2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, presenting a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye traveled to the van's sides and rear. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The interior boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats, creating a luxurious feel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, maintained a sporty appearance inspired by the Camaro. The RS trim, in particular, featured a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for improved traction. The Blazer's exterior saw minor updates, including revised bumper and bodyside trim and redesigned wheels. Two-tone paint options were available for the LT and RS trims. Inside, the Blazer echoed Camaro influences with its infotainment and climate control systems. The 8-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, and the cabin featured red interior accents matching the exterior paint. However, the use of hard plastics detracted from the overall quality. The Blazer's styling promised a dynamic driving experience, but it fell short in delivering the expected performance.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, 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 traditional V6 Pacifica achieved fuel consumption ratings of 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, with AWD models slightly less efficient. The AWD system, newly available after 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,040 kilograms. The RS trim's dual-clutch AWD system offered improved responsiveness. The Blazer RS delivered firm and sporty handling, though the V6 engine was loud and unrefined. The nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift, especially in Sport mode, and the steering felt artificially heavy. The Blazer's fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 L/100 km combined, but real-world testing showed slightly higher figures.

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. Storage solutions included an under-stack area and under-console storage for second-row passengers. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red perforations lending a sporty look. The steering wheel offered power tilt and telescopic adjustment, and the front seats featured power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. The Blazer's back seat was spacious, with sliding functionality for added cargo or passenger space. Storage options included a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available on RS and Premier trims, revealed a 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle model offered FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 19-speaker Harman Kardon setup, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen and physical controls. The RS trim's interior featured red accents matching the exterior paint, enhancing the sporty appearance. The Blazer offered dual-zone automatic climate control, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet for convenience. The infotainment system was straightforward, but the overall quality of materials, including hard plastics, detracted from the cabin's appeal.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with up to 116 safety features, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a surround-view camera. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer included the Chevy Safety Assist suite, featuring forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and an available Safety Alert Seat. The Blazer's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance worked well, though its headlights did not earn high ratings from the IIHS.