2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained some sophistication as the eye traveled to the sides and rear. The rear showcased an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The interior boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, creating a luxurious feel. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trims, maintained a sporty appearance with Camaro-inspired design elements. The RS trim featured a V6 engine and a sophisticated AWD system. The Blazer's exterior had minor updates, including revised bumper and bodyside trim and redesigned wheels. Inside, the Blazer's cabin was sporty, with black leather upholstery and red perforations. The steering wheel offered power tilt and telescopic adjustment, and the front seats provided power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The Blazer's interior was spacious, with a wide and flat back seat that could slide for additional cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, and the cargo area offered 30.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine, dual-motor electrically variable transmission, and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 260 horsepower. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, with fuel efficiency ratings of 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slight reductions when AWD was added.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Blazer RS featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, also mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim included a dual-clutch AWD system and could tow up to 4,500 pounds. The Blazer offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul. The V6 engine provided satisfying acceleration, though it could be loud and unrefined. The Blazer's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with our test vehicle averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area and under-console storage for second-row passengers. The Pacifica featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a comfortable and functional interior, with black leather upholstery and red accents in the RS trim. The steering wheel was adjustable and heated, and the front seats provided power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The Blazer's back seat was wide and flat, with ample legroom and the ability to slide for additional space. Storage options were abundant, with a large glove compartment, center armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The cargo area offered 30.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional second-row in-seat entertainment. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen display and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upgraded system added satellite radio and connected navigation. The Blazer also offered wireless smartphone charging, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, and various safety features like rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety options included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warning. The Blazer's advanced driving assistance systems were effective and user-friendly, though the IIHS did not award it a "Top Safety Pick" rating.