2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was available in Canada in several trims, including LT, True North, Premier, and RS. The LT featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional. Other trims came with a standard V6 engine and all-wheel drive, with the RS trim boasting a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better handling on slippery surfaces. The Blazer's design saw minor updates for 2022, with the Premier trim receiving revised bumper and bodyside trim, and new standard wheels. Two-tone paint options were introduced for the LT and RS trims. The Blazer's pricing ranged from $37,498 to $47,598, excluding a $1,900 destination charge from its manufacturing location in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The RS test vehicle, with additional features, was priced at $53,358. 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 air vent controls. Despite the presence of hard plastics, the interior's red accents in the RS trim added sophistication.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 in Canada offered four gas-powered trims, ranging from the RAV4 LE at just over $35,000 to the RAV4 Limited, priced above $45,000. The Trail trim, with its distinct two-part face, was among the mid-range options. The TRD Off-Road trim was replaced by the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition for 2023. The Trail trim, tested in the US, featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional cladding, but was more style than substance. Inside, orange accents and contrast stitching added flair to the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4's interior included a frameless rearview mirror, offering a touch of premium feel. The LE and XLE trims had fabric upholstery and heated front seats, while the XLE Premium package upgraded to synthetic leather. The Limited trim featured heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats with memory settings. The RAV4's interior was practical, with ample storage options and a rugged gear shifter, though it lacked the premium feel of some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with driving modes including Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul. Higher trims came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, generating 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a dual-clutch AWD system in the RS trim. The V6 could tow up to 2,040 kilograms. The Blazer RS offered a firm and sporty ride, with decent grip from its 20-inch wheels. However, the V6 engine was loud, and the nine-speed automatic was slow to downshift. The steering in Sport mode felt artificially heavy, and the SUV's handling on back roads was less than ideal. The Blazer's fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres, but the test vehicle averaged 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with all-wheel drive, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which offered adequate but unexciting acceleration. The RAV4 Trail trim had 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4s. The engine was noisier than some competitors, but not as loud as the Subaru Forester's boxer engine. The RAV4's performance was more practical than thrilling, with a focus on reliability and efficiency.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a comfortable and practical interior. The RS test vehicle featured black leather upholstery with red accents, giving it a sporty look. The steering wheel was adjustable and heated, while the front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. The seats were accommodating but lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with effective air conditioning and rear vents. The back seat was spacious, with sliding functionality for added cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, which was small for its class.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five, with 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear. Front legroom was 1,039 mm, while the rear offered 960 mm, making it competitive with the Honda CR-V but less spacious than the Subaru Forester. The RAV4's interior included practical storage options, such as a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. The cargo area provided 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded, placing it ahead of some competitors but behind the Honda CR-V.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and physical controls. The RS trim included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with a heated steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with effective air conditioning and rear vents. The Blazer offered ample storage, with a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available on most trims, had a hit-and-miss hands-free operation. The cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch screen for the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RAV4 Trail had a standard 7-inch driver-information display, while the Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch version. The Limited trim also included an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. The RAV4's technology offerings were modern and competitive, with connected services available through subscriptions.

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. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were also available. The Blazer's safety systems were effective and user-friendly, though its headlights did not earn high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured standard safety equipment, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The RAV4 was equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite, which included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing and improved performance in updated tests.