2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Volvo XC90

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 significant 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 promise, with low-rent materials and an overall dark, unsatisfying cabin that felt out of place for its price range.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sophisticated and upscale design that reflected its near-luxury status. The exterior featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, all contributing to a sense of quality and athleticism. Inside, the XC90's cabin was a masterclass in Scandinavian Modern design, with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and a choice of Nappa leather or tailored wool blend upholstery. The interior was both luxurious and practical, offering a comfortable and airy environment.

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 on the RS trim, which produced 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, offering a strong and engaging driving experience. However, the transmission's slow responses and convoluted manual mode detracted from the overall sporty feel. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came with three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger to the turbocharged engine, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 model combined the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T8 also offered an extended-range variant with an EV range of up to 36 miles. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 FWD achieved 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the T8 extended range variant offered 26 mpg combined on gasoline and 66 MPGe. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, making it enjoyable to drive despite its size.

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 design, 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 30 cubic feet with them raised. It could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 and AWD configuration. The Blazer featured simple and handy controls, such as movable rings around the front air vents for temperature adjustments and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof that enhanced the airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed exceptionally well, even in extreme heat and humidity.

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, a rear camera washer, 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. Driver assists, such as forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams, were standard on most trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with familiar smartphone gestures. However, it was occasionally slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display provided clear and customizable information. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. It included multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests, except for "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for headlights. It featured a driver's knee airbag but lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking. Enhanced forward emergency braking was available on top trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with a comprehensive list of features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-automated driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.