2022 Chevrolet Traverse 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 wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels contributed to its sporty appearance, while the bold front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille added to its allure. Despite its eye-catching exterior, the Blazer's interior was less impressive, with a low-rent feel and materials that did not match its price point. The cabin was predominantly dark, with unsupportive seats and an undersized central screen, making it feel dated compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more refined and practical design. It featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated color choices. The Traverse's styling was characterized by its crisply tailored lines and tasteful details, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS trim boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a logical layout of controls. While hard plastic surfaces were present, the overall design was functional and user-friendly, with features like a Dual SkyScape Sunroof enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, with the standout being the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a strong and agile performance, complemented by a sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode that detracted from the sporty experience. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, came with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine was well-suited to the Traverse's size, offering a pleasant ride quality and a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Traverse's fuel economy was slightly better, with the AWD model achieving 20 mpg combined. The vehicle's handling was predictable and trustworthy, though it felt softer at higher speeds. The Traverse excelled in providing a comfortable and capable driving experience, especially on long highway journeys.

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, visibility was a challenge due to poor sightlines, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera systems helped mitigate this issue. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and its trailering package allowed for a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, with its three-row seating, accommodated up to seven passengers in the RS trim. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, and the Smart Slide function enhanced convenience. The Traverse offered generous legroom and headroom, though the third-row seats were less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was abundant, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments for added practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with features like navigation, 4G WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, some driver assists were only available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, and offered similar connectivity features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system and a digital rearview mirror. The Traverse's infotainment system was praised for its excellent voice recognition and ease of use, though the screen size was considered small by modern standards.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA and top "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.

For 2022, the Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS tests, though it was rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test.