2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer aimed to evoke the sporty allure of a Lamborghini Urus with its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and aggressive front end. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with its sawblade 20-inch wheels and tall, black grille with wavy textures. The Blazer's design was all about making a bold statement, with three grille designs to distinguish varying trims and a range of customization options. However, the interior fell short, with a low-rent feel, featureless seats, and downmarket materials that didn't match the exterior's promise.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for keeping up with traffic. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was marred by laggy acceleration, high revs, and unimpressive fuel economy, averaging 20 mpg. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft but didn't significantly improve speed or fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with three engine options, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-liter inline-four engine, with 193 hp and 188 lb-ft, was underpowered and noisy. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, standard on mid-level trims, offered 227 hp and 258 lb-ft, which was acceptable. The standout was the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim, delivering 308 hp and 270 lb-ft, making the Blazer feel strong and agile. However, the transmission's slow responses and convoluted manual mode detracted from the driving experience. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was a testament to thoughtful design and functionality. The Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive, though it placed all climate controls within the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on higher trims, offering generous legroom and comfort in the first and second rows. The third row was tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four. The low roof height was offset by seats mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor, mitigated somewhat by large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view mirror cameras. Cargo space was 64 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, similar to the Equinox. The Blazer excelled in towing capacity, handling up to 4,500 pounds with the right configuration. Controls were user-friendly, and the infotainment system was fast and intuitive.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Bowers & Wilkins stereo, with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts, was a highlight, offering an immersive audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-res and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel was limited in customization, and the TPMS sensors didn't show individual tire pressures.

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, and better voice recognition. Unique GM features like cloud account settings transfer and the Marketplace app for contactless payments were forward-thinking additions. However, the Blazer lacked a semi-automated driving function.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test score lowered it to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer also scored well, 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 top trims. However, it lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking.