2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a masterclass in understated elegance. Its design was not about flashy aesthetics but rather about functional beauty that revealed itself over time. The dished hood, a departure from the typical domed design, improved forward sight lines, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains. The subtle bulging of the fenders was not just for show; it accommodated wheel travel and hinted at the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a distinctive grille, and bronze BBS wheels, all of which contributed to its rugged yet refined appearance. Inside, the Land Cruiser flirted with luxury, offering black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, surrounded by a sea of buttons and knobs, was a nod to its utilitarian roots, while the analog gauges provided a nostalgic touch.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was all about making a bold statement. Its exterior styling drew comparisons to high-end vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus, thanks to its aggressive front end, slim windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels. The Blazer's design was a departure from Chevy's usual utilitarian look, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a sporty, eye-catching profile. Customization options were plentiful, with various grille designs and packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions adding unique touches. However, the interior did not quite match the exterior's promise. The cabin felt low-rent, with featureless seats and downmarket materials that seemed out of place for its price point. Despite this, the Blazer's design was memorable, and its exterior styling was a standout feature.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its robust performance, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, delivered a confident driving experience. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities were further enhanced by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and impressive geometry, including an approach angle of 32 degrees and a departure angle of 24 degrees. With a fording depth of 27.55 inches and a ground clearance of 8.9 inches, it was well-equipped for overland adventures. The Multi-Terrain Select control knob allowed drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to various surfaces, while features like Active Traction Control and Crawl Control ensured stability on challenging terrains. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene and relaxing drive, making it a reliable companion for long journeys.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered a range of engine options, with the standout being the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with a sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle, provided a dynamic driving experience. The Blazer's handling was impressive, with good grip, responsive steering, and a firm brake pedal. However, the transmission calibration had some issues, particularly in Sport mode, where it was slow to downshift. The lack of paddle shifters and a convoluted manual mode detracted from the overall driving experience. Despite these drawbacks, the Blazer's chassis was sprightly, and its performance was a highlight. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was average, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed with versatility in mind, offering a dual personality as both a commuter and an overlander. Its exterior featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, making it well-suited for off-road adventures. The interior was spacious, with a three-row configuration in the standard model and a two-row setup in the Heritage Edition. The second-row seats were heated and adjustable, while the third-row seats folded for additional cargo space. The Land Cruiser boasted a four-zone automatic climate control system and numerous cup holders, ensuring comfort for all passengers. A split tailgate added a touch of retro charm, making loading and unloading easy. With a towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds, the Land Cruiser was a capable workhorse.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, offered comfortable seating for four passengers. The low roof height did not compromise interior space, as the seats were mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the vehicle's design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera technology helped mitigate this issue. The Blazer provided 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 30 cubic feet when raised. With the trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine, the Blazer could tow up to 4,500 pounds. Interior controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around air vents serving as temperature dials. The infotainment system was fast and intuitive, and upper trims offered additional conveniences like a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and rear heated seats.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, despite its aging platform, offered a range of modern technology features. It included a Qi-compatible inductive charging station for smartphones and a Toyota Premium Audio system with Integrated Navigation. The sound system featured 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were standard in many competitors. The 9-inch touchscreen interface, while functional, felt small compared to newer models with larger screens. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a valuable addition, providing selectable front, side, or rear views for navigating challenging terrains or tight parking spaces.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The RS trim with the Driver Confidence II package added features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included a "Plus" version with navigation, 4G WiFi, and onboard apps. Unique to GM, the system allowed for cloud-based storage of settings and contactless payments through the Marketplace app. Driver assists were standard on most trims, including forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. However, the Blazer lacked a semi-automated function for traffic and proactive steering adjustments.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but its robust body structure and weight provided a sense of security. It was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control. The Star Safety System added stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Land Cruiser also featured 10 airbags, active headrests, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Safety Connect offered emergency assistance and collision notification with a three-year trial subscription.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. However, its headlights received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings. A driver's knee airbag was standard, but the Blazer lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking. The enhanced forward emergency braking system used radar for improved accuracy, but was only available on top trims with the Driver Confidence II package.