2021 Subaru Outback 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 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 all-black cabin that felt dated and unsatisfying, especially given its price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older Subaru models but with a fresher interior. The base trim featured two 7-inch touchscreens, while higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch portrait display that was bright and sharp. Quality materials and thoughtful design elements, such as two-tone leather upholstery and chrome trim, elevated the interior. The Outback's exterior was practical, with high gray cladding to protect against scratches and a smooth, balanced design. It also offered new features like adaptive LED headlights and a new brown paint option for 2021.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base 2.5-liter inline-four engine, found in the L and 1LT trims, was underpowered with 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, standard on the 2LT, 3LT, and Premier trims, provided a more acceptable 227 hp and 258 lb-ft. The preferred engine was the 3.6-liter V6, available on the RS trim, delivering 308 hp and 270 lb-ft. The RS trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension and a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle, enhancing its performance. However, the transmission's slow responses and lack of paddle shifters detracted from the overall driving experience. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was average at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, struggled to move the vehicle efficiently, especially when fully loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered performance, making the Outback slow and noisy. The XT trims, featuring a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, offered a significant improvement in power and refinement. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway compared to the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its long-travel springs, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system. The X-Mode feature optimized performance for tough road conditions, making the Outback highly capable off-road.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. The low roof height did not compromise interior space, thanks to seats mounted lower into the floor. However, sightlines were poor due to the vehicle's design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera systems helped mitigate this issue. Cargo space was 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 30 cubic feet with them raised. The Blazer could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 engine and trailering package. Interior controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around the air vents serving as temperature dials and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of intrusive elements. Headroom and legroom were ample, and outward visibility was excellent due to thin pillars and large windows. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, providing convenience and cost savings. The 11.6-inch touchscreen complicated climate controls but was generally responsive and useful.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, known for its simplicity and speed. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim with the Driver Confidence II package added wireless phone charging, a rear camera washer, LED headlights, 360 cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The "Plus" version of the infotainment system offered navigation, 4G WiFi, onboard apps, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Driver assists like forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams were standard on most trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, looked dated. The base model's dual-screen setup was less cohesive than the single large screen available on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation offering a more modern interface. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system provided good semi-automated control on highways but relied solely on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top "Good" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in all crash tests. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for headlights. A driver's knee airbag was standard, but the inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking were not offered. Enhanced forward emergency braking, using radar and a camera, was available on top trims.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium trims and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and received top "Good" ratings in all crash tests and for headlights. The NHTSA gave the Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.