2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle (EV), showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners of the body. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. While it boasted a unique design, it didn’t quite look like an SUV, which could be a potential issue for buyers seeking that specific aesthetic.

Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen’s trademark minimalism with a tech-forward, smartphone-inspired aesthetic. The base ID.4 Pro featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while the Pro S and 1St Edition models offered leatherette upholstery. The interior materials included piano black and matte plastic, evoking a tech theme. Despite its modern design, the ID.4’s interior had some practical shortcomings, such as limited storage space in the center console and subpar rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars and a small back window.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was available in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trim levels, with the RS trim featuring a V6 engine and a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system. For 2022, the Blazer saw minor updates, including revised bumper and bodyside trim for the Premier version, a new Enhanced Convenience Package, and a Trailering Package for models with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Two-tone paint options were also introduced for the LT and RS trims.

The Blazer’s design was inspired by the Camaro, both inside and out, giving it a sporty appearance. However, the black trim on the rear bumper and liftgate gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, large round center air vents with innovative temperature adjustment rings, and a strip of climate buttons. While the interior had plenty of hard plastic, the red interior accents in the RS trim added a layer of sophistication. The Blazer’s seats were wide and flat, accommodating larger individuals, but the bottom cushions lacked thigh support.

At launch, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This made it the first rear-wheel drive (RWD) Volkswagen passenger car sold in the United States since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn’t a performance car, its RWD setup provided balanced handling, and the electric motor’s instantaneous torque made city driving enjoyable. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 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, also paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine offered satisfying acceleration but was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer RS’s sporty styling and power encouraged enthusiastic driving, but its suspension and transmission performance fell short on twisty roads. The Blazer’s fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing showed an average of 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While it lacked a front trunk (frunk), the ID.4’s interior felt spacious from the driver’s seat, with good forward visibility but subpar rearward visibility. The ID.4’s center console had limited storage space, but the heated steering wheel and front seats proved effective in cold weather.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer’s interior featured black leather upholstery with red perforations in the RS trim, giving it a sporty appearance. The steering wheel had power tilt and telescopic adjustment, as well as heating. Both front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, but lacked thigh support. The Blazer’s 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 spacious bin under the center armrest, and various shelves and bins in the door panels. The Blazer offered 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with an optional 12-inch screen) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the ID.4’s touchscreen was well-positioned, with smart-looking graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer’s infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen display with high-resolution graphics and a modern appearance. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an upgraded version offering satellite radio and a connected navigation system. The Blazer’s infotainment system was easy to use, with separate stereo volume and tuning functions and climate controls. The enhanced voice recognition and connected navigation systems were fast and accurate. The Blazer also offered 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 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the RWD model. Standard driver aids included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also featured Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering to the adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, which brought the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also featured a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Available safety upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights. The Blazer’s advanced driving assistance systems worked exceptionally well, providing smooth and responsive performance in traffic.