2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its blunt and bulbous nose, which gave it an aggressive appearance. Over time, this design became more familiar, blending into the landscape of modern SUVs. The Highlander's styling was further accentuated by black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect, and its swollen haunches attempted to balance the overall look. However, the cartoonishly-flared quarter panels, even with 20-inch alloy wheels, overwhelmed the design. Despite these bold design choices, the Highlander Hybrid's appearance was expected to become more subdued with time.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a design inspired by the Camaro, both inside and out, which appealed to those seeking a sporty aesthetic. The Blazer's styling was enhanced by 20-inch wheels, although the black trim rising from the lower rear bumper to the liftgate gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer featured Camaro-inspired elements in its infotainment and climate control systems, with an 8-inch touchscreen display and innovative temperature adjustment rings. While the Blazer's interior had plenty of hard plastic, the red interior accents in the RS trim added a layer of sophistication, especially when paired with the Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. It was rated to use 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving, with a total output of 243 horsepower. Despite the efficiency gains, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was lacklustre, with power described as adequate but not exciting. The drivetrain sounded strained during acceleration, and the steering was lifeless. However, the regenerative brakes operated smoothly, and the SUV handled well on smooth roads. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in urban environments, offering immediate electric motor torque and a quiet ride on the freeway.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 308 horsepower. The V6 engine, available on higher trims, provided satisfying acceleration but was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer RS, with its dual-clutch AWD system, offered decent grip and capable brakes. However, the SUV's suspension struggled on uneven roads, and the nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift. The Blazer's steering felt artificial in Sport mode, and its driving dynamics fell short of the sporty promise suggested by its styling. Fuel consumption averaged 11.5 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim offered comfortable accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow, and the third-row seat was uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row and a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres. However, storage solutions were less accommodating than the previous generation, and the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, giving the cabin a sporty appearance. The front seats offered power adjustment and heating, but the bottom cushions lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort. The Blazer's back seat was spacious and could slide to adjust cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate revealed an 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though these numbers were small for a midsize SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The JBL sound system, however, delivered mixed audio quality. Toyota's Driver Easy Speak technology projected the driver's voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror provided an unobstructed view behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS offered a range of technology features, including an 8-inch touchscreen display with simple physical controls. The dual-zone automatic climate control system was effective, and rear passengers benefited from air vents and USB ports. The Blazer's infotainment system was intuitive, and the RS trim included a power rear liftgate with hands-free operation. However, the success rate of the hands-free feature was inconsistent. The Blazer's technology package was comprehensive, but the infotainment system lacked the premium audio experience found in the Highlander Hybrid.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure with steering assist. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance for 2021. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which included forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Blazer also had a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Available safety upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Blazer's safety systems worked well, but the IIHS did not award it a "Top Safety Pick" rating due to its headlights.