2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle that often drew comparisons to high-end models like the Lamborghini Urus. Its bold design featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and a distinctive front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille. The Blazer's exterior styling was praised for its ability to stand out, with various customization options available to suit different tastes. However, the interior was less impressive, with a low-rent feel and materials that did not match the vehicle's price point. Despite its stylish exterior, the Blazer's cabin was dark and unsatisfying, lacking the quality and detail found in some of its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 offered a more refined and modern look. The exterior updates included a slightly more aggressive stance, a larger kidney grille, and new adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured redesigned taillights and larger exhaust tips, contributing to a cohesive and contemporary design. Inside, the X3's cabin was clean and efficient, with a variety of high-quality materials and finishes. The interior was well-appointed, offering a range of options for customization, including premium Vernasca leather and ambient lighting. The X3's design was not as flashy as some rivals, but it exuded a sense of understated elegance and sophistication.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, both paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. However, the preferred choice was the 3.6-litre V6, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a strong and responsive driving experience, especially in the RS trim with its sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. Despite its performance potential, the Blazer's transmission calibration had some issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. 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 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters as standard. The base xDrive30i model was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The X3 M40i variant offered a more exhilarating experience with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, generating 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This model also included a mild-hybrid system, although its impact on performance was minimal. The M40i's 0-100 km/h time was an impressive 4.5 seconds. The X3's performance was well-rounded, with a focus on delivering a complete package rather than just raw power.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row SUV that comfortably seated four adults. Its low roof height did not compromise interior space, thanks to seats mounted lower into the floor. However, visibility was a concern due to poor sightlines, although large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera systems helped mitigate this issue. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 864 litres when raised. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 2,041 kilograms with the right configuration. The Blazer's controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around air vents for temperature adjustment and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five, with ample room for passengers and their belongings. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, allowing for flexible cargo arrangements. The X3's cargo area was spacious enough to accommodate multiple bags and equipment, with a power tailgate as standard. The interior offered a range of comfort features, including adjustable sport seats and a redesigned centre console for improved ergonomics. The standard infotainment system was larger, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The X3's interior was well-designed, with thoughtful touches like push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, known for its simplicity and speed. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. Higher trims added navigation, wireless phone charging, and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and a Safety Alert Seat. The system also offered unique GM features, such as cloud-based settings transfer and an app store with privacy settings.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a range of connected services. An optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded both screens to 12.3 inches and added cloud-based navigation. The X3's audio system was a 12-speaker HiFi setup, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system available. Additional tech options included a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered a range of standard safety features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Blazer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests, although its headlights received lower ratings.

The 2022 BMW X3 also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety features included rear cross-traffic alert, park distance control, and forward-collision warning. Optional features for 2022 included traffic jam assistance, active lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera view.