2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, was a stylish SUV with a Camaro-inspired design. The LT trim featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while other trims came with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The RS trim boasted a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better traction. The Blazer's exterior saw minor updates, including revised bumpers and new wheel designs, with two-tone paint options for the LT and RS trims. The interior, though filled with hard plastics reminiscent of the Camaro, offered a sporty look with red accents matching the Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior of the test vehicle. Despite some odd styling choices, like the black trim on the rear bumper, the Blazer's overall appearance was appealing.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous look, available in both two-door and four-door body styles. Buyers could choose from a variety of engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position close to the steering wheel and windshield. Visibility varied, with some challenges due to the spare tire and roof design. The Wrangler's unique character was evident in its open-air driving experience, allowing drivers to feel connected to their surroundings. Despite its rough ride and noisy cabin, the Wrangler's charm lay in its ability to provide a sense of freedom and adventure.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine generating 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the V6 available on higher trims and offering a more sophisticated dual-clutch AWD system on the RS trim. The Blazer's driving modes included Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,040 kilograms. While the Blazer RS provided a firm and sporty ride, its performance on winding roads was less satisfying, with slow downshifts and artificial steering heft in Sport mode. Fuel consumption was slightly higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km in testing.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and eTorque mild-hybrid system, delivered 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system provided good traction in slippery conditions. Despite a Natural Resources Canada rating of 11.2 L/100 km, the Wrangler averaged 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a loud cabin, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, its off-road capabilities and open-air driving experience made it a favourite among enthusiasts, offering a sense of adventure and freedom.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red accents lending a sporty appearance. The front seats offered power adjustments, heating, and optional ventilation, though they lacked side bolsters and thigh support. The Blazer's dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort. The back seat was spacious, with sliding functionality 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, though sometimes finicky, revealed a 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position close to the steering wheel and windshield. Entry and exit were challenging, especially with a raised suspension. Visibility varied, with some challenges due to the spare tire and roof design. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry difficulties but found comfortable accommodations once inside. Storage was limited, with netting on door panels and small trays. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded. The tailgate design required careful handling on hills and when parallel parked.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with simple physical controls, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim included a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with heating, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Blazer's technology package included USB ports, a household-style power outlet, and a hands-free power liftgate, though its success rate was inconsistent.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. The Wrangler's tech options included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and an available Safety Alert Seat. The Blazer's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance worked well, though its headlights received low ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for crash protection and headlight performance.