Chevrolet Blazer vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer presented a sleek and modern aesthetic, diverging from the rugged appearance typical of many crossovers. Its design incorporated styling cues reminiscent of road cars, featuring a low roofline with front and rear pillars leaned back, creating a streamlined profile. The Blazer maintained the visual heft of an SUV with its tall ride height and robust body sides. The Blazer RS test vehicle stood out with its blackout trim, vibrant 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 with twisted, filament-like elements, and revised grille and LED headlight designs. These changes, along with new wheel designs and additional colour options, kept the Blazer's appearance fresh and appealing. 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 enhanced interior elements, such as blue trim and a two-tone upholstery scheme, showcasing impressive material quality.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, available exclusively in Sport design grades in Canada, offered a distinct and assertive look. The GR Sport trim, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, featured a bold grille, rear diffuser, and red brake calipers visible through 20-inch black alloy wheels. The RAV4's design embraced a boxy, truck-like presence, with squared-off lines and bulging fenders reminiscent of the Highlander models. Daytime running lights and an integrated rear roof spoiler added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid continued the sporty theme with red stitching on black upholstery in the GR Sport trim. The interior boasted a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.9-inch option. The centre console featured a mechanical gear shifter on lower grades and a shift-by-wire setup on higher trims, offering flexibility and convenience. The RAV4's interior design was streamlined, with stylish drive mode knobs and ample storage options, ensuring a comfortable and functional driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer retained its powertrain options from the previous model year, offering a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque as standard on the base LT model. A 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, was optional on the LT and standard on other trims. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive (AWD) was standard in Canada. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some competitors that automatically switched between front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD. The V6-powered Blazer RS impressed with its quick acceleration and sporty exhaust note, though it wasn't a performance SUV. Its weight and top-heavy design affected handling, but the Blazer remained a pleasant highway cruiser with standard Active Noise Cancellation and a well-tuned suspension. The Blazer's 2,041-kilogram towing capacity was competitive for its class, though its off-road capabilities were limited by its car-based design and low-hanging front bumper.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. This setup increased the RAV4's total power output to 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. The PHEV offered an estimated electric range of 80 kilometres, with all-wheel drive as standard. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid excelled in EV mode for quiet city driving, while Auto mode combined the engine and motors for a 0-100 km/h time in the low five seconds. The vehicle's seamless power transition and paddle shifters allowed for a spirited ride without sacrificing comfort. The RAV4's chassis was strengthened to accommodate the larger battery, resulting in improved structural rigidity and a quieter ride. Despite its 2,040-kilogram weight, the RAV4 handled well, with the GR Sport trim offering enhanced suspension and handling characteristics. The GR Sport's lower ride height and 20-inch wheels contributed to its sporty performance, making it a standout choice for those seeking a dynamic driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offering a spacious interior with nearly identical front-seat headroom to rivals like the Ford Edge and Honda Passport. While rear-seat headroom was slightly below average, it surpassed the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The Blazer provided 864 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, trailing behind competitors like the Honda Passport and Nissan Murano. Despite these figures, the Blazer felt spacious from the driver's seat, with short overhangs aiding maneuverability in tight spaces. Functional interior details, such as USB port placement and temperature controls integrated into the air vents, added to the Blazer's appeal. A heated steering wheel was standard on the RS trim but unavailable on lower models, which was an oversight for Canadian buyers.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained its dimensions from the previous generation, offering a well-optimized interior with clever storage solutions. The base SE trim featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, five USB ports, and push-button start. Higher trims included synthetic leather upholstery, with ventilated seats standard on the GR Sport and XSE trims. The RAV4's interior boasted ample storage options, including a dashboard shelf for small devices and a centre console with flexible storage. The RAV4 comfortably seated four passengers, with 960 millimetres of rear legroom, though five passengers made for a tighter fit. The PHEV's cargo area offered 951 litres of space, expanding to 1,798 litres with the rear seats folded. The flat cargo floor and temporary spare tire added practicality, making the RAV4 a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades for 2023, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging on all trims. The RS and Premier trims featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display, while wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard across the lineup. The RS and Premier trims also offered built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system's intuitive layout made it easy to use, though a dedicated button for the optional 360-degree camera system would have been a welcome addition. The Blazer's tech presentation was competitive, with the new touchscreen among the largest in its segment.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. The touchscreen's customizable tiles and quick menu improved usability, while the digital cluster offered three display options for personalized information. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, enhanced responsiveness and loading times, with a subscription-based Voice Assistant for voice commands. The system also provided charging information and a range map, making it a tech-savvy choice for modern drivers.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered a range of safety features, with the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control was newly available on all trims, while optional features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it lacked GM's advanced Super Cruise system.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. Standard systems included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The RAV4's enhanced safety features aimed to improve detection and responsiveness, with a surround-view camera system on higher trims. The RAV4's strong safety record was expected to continue, pending crash-test results from the IIHS and NHTSA.