2019 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer turned heads everywhere it went. After parking at a coffee shop, the barista was quick to compliment how great the Blazer looked. This wasn't an isolated incident; the Blazer garnered stares, double-takes, thumbs-ups, and comments all over Los Angeles, attracting plenty of attention from onlookers. Available in trims like the sporty RS or upscale Premier, with eye-catching wheels and a refined interior, the Blazer stood out. Buyers could opt for base L and mid-grade LT trims sporting a 4-cylinder engine, while higher trims boasted a beefy V6 and optional AWD. With a price range from $29,995 to nearly $55,000, my Premier trim test vehicle featured AWD and the Sun and Wheels Package, totaling $49,290. Inside, the Maple Sugar-colored leather against a Jet Black interior was visually stunning. The dashboard borrowed design cues from Chevy’s Camaro, creating an upscale, sporty ambiance, despite some lower plastic panels.

Alternatively, the 2020 Acura MDX offered sleek, smart styling without being as attention-grabbing. Although it didn't wow onlookers or earn special parking privileges at exclusive venues, it had a recognized attractiveness with Acura’s signature Jewel Eye LED headlights and a trapezoidal grille. The MDX's sleek body and flawless paint and chrome gave it a polished appearance without breaking new ground in design. Inside, the MDX maintained a modern and simple look, avoiding the trendy padding and stitching found in other luxury vehicles. The dashboard featured twin infotainment screens, and the fit and finish of the materials were top-notch, enhancing the overall solid and well-built feel.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, sharing its platform with the GMC Acadia, provided a standard 193-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This setup sufficed for those in flat regions with minimal towing needs. However, the stronger 305-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine with AWD transformed the Blazer into an urban slingshot, delivering up to 85% of engine power to a single rear wheel in low-traction conditions. Despite an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, my real-world experience returned 19.3 mpg on a specific test loop and 19.8 mpg over 500 miles. The vehicle's 21-inch wheels and 265/45 tires showcased impressive handling but added impact harshness and road noise, with each tire costing around $350 to replace. With a minimum ground clearance of 7.4 inches, the Blazer was more suited for snowy roads than off-road trails.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain choices. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine delivered 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both FWD and AWD. The MDX Sport Hybrid utilized a 3.0-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque and paired with a seven-speed DCT and AWD. I drove the gasoline model equipped with Acura’s SH-AWD system. The MDX accelerated enthusiastically, with its transmission delivering optimal shifts in Comfort or Sport modes. The SH-AWD system excelled in cornering maneuvers by directing torque to the outside wheel, enhancing handling. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a smooth ride, absorbing road bumps effectively, making it a solid choice for lengthy drives.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer provided ample comfort and utility for a family of four. My Premier test vehicle featured leather, power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The padded armrests and pleasing-to-grip steering-wheel rim contrasted with the hard plastic upper door-panel sills. Unconventional controls like round air vents and integrated temperature controls in the middle vent added a sporty touch, though some climate buttons proved hard to see. The rear seat, with slide and recline functions, offered generous space for two adults or three children, with air vents, heated seats, and charging ports. Cargo space measured 30.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While this was limited compared to other midsize SUVs, the Cargo Management System provided flexible storage options.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX embraced the family-friendly aspect with sliding and reclining second-row seats, facilitating third-row access and sharing legroom efficiently. The MDX offered 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 90.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Additional features included a recessed cubby hole, underfloor storage, a large glove box, a flexible center console, and water-bottle pockets. Second-row passengers had access to cupholders and seat-back pouches, while third-row occupants enjoyed armrest storage bins and cup holders. Tri-zone climate control permitted individualized temperature settings for different cabin areas, enhancing comfort for all passengers.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with the latest Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, featuring a high-tech user experience, appealing graphics, and responsive input, albeit with some issues. SD card problems hindered navigation map loading, and voice-recognition technology struggled initially to understand restaurant search commands. Additionally, Chevrolet had discontinued its free OnStar service, leaving only the capability for activation. Nonetheless, most drivers relied on smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Blazer's infotainment system, however, was marred by these glitches and lack of value additions like a reliable Bose sound system that, despite improvements, wasn't entirely satisfactory.

The 2020 Acura MDX simplified its tech offering through comprehensive packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and more. The optional $5,000 Technology Package added features like rain-sensing wipers, navigation, Acura Real-Time Traffic updates, remote engine start, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio system. The Advance Package, available for $6,750, incorporated features from the Technology Package and added an Active Damper System, heated and ventilated seats, and a surround-view camera system. Additionally, the Entertainment Package, offered for $2,000, included a rear DVD entertainment system with either a 9.0-inch or 16.2-inch screen and wireless headphones, enhancing rear passenger enjoyment.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer required additional payment for safety features like automatic crash response and SOS emergency calling. Standard safety features included Teen Driver and Rear Seat Reminder systems, beneficial for families. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on all trims except the base model. Advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist required upgrading to the RS or Premier trims and paying extra. At the time of review, crash-test ratings were unavailable.

Conversely, the 2020 Acura MDX came standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of active and passive safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included a Head-Up Warning. The MDX featured a robust array of safety equipment, including multiple airbags, stability control, traction control, Trailer Stability Assist, and LATCH child-seat mounts. Acura's ACE Body Structure absorbed crash impacts effectively. The MDX received top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, with high marks in crash tests and safety feature effectiveness.