2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle that often drew comparisons to high-end models like the Lamborghini Urus, thanks to its aggressive styling and sleek design. Its exterior featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and distinctive 20-inch wheels, all contributing to a bold and memorable appearance. The Blazer's design was a departure from the typical utilitarian look of Chevy's SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more dynamic and sporty aesthetic. However, the interior did not match the exterior's promise, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed below par for its price range. The cabin was predominantly dark, with unsupportive seats and downmarket plastics, which detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and sophistication, with a design that remained timeless despite its age. The exterior was marked by hallmark design cues such as blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, large nameplate lettering, and clean styling lines. Inside, the Range Rover offered a high-contrast Ivory-color interior with a mid-century modern ambiance, providing a sense of opulence and comfort. The cabin was equipped with Land Rover's InControl Touch Pro Duo dual-screen infotainment technology, which, while not as advanced as newer systems, still offered a luxurious experience. The Range Rover's interior was a testament to its upscale positioning, with quality materials and a focus on passenger comfort.

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 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a strong and agile driving experience, complemented by a sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering. However, the transmission calibration had some issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode that detracted from the sporty promise. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover, on the other hand, offered a variety of powertrain choices, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster special edition. This engine produced 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, paired with a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured its legendary off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth and wafting ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity meant it was best driven at a sedate pace. The Range Rover's fuel economy was slightly lower, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers, with seats mounted lower into the floor for easy entry and exit. However, visibility was compromised due to poor sightlines, a trade-off for its sporty design. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 30 cubic feet when raised. It could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the right configuration. The interior featured simple controls, with innovative touches like movable rings around the air vents serving as temperature dials.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. The Range Rover offered 25 cubic feet of luggage space, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. The cargo area included a suspension kneel function for easier loading.

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 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, with unique GM features like cloud account settings transfer and contactless payments.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system, with three displays offering numerous features and functions. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, was manageable for those familiar with smartphones and tablets. The Range Rover also included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for a digital owner's manual. The technology required setup for personal preferences to minimize distractions while driving.

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

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, with effective safety technology, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.