2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

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 sleek design. Its exterior featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels, all contributing to a bold and memorable appearance. The Blazer's design was a departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more exciting and upscale look. However, the interior did not match the exterior's promise, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed out of place for its price range. The cabin was predominantly dark, with unsupportive seats and downmarket plastics, making it less appealing compared to competitors offering better quality and design at similar price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless and sophisticated design that had aged well over the years. Its rugged yet upscale appearance was complemented by big wheels and flared fenders, making it a balanced work of automotive art. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed to its success, offering a blend of mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV characteristics. The interior of the Grand Cherokee Summit trim was luxurious, featuring premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, creating a high-end feel. However, the interior design was beginning to show its age, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits indicating a need for a redesign.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with the base engine being a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The preferred engine was the 3.6-litre V6, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, providing a strong and agile driving experience. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering worked harmoniously, offering impressive handling reminiscent of a BMW. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode detracting from the overall sporty experience. Fuel consumption ratings for the AWD V6 were average, at 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 offered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology helped improve fuel efficiency, though it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it suitable for both city and backcountry driving.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height was offset by seats mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to its design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view mirror camera improved visibility. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seat folded and 864 litres when raised. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,041 kilograms with the right configuration. The Blazer featured simple controls, with movable rings around the front air vents serving as temperature dials, and standard heated front seats with available heated steering wheel and cooled front seats.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats and leather-wrapped panels. Both front seats provided eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat was comfortable but had snug legroom for taller adults. The Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 1,934 litres when the second-row seats were folded. The power liftgate and folding seat mechanisms were user-friendly, though interior storage was limited, especially with the optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system's "Plus" version included navigation, onboard apps, and better voice recognition. Unique GM features allowed settings to be uploaded to a cloud account for transfer to other GM vehicles, with an app store for easy downloads and updates.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system provided a nearly flawless user experience, with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. SiriusXM services included satellite radio, Traffic Plus, and Travel Link, with a free year of SiriusXM Guardian for remote access and emergency services. The infotainment system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Grand Cherokee offered essential technology, with sophisticated 4WD systems and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on premier trims. The Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in the frontal crash and rollover tests. The IIHS gave it top "Good" ratings in crash tests but "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for headlights. A driver's knee airbag was standard, but rear emergency braking was not offered.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but a four-star rating for 2WD models due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated it "Marginal" for driver and "Poor" for front passenger in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Grand Cherokee Summit included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also featured a backup camera, parking sensors, and ParkSense parking assistance.