2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking presence, often mistaken for a luxury vehicle like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive styling, with a wedgy profile, slim windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels, made a bold statement. The Blazer's design borrowed elements from the Camaro, featuring a snarling face and muscled body, which set it apart from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs. However, the interior was a letdown, with low-quality materials and a dark, unsatisfying cabin that didn't match its exterior allure.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models but with a fresher interior. The Outback's cabin was well-crafted, with quality materials and a spacious feel. The Outdoor XT trim offered a unique touch with water-resistant upholstery and lime green stitching. The exterior was practical, with high gray cladding for protection and a smooth, balanced design. The Outback's styling was understated but functional, emphasizing its capability as a lifted wagon.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder producing 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque as the base engine. The preferred choice was the 3.6-litre V6, delivering 308 hp and 270 lb-ft, 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. However, the transmission's slow response and lack of paddle shifters detracted from the sporty promise. Fuel consumption was average, with the AWD V6 rated at 12.0 L/100 km city and 8.7 highway.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-litre engine, with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. The turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four in the XT trims was a significant improvement, offering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, making it more capable and refined. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, with its high ground clearance and proactive AWD system. Fuel efficiency for the turbo XT was slightly lower than the base engine, but the performance gains were worth it.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer provided comfortable seating for four, with easy entry and exit due to its low-mounted seats. However, poor sightlines were a drawback, mitigated by large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera enhancements. Cargo space was decent, with 1,818 litres available with the rear seats folded. The Blazer's towing capacity reached 2,041 kg with the right configuration. Interior controls were user-friendly, and features like heated seats and a hands-free power tailgate added convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity when the rear seats were folded. The cabin was roomy, with excellent visibility and comfortable seating. Storage solutions were abundant, and the integrated roof rails with crossbars were a standout feature. However, some essential features like push-button start and rear climate vents were not standard on lower trims. The large touchscreen complicated climate controls but was generally responsive and useful.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS trim added wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The system's ability to upload settings to a GM cloud account was a unique feature, enhancing user convenience.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, but it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, was standard across all trims. The system's reliance on cameras without radar limited its functionality in certain conditions, but it provided good semi-automated control on highways.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with standard safety features like forward collision alert and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but had mixed results for headlights from IIHS. The enhanced forward emergency braking was only available on top trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. It was an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The Outback's safety features, including reverse automatic braking and a driver-attention monitor, were available on higher trims.