2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle, often mistaken for more luxurious models due to its bold design. Its exterior styling, inspired by the Camaro, featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and a distinctive front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille. The Blazer's design was further enhanced by its sawblade 20-inch wheels and a variety of customization options, including different grille designs and color packages. However, the interior did not match the exterior's allure, as it was criticized for its low-rent materials and lack of support in the seats, which detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator made subtle yet impactful styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyle, though it was noted to have less elegance than previous models. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The introduction of Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication, while the new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display kept the Navigator competitive in the luxury SUV market.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, with the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim being the most preferred due to its 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle, provided a spirited driving experience. However, the transmission calibration had issues, particularly in Sport mode, where it was slow to respond. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered a robust 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain allowed for impressive towing capabilities, ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. The SUV's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined for the 4WD model, and during testing, it averaged 18.6 mpg.

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 a concern due to poor sightlines, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera systems helped mitigate this issue. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and had a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds with the right configuration.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort, with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats offering exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were newly massaging, heated, and ventilated, while the third-row seats provided ample space. The Navigator's cargo capacity was generous, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of space available with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more room, making it ideal for larger families or those needing extra cargo space.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim added advanced 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 Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, the Blazer lacked semi-automated driving functions.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system was user-friendly, with voice recognition and over-the-air update capabilities. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The Navigator also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional listening experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in 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 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. The Navigator also featured a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.