2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with the rest of the Volvo lineup. Notable design elements included the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a modified rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and premium feel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, showcased a design inspired by the Camaro, both inside and out. The RS trim, in particular, featured a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for improved traction. The Blazer's exterior was marked by a distinctive black trim on the rear bumper, which some found gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer echoed Camaro influences with its infotainment and climate control systems, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative temperature adjustment rings on the air vents. The interior, while visually appealing with red accents matching the exterior paint, was noted for its use of hard plastics, particularly on the upper door panels.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims offered a 3.6-litre V6 engine, generating 308 hp and 270 lb-ft, with the RS trim featuring a dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,040 kilograms. The Blazer RS provided a firm and sporty driving experience, though the V6 engine was noted for its loudness. While the Blazer promised driving dynamism, it fell short in delivering a truly engaging experience, with the nine-speed automatic transmission being slow to downshift in certain conditions.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in gasoline and Recharge variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox, compensated for the limited space. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red perforations lending a sporty appearance. The front seats offered power adjustment and optional ventilation, though they lacked side bolsters and thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort. 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 power rear liftgate, available on RS and Premier trims, revealed a 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also introduced OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. Notably, the Recharge lacked a start button, with the vehicle starting automatically when the driver shifted out of park.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and simple physical controls. The RS trim's interior featured red accents matching the exterior paint, enhancing its sporty appeal. The Blazer's technology package included dual-zone automatic climate control, USB ports, and a household-style power outlet. The power rear liftgate, available on higher trims, provided hands-free operation, though its success rate was inconsistent.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future advanced driver aids.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, offering forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Available upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Blazer's advanced driving assistance systems were praised for their effectiveness, though the IIHS did not award it a “Top Safety Pick” rating due to headlight performance.