2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, becoming more palatable over time. Initially, the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were points of contention, but after seven years, the Cherokee's proportions seemed more balanced. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked quite basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding offered a more refined look. Jeep's knack for maximizing roof utility was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, covering the entire top surface. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, on the other hand, made a bold statement with its exterior styling. Its design drew comparisons to the Lamborghini Urus, thanks to its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and aggressive front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille. The Blazer's styling was a departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more exciting and memorable look. The Blazer 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, featureless seats, and downmarket materials that didn't match the Blazer's sporty exterior.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, each paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered a more robust 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong contender despite being just 1 hp shy of the V-6. Acceleration was modest, with the V-6 and turbo-four achieving 0-60 mph times of around 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities were notable, especially in the Trailhawk model, which featured Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of FWD versions aimed at keeping prices competitive for rental fleets was a point of consideration.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer also offered three engine choices, all mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-liter inline-four engine, found in the L and 1LT trims, was underpowered with 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, standard on the 2LT, 3LT, and Premier trims, provided a more acceptable 227 hp and 258 lb-ft. The standout engine was the 3.6-liter V6, standard on the RS trim, producing 308 hp and 270 lb-ft. The RS trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension and a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, the transmission's slow response and convoluted manual mode detracted from the overall sporty experience. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 was average at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee positioned itself between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in terms of utility, offering just 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, placing it at the bottom of its class. Passenger volume was competitive at 102 cubic feet. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels significantly affecting the cabin's feel. The Latitude trim featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim added perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

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, a trade-off for its Lamborghini-like styling. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded and 30 cubic feet with it raised. The trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine allowed the Blazer to tow up to 4,500 pounds. Interior controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around the front air vents for temperature control and a Chevy logo projected on the ground for hands-free tailgate operation. The infotainment system was fast and easy to use, with options for a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and rear heated seats in upper trims.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface and climate control integration. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was also available. The Uconnect system's consistency across Stellantis vehicles was a significant advantage for Cherokee buyers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, known for its simplicity and speed. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with features like wireless phone charging, LED headlights, 360 cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The "Plus" version of the infotainment system added navigation, 4G WiFi, onboard apps, and better voice recognition. Unique GM features included cloud account settings transfer, an app store, and contactless payments via the Marketplace app. Driver assists like forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams were standard on most trims.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crashworthiness categories but did not earn a Top Safety Pick award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was only available on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlights, which received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings. Standard safety features included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking on top trims. However, it lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking.