2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Genesis GV70

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. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed below par for its price range.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a unique appearance while incorporating some styling elements from other Genesis models. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback look. The GV70 combined SUV bulk with athletic, car-like elements, resulting in a rugged yet sleek appearance. The Sport Prestige model added unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and giant round exhaust outlets. Inside, the GV70 boasted a luxurious and minimalistic design with high-quality materials, offering a more upscale experience than the Blazer.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-liter inline-four engine, producing 193 horsepower, was underpowered and noisy, making it less desirable. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, with 227 horsepower, was more acceptable, but the preferred choice was the 3.6-liter V6 engine on the RS trim, delivering 308 horsepower. The RS trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering, providing a more engaging driving experience. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with two powerful engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, the chassis lacked sharpness, and the steering was not precise enough for spirited driving. The GV70 felt more comfortable on highways, but its firm ride and lack of solidity detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height was not an issue inside, thanks to seats mounted lower into the floor. However, sightlines were poor, a trade-off for its Lamborghini-like appearance. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 30 cubic feet with them raised. It could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the right configuration. The Blazer featured simple and handy controls, such as movable rings around the front air vents for temperature adjustment and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided adequate headroom and legroom in both rows. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The GV70's daring interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, it included a covered storage cubby for phones and rear-seat climate controls. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions.

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 wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included a "Plus" version with navigation, 4G WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Driver assists were standard on most trims, including forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The infotainment system featured a glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom functionality. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and a high-tech rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like driver profiles and valet mode.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for headlights. Standard safety features included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking on top trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, did not have crash-test ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.