2019 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2019 Volvo XC40

The 2019 Volvo XC40 stood out with its distinctive styling, borrowing elements from its larger sibling, the XC90. This gave it an upright appearance, contrasting with the more hatchback-like designs of competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and BMW X2. The XC40's SUV-based design provided an upright driving position and ample head- and legroom. It came in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The base Momentum trim was well-equipped with 18-inch wheels, aluminum roof rails, and LED headlights. The R-Design added a unique grille, black roof, and dual tailpipes, while the Inscription featured a panoramic sunroof and driftwood door inlays. Our test model, a Momentum trim, included the Premium Package, adding features like a wireless charging pad and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, on the other hand, garnered attention wherever it went. Its sporty RS or upscale Premier trims, with big wheels and a nice interior, made it a head-turner. The Blazer came in base L and mid-grade LT trims, with a 4-cylinder engine standard and a V6 optional. Prices ranged from $29,995 to nearly $55,000. Our Premier trim test vehicle, priced at $49,290, featured Maple Sugar-colored leather and a Jet Black interior. The low-slung dashboard, inspired by the Camaro, added a sporty vibe. Despite some inexpensive plastic panels, the Blazer Premier provided an upscale and sporty feel.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The unique shifter design, however, was confusing and could easily be shifted into Neutral by mistake. Despite this, the XC40 offered brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive handling. It had multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off-Road, and Individual. Fuel economy was estimated at 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined, though we observed 21 mpg during our test.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer offered a choice between a standard 193-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a robust 305-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine. The V6, paired with AWD, provided zippy acceleration and impressive handling, especially on mountain roads. However, the large 21-inch wheels added impact harshness and road noise. Fuel economy for the V6 AWD was estimated at 21 mpg combined, but we observed 19.3 mpg on our test loop and 19.8 mpg over 500 miles. The Blazer's minimum ground clearance of 7.4 inches made it suitable for urban environments rather than off-road adventures.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 made excellent use of its space, offering plenty of front-seat head- and legroom. The center console featured a removable trash bin and a wireless charging pad. The backseat provided ample legroom and smart storage trays. The hands-free power liftgate worked efficiently, revealing a decent-size load floor with additional storage below. The rear seats could be easily dropped to provide 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer was perfectly sized for a family of four, with leather, power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The back seat slid on a track and reclined, offering plenty of room for two adults or three children. Cargo space measured 30.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 64.2 with the rear seat folded down. Our test vehicle included a Cargo Management System, which allowed for flexible storage configurations.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 featured a large portrait-oriented touchscreen, housing almost all vehicle controls. The Sensus system was user-friendly, with a home screen and large font bands for easy navigation. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked seamlessly. However, some functions, like heated seats, required multiple steps to access. The available Multimedia Package added a navigation system and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer came with Chevrolet’s latest infotainment system, which was user-friendly but had some faults. Our test vehicle experienced SD card issues and voice-recognition problems. OnStar services were no longer offered as a free trial. Despite these issues, the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bose sound system in the Blazer was better than in other Chevy models but still not exceptional.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 came standard with a full array of airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, whiplash protection, road-sign information updates, and a rear-collision warning system. The City Safe automatic braking system could detect cars, pedestrians, and large animals. Our test model included the optional Vision Package with blind-spot detection and cross-traffic alert, and the Advanced Package with a 360-degree camera and LED foglights. However, the XC40's massive C-pillars created significant blind spots, and the confusing shifter design posed safety concerns.

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer dropped automatic crash response and SOS emergency calling from its standard features, making them optional. Standard safety features included Teen Driver and Rear Seat Reminder systems. Driver-assistance and collision-avoidance technologies were available only on higher trims and at an additional cost. As of the review's publication, crash-test ratings were not available for the new Blazer.