2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trim levels, including base, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier. Prices started at $29,495 MSRP for the base model, with the Premier trim reaching $40,595. An additional destination charge of $1,800 applied, and Subaru offered a variety of dealer-installed accessories. All-wheel drive was standard across all 2022 Forester models. The Forester Wilderness, new for 2022, featured white paint, a dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $38,995, including destination. The Wilderness model had a rugged appearance with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a combination of hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer took a different approach, with styling cues more akin to road cars. It featured a sleek profile with a low roofline and a big grille framed by stacked headlights. The Blazer RS test vehicle stood out with blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels. For 2023, the Blazer received minor styling updates, including new taillights, grille, and LED headlights. The interior had a sportier aesthetic, with an upright dashboard and large round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro. Cloth seats were standard, but leather upholstery was available on higher trims. The Blazer RS boasted blue trim, chrome accents, and a two-tone upholstery scheme. Material quality was impressive on this high-end model, contributing to a more upscale feel.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model had a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25%, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester's engine was adequate near sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT simulated an automatic transmission with eight programmed ratios, and the Wilderness model included SI-Drive for a sportier response. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system was standard, offering improved off-road capabilities. The Wilderness model featured a re-tuned suspension, longer springs, and shocks, enhancing ground clearance to 22.9 centimetres. The Forester excelled in various environments, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard in Canada, with front-wheel drive available in the United States. The Blazer's V6 engine provided impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. However, the Blazer was not a performance SUV, as its weight and top-heavy design affected handling. The Blazer's 2,041-kilogram towing capacity was competitive for midsize SUVs. While the Blazer had a history in off-roading, the 2023 model was designed for pavement, with a focus on comfort and on-road performance.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness model included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The Forester's roof rails were upgraded for 2022, accommodating a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms. The interior offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof and 762 litres with it. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo capacity to 2,101 litres. The Forester's squared-off cargo area and new cargo hooks added to its practicality.

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 provided 864 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded. While these figures were behind some competitors, the Blazer felt spacious from the driver's seat. Functional details included USB ports and a unique temperature control system. A heated steering wheel was standard on the RS grade but not available on lower models.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging. A 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster display was standard, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM were standard. RS and Premier models had built-in navigation and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a large touchscreen and optional 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Limited and Premier trims had DriverFocus facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered the Chevy Safety Assist Package, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control was available on all trims, and additional safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received a "Good" rating from the IIHS in crash-test categories and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.