2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer had a striking exterior that often drew comparisons to high-end vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive front end, slim-cut windows, and 20-inch wheels gave it a sporty and memorable appearance. The Blazer's design was a significant departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more stylish and dynamic look. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, with low-rent materials and an overall dark, unsatisfying cabin that felt out of place for its price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and sophistication, despite its massive size. The Navigator's design featured simple rectilinear shapes, a few chrome accents, and a monochromatic package that added a touch of class. The interior was equally impressive, with seven color palettes and high-quality materials that created a luxurious atmosphere. The Navigator's attention to detail, from the layered wood trim to the floating center console, made it feel like a premium vehicle worth its $92,000 MSRP.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, but the base 2.5-liter inline-four with 193 horsepower was underwhelming. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 227 hp was a better choice, but the 3.6-liter V6 with 308 hp on the RS trim was the standout. The RS trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension and a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle, making it the most engaging to drive. However, the transmission's slow responses and convoluted manual mode detracted from the overall sporty experience. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was average at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, boasted a powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine with 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and efficient, and its towing capacity was impressive at 8,300 pounds for 4WD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, and the suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height did not compromise interior space, and the seats were mounted lower for easy entry and exit. However, visibility was poor due to the design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera helped. Cargo space was decent at 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Blazer's trailering package allowed it to tow up to 4,500 pounds, but without it, towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds. The Blazer also featured user-friendly controls and a fast infotainment system.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space, seating up to eight passengers with the optional bench seat. Its boxy shape provided generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with features like separate thigh extensions and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to its size. The 360-degree cameras were helpful but not the best in quality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, which was quick and easy to use. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system offered navigation, 4G WiFi, and onboard apps, with unique GM features like cloud account settings and contactless payments. However, the Blazer lacked semi-automated driving functions.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer systems. The infotainment was intuitive but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good but not exceptional. The Navigator included 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. Rear entertainment options were robust, and drive mode animations added a touch of flair. However, the system felt dated compared to competitors.

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

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.