2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to luxury and elegance, standing apart from its Ford Expedition roots. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator's design was distinct, exuding a sense of sophistication that appealed to even the most discerning luxury SUV buyers. Its exterior was characterized by simple, rectilinear shapes, with a few chrome accents adding a touch of class. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and modern, minimalist design. The Slate Gray interior of the test model showcased a taste for finer details, with layered wood trim and a floating centre console adding to its allure. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided unparalleled comfort, making the Navigator's interior one of the most luxurious in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a sporty and appealing design, drawing inspiration from the Camaro. Available in various trims, the Blazer's exterior featured a distinctive look, although some design elements, like the black trim on the rear bumper, were less refined. Inside, the Blazer's cabin was functional and stylish, with black leather upholstery and red accents lending a sporty appearance. The 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls were user-friendly, while the interior space was practical, with ample storage options and a sliding rear seat for added flexibility. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the Blazer's interior was comfortable and well-equipped, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, delivered impressive acceleration and responsiveness, making the Navigator feel agile despite its size. Its towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms, although fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, though not as refined as some competitors. While the steering and brakes lacked the precision of the Cadillac Escalade, the Navigator's overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for highway driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 with 308 horsepower. The V6, available on higher trims, provided satisfying acceleration and a towing capacity of 2,040 kilograms. The Blazer's nine-speed automatic transmission and various driving modes catered to different driving conditions, although the Sport mode's steering and suspension were less refined. Fuel efficiency for the Blazer RS AWD was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres, with real-world testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. While the Blazer's performance was adequate for everyday driving, it lacked the driving dynamism promised by its sporty styling.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seat. Its boxy shape provided ample cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with all seats folded. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, although some competitors offered more advanced features. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage functions, while the large windows and high driving position enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's interior was practical and comfortable, with power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone climate control. The rear seat offered ample legroom and could slide to adjust passenger or cargo 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. While the Blazer's interior was functional, its cargo capacity was smaller than some competitors.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while intuitive, felt outdated compared to newer models. It offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good, though not exceptional. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming, but its technology offerings were less advanced than some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen and physical controls. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Blazer's technology package was comprehensive, with features like a power liftgate and various driver assistance systems. While the Blazer's technology was modern and effective, it lacked some of the advanced features found in luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts, although the Navigator's safety technology was not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision alert and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features, like the Safety Alert Seat and adaptive cruise control, were available. While the Blazer's safety technology was effective, its headlights did not receive high ratings from the IIHS, affecting its overall safety score.