2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by standard LED headlamps in a narrow and angled configuration. The inclusion of functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the Rogue's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few core colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim, with the Platinum model offering a more luxurious interior that aimed to win over skeptics.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was noted for its striking exterior styling, reminiscent of a Lamborghini Urus, with its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and aggressive front end. The Blazer's design borrowed elements from the Camaro, such as its muscled body and chopped roof, creating a memorable and stylish appearance. Customization options were plentiful, with various grille designs and packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions. However, the interior was criticized for its low-rent feel, with dark and unsatisfying cabin materials that did not match the vehicle's price point. Despite this, the Blazer offered good visibility with large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera enhancements.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The engine's power was well-matched to the Rogue's weight, ranging from 1,536 kg for the FWD S grade to 1,653 kg for the AWD Platinum model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less droning than expected, and the Rogue's handling was significantly improved with better torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with ratings of 8.9 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.1 combined for FWD, and slightly higher for AWD.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada: a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft, and a 3.6-litre V6 with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft. The V6, standard on RS and Premier trims, provided strong performance with a sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. Fuel consumption ratings for the AWD V6 were 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined, while the AWD turbo inline-four was slightly more efficient.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered functional updates across all trims, including a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system that added storage space. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and second-row headroom was increased. Standard features included heated front seats and mirrors, with upgrades available on higher trims. The cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres available with the rear seats up and 2,064 litres with them folded. The redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system allowed for flexible storage options.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row SUV, provided comfortable seating for four, with seats mounted lower for easy entry and exit. Cargo space was 1,818 litres with the rear seat folded and 864 litres when raised. The Blazer's towing capacity reached 2,041 kg with the right configuration. Controls were user-friendly, with innovative features like movable rings around air vents for temperature control and a hands-free power tailgate. The infotainment system was fast and easy to use, with options for heated and cooled seats.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose audio system. However, the digital instrument cluster had readability issues.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS trim added wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included navigation, onboard apps, and cloud account settings transfer. Privacy settings for apps were a thoughtful addition.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, with features like forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added ProPILOT Assist for highway driving. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered standard safety features like forward collision alert and lane-keep assist. However, it lacked semi-automated functions for traffic. 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."