2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Volvo XC90

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 wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels contributed to its bold appearance. The Blazer's exterior design was a significant departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, drawing inspiration from the Camaro with its snarling face and muscled body. Despite its eye-catching exterior, the interior was less impressive, with a low-rent feel and materials that did not match its price point. The cabin was predominantly black unless upgraded to the saddle tan leather available on the Premier trim, and the overall interior quality lagged behind competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication, moving away from Volvo's boxy past. The XC90's design was sleek and modern, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athleticism. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, featuring natural wood and metal trim, and luxurious details like a crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in its leather-free options, although Nappa leather was still available for those who preferred it. The XC90's cabin was spacious and airy, with a panoramic moonroof enhancing the sense of openness.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque as the base option. The more powerful 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the RS and Premier trims, delivered 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The Blazer's performance was commendable, with a sport-tuned suspension and a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle on the RS trim. However, the transmission calibration had issues, particularly in Sport mode, where it was slow to respond and lacked paddle shifters for manual control. Fuel consumption ratings for the AWD V6 drivetrain were average, with 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.7 on the highway.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, with the T5 model featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery. Fuel consumption ratings varied, with the Recharge model achieving an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating on gas in hybrid mode and a 4.0 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres with a 29-kilometre EV range.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height did not compromise interior space, thanks to seats mounted lower into the floor. However, sightlines were poor, a trade-off for its sporty design. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seats 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's controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around the air vents serving as temperature dials.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 offered 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior was well-utilized, with ample storage space and a comfortable, airy cabin. The climate control system performed admirably, even in extreme weather conditions, and the standard panoramic moonroof added to the sense of space.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with 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, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system offered a "Plus" version with navigation, onboard apps, and better voice recognition. Unique to GM, the system could upload settings to a cloud account for transfer to another GM vehicle.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While intuitive, it was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay worked well, though Android Auto was not tested. The XC90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an Advanced package with a head-up display and 360-degree camera system. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims, and the vehicle included multiple USB ports for convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with standard driver assist and safety 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 safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor."

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.