2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its unique sound and appearance. Aside from a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it looked like a regular Wrangler, with the only noticeable difference being the power port at the windshield's base. When the battery had enough charge, the SUV moved silently, except for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which turned heads as it cruised through Yosemite National Park. The Firecracker Red Rubicon trim test vehicle, priced at $66,690, included over $13,000 in options. Inside, it retained the classic Wrangler look with some added soft-touch materials and special PHEV-related gauges. The controls were functionally laid out, and the interior hinted at its rugged off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trims, featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the RS trim boasting a V6 engine and a sophisticated AWD system. For 2022, the Blazer saw minor updates, including revised bumper and bodyside trim for the Premier version and new packages for enhanced convenience and trailering. Our RS test vehicle, priced at $49,000, included optional AWD, extra-cost paint, and several packages. The Blazer's Camaro-inspired design, especially with 20-inch wheels, was appealing, though the black trim on the rear bumper gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Camaro influence continued with the infotainment and climate control systems, though the hard plastic materials were a letdown for a nearly $50,000 vehicle. The red interior accents in the RS trim added a touch of sophistication.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, producing a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to choose between maximizing power, running solely on electric power, or saving battery power for specific situations. The Wrangler 4xe could travel an estimated 21 miles on electric power alone, with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it achieved 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. During a weekend road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe averaged 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 of those miles on electricity.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, also mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine, available with the 3LT and Premier trims, could tow up to 4,500 pounds. The Blazer RS felt firm and sporty in city and suburban driving, with decent grip from its 20-inch wheels. However, on winding roads, the suspension felt bouncy, and the nine-speed automatic was slow to downshift. The steering in Sport mode felt artificially heavy, and the SUV struggled to maintain composure in higher-speed curves. The Blazer RS averaged 20.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly below its EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. Once inside, the classic Wrangler driving position offered a clear view over the hood and fenders. The front seats, with manual height adjusters, tended to lower over time due to repeated sliding out. The center console had limited storage space, and the rear seat, though upright, provided good visibility and amenities like air vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space was limited, with 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded down. The swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear window could be inconvenient in tight parking situations.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's interior was comfortable and practical, with black leather upholstery and red perforations in the RS trim. The steering wheel had power tilt and telescopic adjustment and heating. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though 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 ample legroom and the ability to slide forward and back. Storage space was impressive, with a large glove compartment, a spacious center bin, and various door panel shelves and bins. The cargo area offered 30.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system could overcome freeway wind noise. However, the Uconnect system showed its age in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and the blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard were helpful for monitoring battery status.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen display, high-resolution graphics, and physical controls for volume and tuning. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an upgraded system offering satellite radio and connected navigation. Connected services included OnStar Safety and Security and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The enhanced voice recognition and navigation systems were impressive, and the test vehicle featured wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. Safety features included rear parking sensors, a high-resolution reversing camera, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors) and the Advanced Safety Group (adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights). The blind-spot warning system was particularly useful due to the narrow side mirrors. The LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective but rated Marginal by the IIHS. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and the Safety Alert Seat. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights. The Blazer's advanced driving assistance systems worked well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keeping assistance. However, the IIHS did not award the Blazer a "Top Safety Pick" rating due to its headlight performance.