2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, in its fifth generation, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, with curvy, car-like lines and a family resemblance to Honda’s sedan lineup. However, the interior was a mix of high-quality materials and low-grade plastics, which detracted from the overall premium feel. The base model started at an MSRP of $26,270, with four trim levels available, each offering different features and upgrades.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer had a striking exterior that drew comparisons to the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive styling, with slim-cut windows, sawblade 20-inch wheels, and a bold front end, made it stand out. The Blazer's design was inspired by the Camaro, with a muscled body and a low roof. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, as it felt low-rent with featureless seats and downmarket plastics. The Blazer offered various customization options and trim levels, but the interior quality was a letdown compared to its competitors.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V's car-like handling and nimble road manners made it a pleasure to drive, with a low curb weight of 3,337 pounds contributing to its agility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, with the base 2.5-liter inline-four being underpowered at 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft, was a better choice, but the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim was the standout, delivering 308 hp and 270 lb-ft. The Blazer RS featured a sport-tuned suspension and a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, the transmission's slow responses and convoluted manual mode detracted from the overall sporty experience. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality. Its cabin was roomy, with excellent head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo area was also generous, offering 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep center console and a two-position load floor, added to the CR-V's practicality. The door pockets were also spacious, making it easy to store and access items.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. The low roof height did not compromise interior space, and the seats were mounted lower for easy entry and exit. However, visibility was poor due to the design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera systems helped mitigate this issue. Cargo space was 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and the Blazer could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 and trailering package. The Blazer also featured convenient controls, such as temperature dials integrated into the air vents and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen on the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it difficult to operate, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration felt tacked on. However, the CR-V did offer plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ones in the backseat. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, which was quick and easy to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the RS trim with the Driver Confidence II package added features like wireless phone charging, LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system also offered navigation, 4G WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Driver assists, such as forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, were standard on most trims.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the “Honda Sensing” system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. The CR-V earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though only the Touring trim had LED headlights that scored well in testing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer also earned five stars from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. However, its headlights received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings. The Blazer included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking on top trims, but it lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking.