2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, offered a blend of sporty aesthetics and practicality. The LT trim featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while higher 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 design, inspired by the Camaro, was visually appealing, especially with 20-inch wheels. However, some design elements, like the black trim on the rear bumper, gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer echoed Camaro's design with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls, though it had an abundance of hard plastic. The RS trim's interior, with red accents matching the Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, added a touch of sophistication.

The 2023 Acura MDX, available in standard and Type S versions, offered a luxurious and subtly sporty design. The Type S trim featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, giving it a commanding presence. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The panoramic moonroof and Iconic Drive ambient lighting added to the luxury feel. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear were less user-friendly. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S was a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV, though its body design sometimes gave the illusion of a dented side.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 308 horsepower. The V6, available on higher trims, provided satisfying acceleration but was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer RS, with its dual-clutch AWD system, promised sporty handling but fell short on dynamic driving, especially on winding roads. The nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift, and the steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode. Despite its sporty appearance, the Blazer's driving dynamics were more suited to everyday driving. Fuel consumption was slightly higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the brakes lacked modulation. Fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.9 L/100 km in combined driving. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but lacked the expected performance cohesion, making the standard MDX a more predictable choice.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior. The RS trim featured black leather upholstery with red accents, adding a sporty touch. The front seats offered power adjustments and heating, though they lacked thigh support. The rear seat was spacious and adjustable, enhancing cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment and various bins. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though these numbers were small for a midsize SUV.

The 2023 Acura MDX excelled in functionality, offering three rows of seats and ample cargo space. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row seat was adjustable, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console. The cargo area was spacious, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. The hands-free liftgate and underfloor storage added convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The RS trim included power-adjustable front seats with heating and optional ventilation. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort. The Blazer offered ample storage, with a large glove compartment and various bins. The power rear liftgate, available on higher trims, provided hands-free operation, though its success rate was inconsistent.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. The infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface, which was less intuitive than a touchscreen. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality. The MDX also included a head-up display and AcuraLink connected services, though the native voice recognition system was less effective than using Siri or Google Assistant.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and an available Safety Alert Seat. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance worked well, though the Blazer's headlights were not highly rated by the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it experienced a false collision warning during testing.