2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a staple in the crossover SUV market, continued to build on its legacy of practicality and style. Initially launched in 1996 as a compact alternative to larger SUVs, the RAV4 quickly gained popularity among young buyers. Over the years, it evolved through five generations, growing in size and sophistication. By 2022, the RAV4 had matured into a leading crossover SUV, often topping sales charts in Canada. Its exterior design, while blending in with contemporary crossover aesthetics, featured distinctive angular wheel arches and expressive headlights, giving it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a user-friendly centre stack. The interior design included unique geometric patterns that tied various elements together, enhancing the overall sense of quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer embraced a more road-car-inspired design, with a sleek profile characterized by a low roofline and leaned-back pillars. Despite its sporty appearance, the Blazer maintained the visual weight of an SUV, thanks to its tall ride height and body sides. The Blazer RS test vehicle stood out with its blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels, making it a striking choice in the mainstream crossover segment. For 2023, the Blazer received subtle styling updates, including new taillights and revised grille and headlight designs. Inside, the Blazer's sportier aesthetic was evident, with an upright dashboard and large round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro. The RS model featured blue trim, chrome accents, and a two-tone upholstery scheme, showcasing impressive material quality.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available on most trims. The RAV4's fuel economy varied depending on the drivetrain, with FWD models achieving 8.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.8 on the highway. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency of 5.8 L/100 km in the city. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, with 302 horsepower, offered an electric-only range of up to 68 kilometres and a combined fuel efficiency of 2.5 Le/100 km. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer retained its powertrain options from the previous year, with a base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on higher trims, delivered 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet 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 competitors with automatic switching. Despite its sporty appearance, the Blazer was not designed for off-roading, with its suspension and tires optimized for pavement.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered ample cargo space with 1,059 litres behind the second row and up to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Trail and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided comfortable seating for four adults, with plenty of legroom and storage options. The XLE grade added features like dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offered 864 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded. While its cargo capacity was lower than some rivals, the Blazer felt spacious from the driver's seat, with good visibility and maneuverability. The interior featured functional details like USB ports and a unique temperature control system. A heated steering wheel was standard on the RS grade but not available on lower trims, which was an unusual oversight for the Canadian market.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system as standard. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and additional features like navigation and Safety Connect. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a bird's-eye view camera system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, with a 10.2-inch touchscreen now standard on all models and wireless device charging available across trims. The RS and Premier models featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and a large touchscreen. However, the lack of a dedicated button for the 360-degree camera system was a minor drawback.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota's Star Safety System, including features like vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all models, offered driver-assist systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package, which included automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning. Adaptive cruise control was now available on all trims, and additional safety features like blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were optional. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, although it lacked GM's advanced Super Cruise system.