2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, on the other hand, was designed to turn heads with its aggressive styling. The Blazer RS, in particular, evoked comparisons to the Lamborghini Urus with its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, sawblade 20-inch wheels, and an angry front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille. The Blazer's mission was to look good, and it succeeded from every angle. Chevy offered good customization with three grille designs for different trims and additional packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions. However, the interior was a letdown, with low-rent materials, featureless and unsupportive seats, and an undersized central screen. Despite its sporty exterior, the Blazer's cabin felt dated and cheap, especially considering its price point.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain was smooth and effortless, with variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, but the brakes struggled under heavy use, especially during a heatwave. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension, making it a pleasure to drive.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 193 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 227 horsepower, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower. The V6, especially in the RS trim, provided strong performance with a sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering. The Blazer handled well, with good grip, steering feel, and compliant dampers. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered excellent interior space and storage, with logical controls and legible instrumentation. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seats provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. The low roof height was offset by lower-mounted seats, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the design, though large side-view mirrors and optional rear-view camera improved visibility. Cargo space was 64 cubic feet with the rear seat folded and 30 cubic feet with the seat raised. The Blazer could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 and trailering package. Controls were user-friendly, and features like the hands-free power tailgate and automatic heated steering wheel added convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk, while Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, though the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim with the Driver Confidence II package added wireless phone charging, LED headlights, 360 cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The "Plus" version of the infotainment system included navigation, 4G WiFi, onboard apps, and better voice recognition. Unique features like the GM cloud account for settings transfer and the Marketplace app for contactless payments were forward-thinking. Standard driver assists included forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, adding low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS and received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less effective than a vibration.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests, though its headlights received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings. A driver's knee airbag was standard, but the Blazer lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking. The enhanced forward emergency braking was more accurate with radar and camera detection, but it was only available on top trims with the Driver Confidence II package.