2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with the myriad of compact crossovers on the market. Its design, characterized by a similar "daylight opening" to its competitors, did little to stand out. While the CR-V featured a distinct grille and some chromed plastic accents, these details were not significant enough to make it a choice based on aesthetics. Colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral tones, making vibrant choices like Radiant Red a rarity on dealership lots. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome, but it still faced stiff competition from more stylish rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer boasted a more striking design, drawing inspiration from the Camaro. Its exterior was enhanced by options like two-tone paint and 20-inch wheels, although some found the black trim on the rear bumper to be an odd design choice. Inside, the Blazer continued the sporty theme with Camaro-inspired elements in the infotainment and climate control systems. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and sophisticated touches, such as red interior accents that matched the exterior paint. While the Blazer's design was generally appealing, it was not without its quirks, such as the hard upper door panel trim.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for thrilling performance but rather for smooth and steady driving. Its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 190 horsepower, allowing for a modest acceleration time of about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. This performance was on par with its competitors, though not particularly exciting. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, but lacked the engagement offered by some rivals with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims, similar to most competitors except the Subaru Forester, which offered AWD as standard.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered more power with its standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and multiple driving modes enhanced its versatility. Higher trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower, paired with a sophisticated dual-clutch AWD system on the RS trim. The Blazer's V6 provided strong acceleration, though it was sometimes noisy. While the Blazer RS felt sporty in urban settings, it struggled on winding roads, with a suspension that was too bouncy and a transmission that was slow to downshift. Fuel efficiency was slightly below expectations, averaging 11.5 L/100 km in testing.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with a total cargo capacity of 1,065 litres when the rear seats were folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual, power, or hands-free tailgate operation, making it convenient for loading cargo. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its practicality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and functional interior, with black leather upholstery and red accents in the RS trim. The front seats offered power adjustments and optional ventilation, though they lacked thigh support. Dual-zone climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort. The Blazer's back seat was spacious and adjustable, allowing for increased cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment and various bins and pockets. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though these figures were modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and physical controls. The RS trim included a premium audio system, though the quality of materials was mixed. The Blazer offered a range of connectivity options, including USB ports and a household-style power outlet. The infotainment system was intuitive, with easy-to-use climate controls and innovative temperature adjustment rings on the air vents.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies as standard, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer also offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional options included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat and adaptive cruise control. While the Blazer's safety systems were effective, it did not receive a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS due to its headlight performance.