2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's unique design philosophy, standing out with its smooth, sleek lines that gave it a dynamic appearance even when stationary. Unlike many competitors that embraced aggressive styling, the CX-5 offered a more refined and elegant look. The base model, CX-5 GX, featured practical elements like automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, while higher trims like the GS and GT added luxurious touches such as leatherette seats and a Bose audio system. The top-tier Signature model elevated the experience with premium materials like Caturra Brown Nappa leather and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands in terms of interior quality and design.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was all about making a bold statement with its exterior styling. Its design drew comparisons to high-end vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus, thanks to its aggressive front end, slim windows, and distinctive 20-inch wheels. The Blazer's design was a departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a sporty and memorable look. However, the interior did not match the exterior's promise, with a low-rent feel and materials that fell short of expectations for its price range. Despite this, the Blazer offered good customization options, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle's appearance to their liking.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, providing a balanced performance for everyday driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine offered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, making the CX-5 a lively performer, especially in Sport mode. The CX-5's fuel efficiency was competitive, with the FWD non-turbo model achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway. However, the sporty drive came with a stiffer suspension, which could be less comfortable on rough roads.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, available with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offered two engine choices in Canada. The base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the more powerful 3.6-litre V6 engine delivered 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The V6, standard on the RS and Premier trims, provided a strong performance, complemented by a sport-tuned suspension and torque-vectoring rear axle on the RS. However, the transmission's slow response in Sport mode and lack of paddle shifters detracted from the driving experience. The Blazer's fuel consumption was average, with the AWD V6 model rated at 12.0 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered a comfortable and stylish interior, though rear legroom was somewhat limited. The SUV featured straightforward climate controls and a traditional shifter, which took up more space than modern electronic alternatives. Cargo space was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. Despite this, the CX-5's design allowed it to meet most family needs with ease.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable ride for four passengers, with seats mounted lower for easy entry and exit. However, visibility was compromised by the vehicle's design, though large side mirrors and optional rear-view camera technology helped mitigate this issue. The Blazer offered 864 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. It also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,041 kg with the right configuration. The Blazer's controls were user-friendly, with innovative features like temperature dials integrated into the air vents and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was not as user-friendly as competitors. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the screen's positioning made it difficult to reach, and the lack of tuning knobs was a drawback. The infotainment system's design felt outdated, detracting from the vehicle's overall high-class feel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, known for its simplicity and speed. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system offered advanced features like navigation, onboard apps, and the ability to upload settings to a GM cloud account. The system's app store and privacy settings were user-friendly, providing a modern and connected experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda's warranty included a three-year/unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty and a five-year/unlimited kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer also offered a robust set of standard safety features, such as forward collision alert and lane-keep assist. However, it lacked semi-automated functions and rear emergency braking. The Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." The Blazer included a driver's knee airbag but did not offer GM's inboard side airbag.