2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle, often mistaken for a high-end model like the Lamborghini Urus due to its aggressive styling. Its exterior design featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels, all contributing to its bold presence. The Blazer's front end was particularly notable, with thin lights and a tall, black grille that added to its fierce look. Despite its common Chevy badge, the Blazer managed to evoke a sense of luxury and sportiness, reminiscent of more expensive vehicles. However, the interior did not match the exterior's promise, as it was criticized for its low-rent feel, with dark, unsatisfying materials and a lack of supportive seating. The cabin's design was seen as outdated, especially when compared to competitors offering more luxurious interiors at similar price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas maintained a more understated yet upscale appearance. The Atlas featured a big and boxy design, with R-Line elements and 21-inch alloy wheels enhancing its bold styling. Inside, the Atlas was praised for its simplicity and premium flair, although some materials were considered low-cost, with hard plastics detracting from the overall quality. Despite this, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating up to seven passengers with ease. The vehicle's practicality was further highlighted by its numerous storage areas, although these were unlined, leading to potential noise from items moving around. Overall, the Atlas provided a more refined and spacious environment compared to the Blazer.

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. However, the preferred choice was the 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a strong performance, making the Blazer feel agile despite its weight of 1,929 kilograms. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering worked harmoniously, offering a driving experience comparable to a BMW. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode detracting from the overall sporty promise. 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 Volkswagen Atlas came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, requiring premium fuel for maximum output. The V6 engine, optional on some trims and standard on the Execline, offered 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. While the V6 could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, its acceleration was leisurely, and the engine's design felt outdated. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system that decoupled the rear wheels for better fuel economy. However, the ride quality was mixed, with the 21-inch wheels providing grip but also transmitting road imperfections to the cabin. The Atlas's handling was sound, but an adaptive-damping suspension option was needed for better control on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers, with lower-mounted seats making entry and exit easy. However, its 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 seats folded and 864 litres when raised. It had a towing capacity of 2,041 kilograms with the right configuration. The Blazer's controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around air vents for temperature control and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, seating seven comfortably with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, facilitating easy access. The Atlas provided numerous storage areas, though unlined, leading to potential noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down. The Atlas's practicality and spaciousness were standout features, making it a top choice for families needing ample room.

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 was praised for its simplicity and speed, with features like navigation, onboard apps, and cloud account settings for transferring preferences between GM vehicles.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as standard, with an 8-inch display expanding to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Trendline had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The Atlas offered a 12-speaker Fender audio system on the Execline trim. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome process for tuning radio stations. Voice recognition was also hit-and-miss, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with standard driver assist features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher 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."

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and the system could not be easily disabled while driving. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.