2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle that often drew comparisons to high-end models like the Lamborghini Urus, thanks to its aggressive styling. Its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels contributed to its bold appearance. The Blazer's exterior design was a standout feature, with a low shoulder height and a short, yet not stubby, tail. It offered various customization options, including different grille designs and packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions. However, the interior was a letdown, with a low-rent feel and unsupportive seats, which did not match the vehicle's price point. The cabin was predominantly dark, and the materials used were not up to par with competitors in the same price range.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its spacious interior was cleverly designed to maximize cabin space, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. The Highlander XSE trim featured a bold red leather interior, adding a touch of luxury to its otherwise practical design. The Highlander offered a range of trims, each with its own set of features, from the base L trim with its 8-inch touchscreen and three-zone climate control to the top-tier Platinum trim with a panoramic sunroof and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Highlander's interior was well-equipped, with thoughtful storage solutions and comfortable seating arrangements, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, with the 3.6-liter V6 being the most preferred for its 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine was available on the RS trim, which also featured a sport-tuned suspension and a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. The Blazer's handling was commendable, with good grip and steering feel, but the transmission calibration had some issues, particularly in Sport mode. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering both FWD and AWD options. The Highlander's V6 provided good pickup, especially at highway speeds, and the XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension improved handling. The Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was average for its class. Its handling was well-balanced, providing a comfortable ride in various driving conditions.

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 features helped mitigate this issue. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 30 cubic feet with them raised. It could tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, it offered 48.4 cubic feet, and 16 cubic feet with all seats deployed. The Highlander's interior was designed for convenience, with deep cargo pockets, multiple cupholders, and easy-to-use seat adjustments. The XSE trim featured second-row captain's chairs, providing additional space and comfort for passengers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Driver assists were standard on most trims, but the Blazer lacked semi-automated functions for traffic.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, along with an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system. The Highlander's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a combination of touchscreen and hard controls.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." It included standard driver's knee airbags and enhanced forward emergency braking on top trims.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, offering features like forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive headlights. The lane-departure warning system was notably active, sometimes overly so on certain roads.