2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish crossover SUV, though its design wasn't groundbreaking. It blended in well without drawing too much attention, yet it maintained a refined appearance. Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of sophistication to the front, with five LED elements per side arranged horizontally. The MDX's exterior was low-slung and chiseled, with flawless paint and chrome. Inside, the MDX featured a modern and simple design, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials that gave it a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer turned heads with its aggressive and sporty design. Its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels gave it a striking resemblance to a Lamborghini Urus. The Blazer's exterior styling was bold and memorable, with three grille designs to distinguish different trims. However, the interior was a letdown, with a dark and unsatisfying cabin filled with downmarket plastic. The seats were featureless and unsupportive, and the materials didn't match the Blazer's price point, making it feel dated and cheap.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and a Sport Hybrid with a 3.0-liter V6 and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with three engine options: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 193 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 227 horsepower, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower. The V6 engine, especially in the RS trim, offered strong performance and a sport-tuned suspension. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2020 Acura MDX was a practical choice for families, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 90.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The MDX featured ample storage options, including a big glove box, a flexible center console, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a versatile and functional SUV.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. The low roof height didn't compromise interior space, and the seats were mounted lower for easy entry and exit. However, sightlines were poor due to the Blazer's design. Cargo space was 64 cubic feet with the rear seat folded and 30 cubic feet when raised. The Blazer could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine. Controls were user-friendly, and the infotainment system was fast and easy to use.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of tech features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Technology Package added rain-sensing wipers, navigation, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech features like a surround-view camera and heated/ventilated seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones, making the MDX a tech-savvy choice.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The Driver Confidence II package added advanced safety features and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, and onboard apps. Unique GM features like the Safety Alert Seat and Marketplace app enhanced the Blazer's tech offerings, though some driver assists were only available on higher trims.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX's ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb crash impact, and it received high safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer also scored well in safety tests, with five stars from NHTSA and top ratings from IIHS, except for headlights. It included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking on higher trims. However, it lacked rear emergency braking and GM's inboard side airbag.