2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing a more characterful appearance. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined and restrained cabin atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer aimed to evoke the excitement of a sports car with its aggressive styling, reminiscent of a Lamborghini Urus. The Blazer's design featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and a bold front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with its sport-tuned suspension and unique styling elements. Inside, the Blazer's cabin was less impressive, with a predominantly black interior and materials that felt below par for its price range. Despite its sporty exterior, the Blazer's interior lacked the refinement and quality found in some of its competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, delivering 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, achieving a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90 provided ample power, its small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin, but its towing capacity was limited to 2,250 kilograms.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer in Canada featured two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 308 hp and 270 lb-ft. The V6, standard on RS and Premier trims, provided strong performance, aided by a sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle on the RS. However, the Blazer's transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. Despite these drawbacks, the Blazer's handling was impressive, with good grip and steering feel. Fuel consumption ratings for the V6 AWD were average, and the Blazer's towing capacity reached 2,041 kilograms with the right configuration.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a choice between six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across its three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious due to the power sunroof and upright roof profile. The XC90's cargo space was limited, with 317 litres behind the third row, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with all seats down. Storage options were also limited, but a hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height didn't compromise interior space, and the seats were mounted lower for easy entry and exit. Visibility was a challenge due to poor sightlines, but large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera improved it. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seat folded and 864 litres with it raised. The Blazer's towing capacity reached 2,041 kilograms with the trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine. Interior controls were user-friendly, and features like heated seats and a hands-free power tailgate added convenience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The touchscreen was easy to use, but the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The RS trim added wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system was quick and user-friendly, with features like navigation, onboard apps, and cloud-based settings. The Blazer's system allowed for easy updates and privacy settings for apps, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. However, its headlights received lower ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Blazer lacked some advanced features like rear emergency braking and semi-automated driving functions.