2022 Toyota Venza 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, 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. It offered a range of customization options, including different grille designs and packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions. However, the interior was a letdown, with low-quality materials and a dark, unsatisfying cabin that didn't match its price point. Competitors offered better interiors at similar or lower prices.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza was a refined and modern vehicle, built on the proven TGNA-K platform. Its design was elegant, with excellent proportions and a scalloped body side that emphasized power. The interior was Lexus-like, with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The Venza's cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample room for rear passengers. It also featured a range of convenience features, including an available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass sunroof. Toyota focused on creating a quiet and serene cabin, using sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 227 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 308 horsepower. The V6 engine was the preferred choice, providing strong performance and a sport-tuned suspension. However, the transmission calibration had 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 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza's hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with regenerative braking to recharge the battery. It offered a smooth and agile driving experience, with a focus on comfort rather than aggressive cornering. The Venza's hybrid setup provided excellent fuel efficiency, with a tank of gas yielding over 800 kilometres.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row SUV that 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, requiring large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera enhancements. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seat folded and 864 litres with it raised. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,041 kilograms with the right configuration.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five passengers in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, making it comfortable for three adults. The Venza's cabin featured numerous convenience features, including an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and a spacious glove compartment. It provided 816 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking materials throughout.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The RS trim added features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included navigation, onboard apps, and cloud-based settings transfer. However, privacy settings were limited.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention. It offered an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The XLE and Limited trims added a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and a head-up display. Toyota Connected Services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect. The Venza's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intelligent touch-capacitive controls and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer included standard safety features like forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, but had "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for headlights. The Blazer lacked semi-automated functions and rear emergency braking.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.