USB ports and a 12-volt outlet available in most trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with standard driver assist features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights received lower scores. The Blazer lacked some advanced features like rear emergency braking and a semi-automated driving function.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning both a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its Honda Sensing system included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, all standard across trims. The CR-V's approach to making advanced safety features accessible at all trim levels was a standout aspect.