2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, particularly in the RS trim, turned heads with its aggressive styling reminiscent of a Lamborghini Urus. The dark blue Blazer RS featured 20-inch sawblade wheels, a tall black grille, and slim-cut windows, making a strong visual statement. Chevy's design borrowed excitement from the Camaro, resulting in a vehicle that looked good from every angle. Customization options were plentiful, with various grille designs and packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions. However, the interior was a letdown, with a dark, unsatisfying cabin and materials that felt cheap for its $48,000 price tag.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with a single 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was merely adequate. The CVT did a good job of making the most of the available power, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. Fuel economy was also disappointing, achieving only 24.9 mpg in testing compared to the EPA's 29 mpg combined estimate. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it wasn't much fun to drive due to lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, with the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim being the standout. This engine produced 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, making the Blazer feel strong and agile despite its 4,246-pound weight. The RS trim included a sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering, along with a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle for improved handling. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was average at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The AWD turbo inline-four offered better fuel efficiency at 22/27/24 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. The front seats, though featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity design, were somewhat undersized and difficult to adjust for taller drivers. The rear seats, however, were comfortable with high cushions, good thigh support, and a proper backrest angle. Rear passengers enjoyed excellent visibility and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. Cargo space was a strong point, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage compartments.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer comfortably seated four, with seats mounted lower into the floor for easy entry and exit. However, sightlines were poor due to the low roof height, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera improved visibility. 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, with features like movable rings around the front air vents for temperature adjustment and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The RS trim 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, onboard apps, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Driver assists like forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams were standard on most trims.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert system. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and lower ratings for driver protection and headlights from IIHS.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, though its headlights received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings. Standard safety features included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking. However, it lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking.