2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

In 2022, the Chevrolet Blazer was available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trim levels. The LT featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while other trims came with a standard V6 engine and AWD. The RS trim boasted a more advanced twin-clutch AWD system for better performance on low-traction surfaces. The 2022 model saw minimal changes, with the Premier trim receiving updated bumper and bodyside trim, and redesigned wheels. Two-tone paint options were introduced for the LT and RS trims. The Blazer's design, inspired by the Camaro, was visually appealing, especially with 20-inch wheels. However, the black trim on the rear bumper gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Camaro influence was evident in the infotainment and climate control systems, with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative temperature adjustment rings. Despite the presence of hard plastics, the interior's red accents in the RS trim added sophistication.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer continued the trend of sleek, road-car-inspired styling, with a low roofline and a prominent grille framed by stacked headlights. The RS test vehicle's blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels made it stand out. The 2023 model received subtle updates, including new taillights, grille, and LED headlights, along with new wheel designs and additional colour options. Inside, the Blazer maintained a sporty aesthetic with an upright dashboard and large round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro. Cloth seats were standard, with leather upholstery available on higher trims. The RS trim featured blue trim, chrome accents, and a two-tone upholstery scheme. Material quality was impressive, especially in the high-end RS model.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT came 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. Drivers could choose from Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul driving modes. Higher trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, also mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim's dual-clutch AWD system enhanced performance. The V6 engine offered satisfying acceleration but was often loud. The Blazer RS felt sporty in city and highway driving, but its suspension and transmission struggled on winding roads. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres, but our test vehicle averaged 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer retained the same powertrain options as the 2022 model. The base LT featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 engine was optional on the LT and standard on other trims. The nine-speed automatic transmission was standard, with AWD available in Canada. The V6 engine provided impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. However, the Blazer's handling was affected by its weight and top-heavy design. On the highway, the Blazer offered a comfortable ride, though the 21-inch wheels impacted ride quality. The Blazer's 2,041-kilogram towing capacity was competitive for its class.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a comfortable and practical interior. The RS test vehicle featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, giving it a sporty look. The steering wheel was adjustable and heated, while the front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. The rear seats were spacious and could slide forward and back for added cargo or passenger space. Storage options included a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available on RS and Premier trims, revealed an 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offering nearly identical front-seat headroom to rivals like the Ford Edge and Honda Passport. Rear-seat headroom was slightly below average, but legroom was decent. The Blazer's cargo space was 864 litres with rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, trailing behind competitors like the Honda Passport. Despite this, the Blazer felt spacious and easy to maneuver. Functional details included USB ports, a heated steering wheel on the RS trim, and innovative air vent temperature controls.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured dual-zone automatic climate control, effective air conditioning, and rear air vents. The RS test vehicle had power-adjustable front seats with heating and optional ventilation. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment and centre armrest bin. The power rear liftgate, available on RS and Premier trims, offered hands-free operation. The cargo area measured 864 litres, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

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, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The RS and Premier models also had built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a large touchscreen and optional 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came 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. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. The IIHS did not award the Blazer a "Top Safety Pick" rating due to headlight performance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer expanded safety feature availability, with the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control was now available on all trims. Optional features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The IIHS gave the 2023 Blazer high ratings in crash-test categories, while the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating.