2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle, often mistaken for a high-end model like the Lamborghini Urus due to its aggressive styling. Its exterior design featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels, all contributing to its bold presence. The Blazer's front end was particularly eye-catching with thin lights and a tall, black grille. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, as it was criticized for its low-rent materials and lack of support in the seats. Despite its stylish appearance, the Blazer's cabin felt dated and cheap, especially when compared to competitors offering more luxurious interiors at similar price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and functionality. The Forester Wilderness model, in particular, was designed for rugged adventures, featuring a suspension lift and protective cladding. While its exterior might not have been as visually appealing as the Blazer's, the Forester's interior was all about utility. It offered water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The cabin was well-constructed, with a focus on clarity of purpose, even if it appeared somewhat inexpensive. The Forester's interior was spacious and comfortable, with high seating positions providing excellent visibility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered a range of engine options, but the base 2.5-liter inline-four was underpowered with just 193 horsepower. The more desirable choice was the 3.6-liter V6 engine available on the RS trim, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle, provided a sporty driving experience. However, the Blazer's transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was average, with 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it lacked a turbocharger, the Forester's CVT and AWD system provided a smooth driving experience. The Wilderness model featured a design that increased initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its long-travel suspension and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. Fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered comfortable seating for four, with a low roof height that didn't compromise interior space. However, visibility was a concern due to poor sightlines, although large side-view mirrors and a rear-view mirror camera helped mitigate this issue. Cargo space was decent, with 64 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded. The Blazer's controls were user-friendly, and it offered features like a hands-free power tailgate and heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The interior was designed for durability, with water-resistant upholstery and all-weather mats. The Forester's cargo space was generous, with 74.2 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded. It also featured upgraded roof rails for added versatility. The Forester's cabin was comfortable, with excellent visibility and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim added features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with options for navigation, 4G WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, some driver assists were only available on higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera, navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Forester's infotainment system was intuitive, though the voice recognition could be hit-or-miss. The PIN Code Access feature was a standout, allowing drivers to leave the key fob in the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. However, its headlights received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings. The Blazer offered standard driver's knee airbags and enhanced forward emergency braking on higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and DriverFocus technology on the Touring trim. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a five-star overall rating, and it was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.