2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Subaru Forester

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 Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing excitement from the Camaro with its snarling face and muscled body. 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 point.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester maintained a more traditional SUV appearance, with a boxy, upright shape that appealed to many shoppers. While its styling was not groundbreaking, it was practical and unpretentious, offering a clean look that resonated with those seeking functionality over flash. The Forester Sport trim added some visual interest with orange accents and black alloy wheels, but overall, the Forester's design was more about utility than making a statement. Inside, the Forester provided a no-nonsense mix of materials designed to withstand wear and tear, with a focus on practicality and durability.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter inline-four that produced 193 horsepower, which was deemed underpowered for the vehicle's persona. A more suitable choice was the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 227 horsepower, but the standout was the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a sport-tuned suspension and torque-vectoring rear axle, provided a dynamic driving experience. However, the transmission's slow response and lack of paddle shifters detracted from the overall sporty promise. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was average, with 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a single powertrain option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for most driving situations, the engine lacked the power needed for confident highway merging and overtaking. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a soft ride with noticeable body roll and bounce on uneven surfaces. Subaru's standard AWD system, enhanced by X-Mode for different terrains, provided an edge in off-road capability, although the Forester was not designed for serious off-roading. Fuel economy was competitive, with the Forester offering a balance of efficiency and capability.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers, with seats mounted lower into the floor for easy entry and exit. However, its low roofline and poor sightlines were drawbacks, partially mitigated by large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera enhancements. Cargo space was decent, with 64 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The Blazer's towing capacity reached 4,500 pounds with the right configuration, making it versatile for various needs. Interior controls were user-friendly, with innovative features like temperature dials integrated into air vent rings and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in interior space, offering above-average headroom and legroom due to its tall roofline. This design also contributed to excellent visibility and a spacious feel, though it could lead to increased cabin temperatures on sunny days. Cargo capacity was generous, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded. While lacking some features like a sliding second-row bench, the Forester offered practical storage solutions and optional conveniences like a power liftgate. The interior layout was straightforward, with easy-to-use controls, though some features like a power-adjustable driver's seat required upgrading to higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The RS trim added advanced features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. A "Plus" version of the infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. GM's system allowed for cloud-based settings transfer and contactless payments, though its availability was limited. Standard driver assists included forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, but the Blazer lacked semi-automated driving functions.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system started with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, Harman Kardon audio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls complementing the touchscreen, though it was slow to start. Additional displays provided secondary information, but the setup felt overly complex. Subaru's approach to technology focused on practicality, with features designed to enhance usability without overwhelming the driver.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." Standard safety features included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking on higher trims. However, the Blazer lacked some advanced safety features like rear emergency braking and an inboard side airbag.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Subaru's EyeSight system, standard on the Forester, included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Forester also offered a unique DriverFocus monitoring system to prevent driver distraction. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking, enhancing the Forester's comprehensive safety suite.