2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye moved along the vehicle's sides and rear. The rear was marked by an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality with luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats. The minivan's sound deadening technology was enhanced, providing a quieter ride.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was noted for its striking exterior styling, reminiscent of a Lamborghini Urus, with its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and aggressive front end. The Blazer's design was a departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, drawing inspiration from the Camaro with its muscled body and chopped roof. The Blazer offered various customization options, including different grille designs and packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions. However, the interior was criticized for its low-rent feel, with dark, unsupportive seats and downmarket materials that did not match its price point. Despite this, the Blazer's exterior design left a lasting impression, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine, dual-motor electrically variable transmission, and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption ratings of 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, while the AWD version had slightly higher consumption.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer in Canada offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, standard on the RS and Premier trims, provided a strong performance with a sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering. The Blazer's AWD system required manual activation, unlike the Pacifica's automatic system. The Blazer's transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. Fuel consumption ratings for the AWD V6 were 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined, while the AWD turbo inline-four achieved 10.6 city, 8.0 highway, and 9.4 combined.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid for a sense of togetherness. The minivan featured power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica's cargo area provided best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel. The second-row under-console storage and in-floor storage bins added to its practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers, with seats mounted lower into the floor for easy entry and exit. However, its sightlines were poor due to its 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's controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around air vents for temperature control and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern, customizable interface and quick responsiveness. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pacifica offered a six-speaker sound system, with upgrades available to a 13-speaker Alpine system or a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The RS trim with the Safety Plus package added features like wireless phone charging, LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system's "Plus" version included navigation, onboard apps, and the ability to pair two phones simultaneously. GM's system allowed for cloud-based settings transfer and individual privacy settings for apps.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 standard or available safety features, with most becoming available at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with active braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer included standard safety features like 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 received lower ratings. The Blazer lacked some advanced features like a semi-automated function for traffic and rear emergency braking.