2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its design elements, such as the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, paid homage to its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 offered a "Scandinavian Modern" aesthetic with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer, in contrast, adopted styling cues from road cars, featuring a low roofline and a prominent grille with stacked headlights. The Blazer RS model stood out with blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels. For 2023, the Blazer received subtle updates, including new taillights and grille designs, as well as additional colour options. Inside, the Blazer's sporty aesthetic was evident with an upright dashboard and large air vents reminiscent of the Camaro. While cloth seats were standard, leather upholstery was available on higher trims. The Blazer RS impressed with its material quality and a two-tone upholstery scheme.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid combining a gasoline engine and electric motor for a total of 455 hp. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving 10.1 L/100 km combined, the T6 at 10.8 L/100 km, and the Recharge offering an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode. The Recharge's electric range extended up to 58 kilometres. The XC90's driving experience was characterized by minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer retained its powertrain options from the previous year, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 hp and a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 308 hp. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some competitors' automatic systems. The V6-powered Blazer RS offered impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note, though it wasn't a performance SUV. The Blazer's handling was affected by its weight and design, but it provided a comfortable highway ride with Active Noise Cancellation and a well-tuned suspension. The Blazer's towing capacity was 2,041 kilograms, suitable for midsize SUV standards.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well during a heat wave, and the XC90's AWD system and heated features made it suitable for winter conditions.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offering 864 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up 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 and was easy to maneuver. The interior featured functional details like USB port placement and air vent controls. A heated steering wheel was standard on the RS trim but unavailable on lower models, which was an oversight for Canadian buyers.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and smartphone-like gestures. While intuitive, the system was occasionally slow, but Apple CarPlay improved its performance. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims, and the vehicle offered multiple USB ports for convenience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. The RS and Premier trims 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. While the Blazer lacked a dedicated button for the 360-degree camera system, its tech presentation was competitive within its segment.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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