2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

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, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured 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 it a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was offered in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trim levels. All but the RS had a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD. The RS trim included a V6 engine and a more sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for improved responsiveness on low-traction surfaces. For 2022, the Blazer saw minor changes, including revised bumper and bodyside trim for Premier versions, redesigned standard wheels, a new Enhanced Convenience Package, and a Trailering Package for models with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Two-tone paint was available for the LT and RS trims. Pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. The test vehicle, a Blazer RS with optional AWD, extra-cost paint, the Enhanced Convenience Package, and the Driver Confidence II Package, was priced at $49,000, including the destination charge. The Blazer featured Camaro-inspired design elements inside and out, with a sporty appearance enhanced by 20-inch wheels. However, the black trim rising from the lower rear bumper into the bottom of the liftgate gave it an unfinished look.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked AWD, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering, a firm but comfortable ride, and well-managed body motions. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, heating up and fading during a mountain descent.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer had a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 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 producing 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, with a more sophisticated dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine could tow up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the base engine. The Blazer RS felt firm and sporty in city and highway driving, with satisfying acceleration from the V6 engine. However, it was loud and unrefined, and the suspension was too bouncy on back roads. The nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift, and the steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode. The Blazer RS averaged 20.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and heating and ventilation in the Elite trim. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers didn't complain. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for various seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's interior was comfortable and useful, with black leather upholstery and red perforations in the RS trim. The steering wheel had power tilt and telescopic adjustment and heating. Both front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, but the bottom cushions lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents kept passengers comfortable. The back seat was wide and flat, with plenty of legroom and the ability to slide forward and back. Storage space was impressive, with a large glove compartment, a bin under the center armrest, and various shelves and bins. The power rear liftgate revealed a 30.5 cubic-foot cargo area, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims had a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, wireless headphones, and streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen display with high-resolution graphics, a power/volume knob, tuning buttons, and easy-to-use onscreen menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with satellite radio and connected navigation available. Connected services included OnStar Safety and Security and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with separate stereo volume and tuning functions and effective climate controls. The enhanced voice recognition and connected navigation systems were impressive. The Blazer also had wireless smartphone charging, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, rear parking sensors, a high-resolution reversing camera, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) was standard on all trims, with new radar and LED headlights. Honda Sensing included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new menu button for ADAS settings. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available on EX trim and above. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Blazer also had a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Available safety upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights. The Blazer's ADAS worked well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keeping assistance. However, the Blazer didn't earn a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS due to its headlights.