2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle that often drew comparisons to high-end models like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive styling, characterized by a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and a bold front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille, made it stand out. The Blazer's design was a departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more exciting and memorable appearance. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed below par for its price range. The cabin was predominantly dark, with unsupportive seats and dated materials, which detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Passport shared many design elements with the Honda Pilot, offering a more conventional SUV look. Inside, the Passport featured a spacious and high-quality interior, despite the awkward button shifter design. The trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, each adding more features and luxury. The Passport's interior was well-appointed, with leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a range of convenience features. The Passport's design focused on practicality and comfort, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and spacious SUV.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, with the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim being the most desirable, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a strong performance, especially with the sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered a smooth ride with a blend of comfort and handling, suitable for both commuting and light off-road adventures. The AWD model included Intelligent Traction Management with various drive modes and could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Passport's performance was well-rounded, making it a versatile choice for different driving needs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer provided comfortable seating for four, with a low roof height that did not compromise interior space. The cargo capacity was 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 30 cubic feet with them raised. The Blazer's towing capacity reached 4,500 pounds with the right configuration. The vehicle featured user-friendly controls, such as movable rings around the air vents for temperature adjustment and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 100.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with them in use. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the interior featured ample storage options, including deep in-door pockets and a center console with a deep bin. The Passport's rear seats were spacious and adjustable, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Chevrolet Infotainment 3, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim added features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system offered advanced features like cloud account settings transfer and contactless payments, though it lacked semi-automated driving functions.

The 2021 Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard with its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. However, the system's graphics and menu layout were dated, and the volume dial felt like an afterthought. Despite these drawbacks, the inclusion of smartphone connectivity as standard was a positive move.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though it scored lower for headlights. It included standard safety features like a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Passport was well-equipped with safety features, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores from the IIHS, with some "Acceptable" ratings for specific tests. The Passport offered additional driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors.