2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 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 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 colour options, making it feel dated and cheap compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered a more traditional SUV styling with a tall hood, broad shoulders, and an upright profile. It distinguished itself from the standard Wagoneer with a black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille. The Grand Wagoneer featured high-end materials and convenience features, including 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim. The interior was luxurious, with thoughtful details like seat controls placed high on the doors and a "Grand Wagoneer" badge on the dashboard. Despite its size, the Grand Wagoneer provided a quiet and comfortable ride, although it felt ungainly at higher speeds.

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 engine was the 3.6-litre V6, 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 worked harmoniously, offering 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 litres per 100 kilometres city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately six seconds. The Grand Wagoneer featured a standard Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, as well as a Quadra-Lift air suspension system. This setup provided excellent off-road capabilities, with a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres and the ability to ford up to 60 centimetres of water. However, the Grand Wagoneer felt ungainly at higher speeds, with a bouncy ride and imprecise steering.

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 the design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view mirror 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, including movable rings around the front air vents for temperature adjustment, and standard heated front seats.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer seated seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres with all three rows in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. It came with a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins, though forward visibility was limited by the hood.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering 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 included navigation, onboard apps, and the ability to pair two phones simultaneously. Unique GM features allowed for uploading settings to a cloud account and individual privacy settings for apps.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, while an optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer used the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates. It featured a second screen for seat massagers and a front passenger touchscreen for navigation and entertainment control.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with standard driver assist and safety features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on premier trims. The Blazer scored five stars overall from the NHTSA and received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor."

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.