2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

Mazda executed the concept of premium exceptionally well with the 2020 CX-5. The model year saw enhancements like more standard equipment, improved cabin instrumentation, and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained an off-road traction assistance feature. Prices ranged from $25,190 to $37,155, with the test vehicle in Signature trim costing $38,680. The CX-5's "Kodo" styling themes remained appealing, distinctive, and upscale, a feat many competitors struggled to achieve. Inside, the Signature trim featured premium Nappa leather, real wood, and a black headliner, although the Caturra Brown leather lacked contrast.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, particularly in the RS trim, impressed with its exterior styling, evoking comparisons to the Lamborghini Urus. The Blazer's design borrowed elements from the Camaro, including a snarling face, chopped roof, and muscled body, making it memorable from every angle. Customization options included various grille designs and packages like Redline and Midnight/Sport editions. However, the interior felt low-rent, with dark, unsupportive seats and downmarket materials, which dampened the overall look and feel. Despite its stylish exterior, the Blazer's cabin did not match the quality of competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy and Toyota Venza Limited.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and available in FWD or AWD. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular fuel. Despite its 3,825-pound curb weight, the turbocharged CX-5 accelerated with authority but was less efficient, averaging 22.1 mpg. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving enjoyment, but excessive body motions and a high center of gravity detracted from the overall experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engines: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 193 hp and 188 lb-ft, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft. The V6, standard on the RS trim, provided a strong and light driving experience, aided by a sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the nine-speed automatic transmission had calibration 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 Mazda CX-5's interior, while stylish and upscale, was more cramped than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Touring trim added dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, while the Grand Touring trim included a power height-adjustable front passenger seat. The Grand Touring Reserve featured ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, and the Signature trim added Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer comfortably seated four, with lower-mounted seats making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the low roof height. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded and 30 cubic feet with the seat raised. The trailering package allowed the Blazer to tow up to 4,500 pounds. Controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around the front air vents and a hands-free power tailgate. Upper trims offered a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and rear heated seats.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which included a 7-inch touchscreen on the Sport trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on the Grand Touring trim. The system offered Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Signature trim added a navigation system, surround-view camera, and SiriusXM data subscription. However, the system's controls were not ideal, and the voice-recognition technology was unreliable.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim with the Driver Confidence II package added wireless phone charging, LED headlights, 360 cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The "Plus" version of the infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Driver assists like forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist were standard on most trims.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer also received high safety ratings, with an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS. However, it scored "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for headlights. The Blazer included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking but lacked rear emergency braking and an inboard side airbag.