2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer had a striking exterior that often drew comparisons to high-end vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus. Its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and aggressive front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille gave it a distinctive look. The Blazer's design was further enhanced by sawblade 20-inch wheels and a low shoulder height, which contributed to its sporty appearance. However, the interior did not match the exterior's boldness. The cabin felt low-rent, with dark, unsatisfying materials and featureless, unsupportive seats. Despite its $48,000 price tag, the Blazer's interior quality lagged behind competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy and Toyota Venza Limited.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey offered a more practical and family-friendly design. While it adhered to the classic minivan design ethos, it featured kinked sliding doors and dramatic hockey-stick character lines for a touch of style. The Elite trim level added dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its overall look. Inside, the Odyssey boasted quality materials, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The interior was spacious and functional, with numerous storage spaces and the innovative Magic Slide second-row seats, which provided flexibility for families. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was impressive, offering up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-liter inline-four engine, available on the L and 1LT trims, produced 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque but was underpowered and noisy. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, standard on the 2LT, 3LT, and Premier trims, delivered 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, providing a more acceptable performance. The preferred engine was the 3.6-liter V6, available on the RS trim, which produced 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The RS trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering, making it the most enjoyable to drive. However, the transmission's slow responses and convoluted manual mode detracted from the overall driving experience. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain. Its EPA fuel economy estimate was 22 mpg in combined driving. The Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill drives led to pedal vibration and an audible grumble, indicating a need for more heat-resistant brakes. Despite this, the Odyssey remained composed and quick, making it a pleasant vehicle for daily driving.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. The low roof height was offset by seats mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera improved visibility. Cargo space was 64 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 30 cubic feet when 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 and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and functionality. The minivan's low ground clearance made entry and exit easy, and the Elite trim featured quality leather seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The tri-zone automatic climate control system and numerous storage spaces added to the convenience. The Magic Slide second-row seats provided flexibility, allowing for easier access to the third row or better protection for children in side-impact collisions. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was generous, offering 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

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 with the Driver Confidence II package added wireless phone charging, LED headlights, 360 cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, onboard apps, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, driver assists like forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist were only standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services, including WiFi hotspot access. The Odyssey also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, allowing the driver to monitor and communicate with rear-seat passengers. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display, but it was outdated compared to competitors. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the infotainment system's small screen and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks.

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. Standard safety features included a driver's knee airbag, but it lacked rear emergency braking and GM's inboard side airbag. Enhanced forward emergency braking was available on top trims with the Driver Confidence II package.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on the EX trim and higher. The Odyssey earned an overall five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, sometimes issuing invalid warnings or taking abrupt actions.