2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of features, with prices from $42,905 to $56,805. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806 with a destination charge. While quality materials were evident, the interior design felt reminiscent of a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer presented a more visually appealing design, inspired by the Camaro. Available in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, the Blazer offered a choice between a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a V6, with prices ranging from $37,498 to $47,598, excluding a $1,900 destination charge. The RS trim, with its sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system, featured a sporty interior with red accents matching the exterior paint. However, the Blazer's styling had some quirks, such as the black trim on the rear bumper, which detracted from its overall finish.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system. This setup allowed for smooth and refined acceleration, with the ability to direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot offered various driving modes, including Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand, and featured fuel-saving technologies like variable-cylinder management. It achieved a fuel consumption rating of 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving, with a test average of 10.9 L/100 km. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, though its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while higher trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The RS trim's dual-clutch AWD system enhanced responsiveness on low-traction surfaces. The Blazer offered driving modes such as Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul, with a towing capacity of up to 2,040 kilograms. While the V6 provided satisfying acceleration, it was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer's handling was firm and sporty in city and highway driving, but less impressive on winding roads. It averaged 11.5 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the expected 11.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain's chairs were standard on the Black Edition, providing comfort and flexibility. The Pilot's third-row seating was less comfortable for adults, but storage was abundant, with various compartments and a large cargo area. With the third-row seats folded, the Pilot offered 1,583 litres of cargo space, expanding to 3,092 litres with all seats down.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, offering a sporty cabin appearance. The front seats provided power adjustment and heating, though they lacked side bolsters and thigh support. 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, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. 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 Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options. While the system was adequate, it lacked some features found in competitors, and voice recognition required specific prompts.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, physical controls, and innovative temperature adjustment rings. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Blazer's technology was intuitive and easy to use, with effective climate control and rear air vents. Storage options were generous, and the power rear liftgate offered hands-free operation, though its success rate varied.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including 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 were effective, though its headlights did not earn high ratings from the IIHS. The Blazer's safety systems worked well, providing a smooth and non-intrusive experience.