2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle that often drew comparisons to high-end models like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive styling, characterized by a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and a bold front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille, made it stand out. The Blazer's design was a departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more exciting and memorable appearance. Customization options were plentiful, with various grille designs and packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions adding unique touches. However, the interior was a letdown, with low-quality materials and a lack of support in the seats, which did not match the vehicle's price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a more subdued yet distinctive look. Its blunt and bulbous nose, along with black windshield pillars, gave it a unique appearance that required some acclimation. The Highlander Hybrid was available in several trims, with the Platinum version offering a luxurious interior with leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the cabin was generally upscale, some details, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The Highlander Hybrid's design aimed to balance style with practicality, offering a comfortable and spacious interior for passengers.

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 lb-ft of torque. The preferred choice 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, brakes, and steering contributed to its impressive handling, reminiscent of a BMW. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. Fuel consumption ratings for the AWD V6 drivetrain were average, at 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 horsepower. It boasted impressive fuel efficiency, rated at 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, it lacked excitement in terms of driving dynamics. The power was adequate but not thrilling, and the drivetrain often sounded strained during acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride quality suffered from unwanted body movement. However, the Highlander Hybrid's regenerative brakes were an improvement over the previous generation, and it offered a comfortable and quiet ride on smooth roads.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height did not compromise interior space, thanks to seats mounted lower into the floor. However, visibility was a challenge due to poor sightlines, mitigated by large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view mirror cameras. 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 trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine. The Blazer's controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around air vents serving as temperature dials.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with 10-way power seat adjustment for the driver. The test vehicle featured a no-cost bench seat option, increasing seating capacity to eight. However, the Highlander felt narrow, and the third-row seat was uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seat folded and a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres. While storage was plentiful, some design choices, like the placement of the wireless smartphone charger, hindered access to storage areas.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The RS trim added features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with options for navigation, onboard apps, and cloud account settings. GM's system allowed for easy updates and privacy settings for apps.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display on the Platinum trim, along with an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Toyota's Driver Easy Speak technology projected the driver's voice through the stereo speakers, and a video rearview mirror provided an unobstructed view. The system's controls were intuitive, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered a range of standard driver-assist and safety features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." The Blazer lacked semi-automated functions and rear emergency braking.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure with steering assist. It added intersection support and emergency steering assistance for 2021. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.