2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, adding character while maintaining recognizable Volvo elements. Unlike Lexus, which opted for a radical styling revamp, Volvo retained its traditional boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille. The XC90 featured softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a cohesive design language across the brand. Inside, the XC90 embraced “Swedish minimalism” with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end touch to the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, on the other hand, aimed to evoke the excitement of a Lamborghini Urus with its aggressive styling. The Blazer featured a 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 design was a departure from Chevy's typically dowdy SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a muscled, sporty look. The Blazer offered good customization with various grille designs and packages like the Redline and Midnight/Sport editions. However, the interior was a letdown, with a low-rent feel, featureless and unsupportive seats, and downmarket materials. Despite its stylish exterior, the Blazer's cabin did not match the quality of competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy and Toyota Venza Limited.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled to provide the flexibility of larger engines in competitor SUVs. The XC90 Recharge's electric-only mode was limited to low speeds, and the gasoline engine often had to assist. However, the XC90 excelled in ride quality and cabin quietness, with an optional air-suspension system and a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engines with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The base 2.5-liter inline-four engine, found in the L and 1LT trims, was underpowered with 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, standard on the 2LT, 3LT, and Premier trims, produced 227 hp and 258 lb-ft. The preferred engine was the 3.6-liter V6, standard on the RS trim, with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft. The RS trim also featured a sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering, providing a sporty driving experience. 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 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom in all three rows being about average for the segment. The third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats in both the second and third rows lacked support. The XC90 featured a power moonroof, four-zone climate control, and an optional filtration system. The front seats in the Inscription trim were 10-way power-adjustable with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 also offered a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. The low roof height did not affect interior space, and the seats were mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor due to the design, but large side-view mirrors and an optional rear-view mirror camera improved visibility. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded and 30 cubic feet with the seat raised. The Blazer could tow up to 4,500 pounds with the trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine. The Blazer featured simple controls, a hands-free power tailgate, and optional heated steering wheel and rear seats. The infotainment system was fast and easy to use, with an optional digital speedometer.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for tablet-like swiping. However, the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The XC90 also had a wireless charging pad that was too small for most phones and only had second-row USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were available.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The RS trim with the Driver Confidence II package added wireless phone charging, a rear camera washer, 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. The system could upload settings to a GM cloud account and offered contactless payments through the Marketplace app. For 2021, driver assists like forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams were standard on most trims.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The XC90 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer scored an overall five stars from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, but received "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for headlights. The Blazer included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking with radar. However, it lacked an inboard side airbag and rear emergency braking.