2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle that often drew comparisons to high-end models like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive styling, with a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels, made it stand out. The Blazer's exterior was designed to impress, with a low shoulder height and a short, non-stubby tail. However, the interior did not match the exterior's boldness. It was criticized for its low-rent feel, with an all-black cabin unless upgraded to saddle tan leather. The materials used were considered subpar for its price range, and the seats lacked support. Despite its stylish exterior, the Blazer's interior left much to be desired.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 presented a polished and futuristic design. Its exterior was characterized by a minimalist approach, with a focus on Parametric Pixel design elements. The Ioniq 5's lighting details, including pixelated LEDs, gave it a concept car-like appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a "Living Space" theme, with a mellow and comfortable cabin. The interior featured sustainable materials, such as recycled fibres and bio-materials, contributing to its eco-friendly appeal. The Ioniq 5's cabin was designed for relaxation, with features like a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, providing a zero-gravity resting position. Overall, the Ioniq 5's interior was praised for its comfort and innovative use of space.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. However, the preferred engine was the 3.6-litre V6, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a strong performance, especially with the sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle on the RS trim. Despite its power, the Blazer's transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. Fuel consumption ratings for the AWD V6 were average, at 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, producing 168 horsepower and offering a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a larger 168-kW motor, delivering 225 horsepower and a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a dual-motor system, producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was not aimed at driving enthusiasts but provided a composed and controlled ride. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking, enhancing the driving experience.

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, sightlines were poor due to its design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera improved visibility. 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 featured simple controls, with movable rings around air vents serving as temperature dials, and standard heated front seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximizing interior space and utility. It had a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade, offering a total interior volume of 3,786 litres. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort over cargo space, with 770 litres of rear cargo space. Its interior featured soft touch points and a moveable centre console, allowing for flexible use of space. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, with added bolsters for security. The Ioniq 5's interior design focused on creating a relaxing and functional environment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, known for its simplicity and speed. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, LED headlights, 360 cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system offered navigation, onboard apps, and the ability to upload settings to a GM cloud account. The app store functioned like a smartphone, with easy downloads and updates.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, digital key, and over-the-air updates. It had 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, finished with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility. The Ioniq 5's technology was both innovative and user-friendly.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer included standard driver assist and safety features, such as forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on premier trims. The Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." It lacked semi-automated functions and rear emergency braking.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. It also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.