2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, offered a blend of sporty aesthetics and practical design. The LT trim featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while other trims came with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The RS trim stood out with its advanced twin-clutch AWD system, enhancing its performance on low-traction surfaces. The Blazer's exterior 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 influences with its infotainment and climate control systems, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative air vent controls. Despite the presence of hard plastics, the interior's red accents in the RS trim added a touch of sophistication.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, with its styling cues from the G70 sedan, presented a luxurious and well-crafted interior. The cabin boasted high-quality materials and a design that was both contemporary and classic. The GV70's dashboard featured a full touchscreen with a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The vehicle was available in five trims with two powertrains, the 2.5T and 3.5T, and an Electrified GV70 model. The base 2.5T Advanced trim was well-equipped with features like power-adjustable seats, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The 3.5T Sport Plus trim added luxury touches like Nappa leather seating and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Electrified GV70 impressed with its luxury credentials and comfortable seating, though its range was slightly limited compared to other EVs.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered driving modes like Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul. The higher trims came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch AWD system in the RS trim. The V6 engine provided satisfying acceleration, though it was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer's handling was decent, with good grip from the 20-inch wheels, but it struggled on winding roads, with the suspension and transmission not performing optimally. The Blazer's fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres, but during testing, it averaged 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T variant came with a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with AWD. The GV70 offered a balanced driving experience, blending comfort and handling. The Electrified GV70, with its 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, delivered 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It had a range of 383 kilometres and supported fast charging. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, leaning slightly towards comfort, and it featured an external "engine noise" for safety.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red accents in the RS trim. The front seats offered power adjustment and optional ventilation, though they lacked side bolsters and thigh support. The Blazer featured dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents, with ample storage space throughout the cabin. The rear seats were spacious and could slide to adjust cargo or passenger space. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though these figures were small for a midsize SUV.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use, which was above average for its class. The GV70's interior featured large cupholders and a centre console tray with a retractable lid. The front seats were comfortable and easy to adjust, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-seat adjustments for comfort. The rear bench could recline, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came with a user-friendly infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with physical controls. The RS trim included power-adjustable front seats with heating and optional ventilation. The Blazer offered dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, and various storage options. The power rear liftgate, available in RS and Premier trims, had a hit-and-miss hands-free operation. The cargo area was 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with large icons and logical menus. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo. Optional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system. The rotary dial for infotainment control was located near the rotary shifter, which could cause confusion.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. It also featured a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology. Available upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Blazer's safety systems were effective, though its headlights did not earn high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5T Advance Plus trim added a blind-spot camera and 360-degree parking camera. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, indicating its high safety standards.