2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX presented a refined and modern exterior, pioneering the three-row luxury crossover SUV category. Built on a new dedicated platform, it featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The MDX's sportier design was accentuated by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to its assertive and contemporary look. Inside, the MDX boasted a spacious cabin with a layered dashboard, authentic materials, and a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, although not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety, and the front seats offered exceptional comfort and adjustability.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer adopted styling cues more akin to road cars, with a sleek profile and a striking appearance, especially in the RS trim with blackout trim and 21-inch wheels. The Blazer's updates for 2023 included new taillights, grille, and LED headlights, maintaining its fresh look. Inside, the Blazer's sportier aesthetic was reminiscent of the Camaro, with large round air vents and available leather upholstery. The RS model featured blue trim and a two-tone scheme, enhancing its appeal. Despite its sporty design, the Blazer's interior offered functional details like dual-zone climate control and a well-placed infotainment system.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which was standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension upgrades included a double-wishbone setup for improved handling and ride quality. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer carried over its powertrain options from the previous year. The base LT model featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while a 3.6-litre V6 engine was optional on LT and standard on other trims, delivering 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard in Canada. The Blazer's V6 engine provided impressive acceleration, but its handling was affected by its weight and top-heavy design. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some rivals with automatic switching.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity was appreciated for family use. The vehicle provided between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, with additional underfloor storage. Folding down the seats expanded cargo capacity significantly. The MDX's power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing its utility.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offered nearly identical front-seat headroom to rivals but slightly less rear-seat headroom. It provided 864 litres of cargo space with rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, trailing behind some competitors. Despite this, the Blazer felt spacious from the driver's seat, with good visibility and functional interior details. The placement of USB ports and the unique air vent controls added to its practicality. A heated steering wheel was standard on the RS trim but unavailable on lower models.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, delivering exceptional sound quality. All models came with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and the Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with wireless device charging. The MDX offered a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim and a surround-view camera system. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates were also included.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. The RS and Premier trims featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Blazer's tech presentation was competitive, with a large touchscreen and optional 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Acura MDX earned a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in all categories. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The MDX's front-end redesign improved pedestrian safety, and its low-speed braking control system enhanced safety in urban settings. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control was available on all trims, and additional safety features included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received a "Good" rating from the IIHS in crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, it lacked GM's advanced Super Cruise system.