2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle, often mistaken for a luxury model due to its bold design. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of high-end sports SUVs, with a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and aggressive front end. The Blazer's design was a departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian look, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more dynamic appearance. However, the interior did not match the exterior's promise, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed out of place for its price range. The cabin was predominantly dark, with unsupportive seats and dated materials, which detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was all about ruggedness and adventure. It offered a choice between two-door and four-door body styles, with various engine options, including a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's design was iconic, with a focus on off-road capability and open-air driving experiences. Its interior was basic, with durable materials and a utilitarian layout. The driving position was unique, close to the steering wheel and dashboard, contributing to the Wrangler's distinctive character. While the Wrangler's interior was not plush, it was designed for practicality and durability, with features like floor drain plugs for easy cleaning.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with the 3.6-litre V6 being the preferred choice for its 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a strong and responsive driving experience, especially with the sport-tuned suspension and brakes on the RS trim. However, the transmission calibration had some issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. The Blazer's fuel consumption ratings were average, with the AWD V6 drivetrain consuming 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.7 on the highway.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and eTorque mild-hybrid system, delivered 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system enhanced its performance in challenging conditions. However, the Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a focus on off-road capability and open-air enjoyment, but it came with compromises in terms of ride comfort and handling.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a comfortable two-row SUV with ample space for four passengers. Its low roof height did not compromise interior space, and the seats were mounted lower for easy entry and exit. 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 decent cargo space, with 1,818 litres available with the rear seats folded. It also had a respectable towing capacity of 2,041 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, presented challenges in terms of entry and exit, especially with a raised suspension. The interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position that required acclimation. Visibility was mixed, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seats folded. Storage options were limited, but the Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability and open-air experiences.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering a user-friendly interface with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS trim added advanced features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system was praised for its simplicity and speed, with unique GM features like cloud account settings and an app store.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment features, including Bluetooth and smartphone integration. While it lacked the larger Uconnect system, it still provided essential connectivity. Optional features included remote engine start, satellite radio, and a heated steering wheel. The Wrangler's technology was functional, but wind noise could affect voice recognition systems.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with a range of standard safety features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." The Blazer lacked some advanced features like semi-automated driving functions and rear emergency braking.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its design required careful driving.