2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a classic two-door or a more practical four-door body style, catering to different preferences. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was standard across all trims. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, was a special edition in the US, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. Despite its price nearing $60,000, the Wrangler Sport S interior remained basic, emphasizing its rugged, off-road nature.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer, in contrast, embraced a sleek, road-car-inspired design with a low roofline and a big grille framed by stacked headlights. The Blazer RS test vehicle featured blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels, making it a striking choice for a mainstream crossover. For 2023, the Blazer received subtle styling updates, including new taillights, grille, and LED headlights. The interior boasted a sportier aesthetic with an upright dashboard and large round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro muscle car. Cloth seats were standard, with leather upholstery available on higher trims. The Blazer RS impressed with its material quality, featuring blue trim, chrome accents, and a dark blue and black two-tone scheme. Overall, the Blazer's design and interior offered a more refined and sporty feel compared to the rugged and utilitarian Wrangler.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, the Wrangler was well-suited for challenging weather conditions. However, its fuel consumption was notable, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride, which were all part of its charm for off-road enthusiasts. The Wrangler's open-top design allowed for an immersive experience, engaging all senses and providing a sense of freedom and adventure.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The Blazer's V6 engine provided impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note, but its handling was affected by its weight and top-heavy design. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some rivals with automatic switching. Despite its sporty appearance, the Blazer was not a performance SUV, but it offered a comfortable highway ride with standard Active Noise Cancellation and a well-tuned suspension.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was designed for durability and practicality, with comfortable seats and cloth upholstery. However, getting in and out of the Wrangler was challenging, especially with a raised suspension. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but enjoyed agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was generous, with 898 litres behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offering a spacious interior with nearly identical front-seat headroom to rivals. Rear-seat headroom was slightly below average, but legroom was decent. The Blazer's cargo space was 864 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors. The Blazer's interior felt spacious and functional, with well-placed USB ports and a unique temperature control system. A heated steering wheel was standard on the RS grade but not available on lower models, which was an unusual oversight for Canada.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was relatively basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades for 2023, 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 infotainment system was intuitive, with a user-friendly layout. The Blazer's tech presentation was modern, with a large touchscreen and optional 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer expanded its safety features for 2023, 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. The Blazer received high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it "Good" ratings in all crash-test categories and the NHTSA giving it a five-star overall safety rating.