2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated enthusiasts with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains. The Everglades model, in particular, was equipped with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, making it ideal for swamp trekking. Despite its rugged exterior, the Bronco provided a comfortable ride on highways, with a choice between two-door and four-door body styles, and options for a removable roof. Its utilitarian design was complemented by practical features such as removable fender flares and a full-size spare tire mounted on the tailgate.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer embraced a sleek, road-car-inspired design with a low roofline and a prominent grille. The Blazer RS model stood out with its blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels. For 2023, the Blazer received subtle styling updates, including new taillights and grille designs. Inside, the Blazer offered a sportier aesthetic with an upright dashboard and large air vents reminiscent of the Camaro. While the Blazer's interior was well-appointed, it was more focused on style than rugged utility, making it a better fit for urban environments.

The 2022 Ford Bronco was powered by a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.7-litre V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco offered a seven-speed manual transmission for the two-door model with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and all four-door models. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident across its lineup, with models like the Everglades excelling in challenging terrains. It could ford water up to 92.5 centimetres deep and handled rocky trails with ease. On pavement, the Bronco provided a smoother ride than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler, with minimal wind noise and excellent highway stability.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer retained its powertrain options from the previous year. The base LT model featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, was optional on the LT and standard on other trims. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, which was less convenient than some competitors' automatic systems. While the V6 engine provided impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note, the Blazer's handling was affected by its weight and top-heavy design. It was more suited for highway cruising, with a comfortable ride and effective noise cancellation.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The two-door model provided 634 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,481 litres with them folded. The four-door model increased these figures to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Its removable doors and fender flares added to its versatility, while external mounting points enhanced its utility for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle with a focus on interior comfort. It offered 864 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded. While it lagged behind some rivals in cargo capacity, the Blazer felt spacious from the driver's seat, with good visibility and functional interior details. The placement of USB ports and the innovative air vent controls added to its appeal. However, the lack of a heated steering wheel on lower trims was a notable oversight for Canadian buyers.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes allowed drivers to select terrain-specific settings, while the forward-looking trail camera provided a clear view of obstacles. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. These features, combined with off-road apps, made the Bronco a tech-savvy choice for adventurers.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging. The RS and Premier trims featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, built-in navigation, and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and wireless connectivity options. However, the lack of a dedicated button for the 360-degree camera system was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, including hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Bronco received favourable ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" scores in most categories. However, its rollover protection rating was lower, with three out of five stars.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer expanded its safety features for 2023, with the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control was now available on all trims. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests. However, it lacked GM's advanced Super Cruise system.