2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, blending traditional elements with modern touches. While maintaining its recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and unique options such as wool upholstery and an Orrefors crystal shifter.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trims, offered a more aggressive and sporty design inspired by the Camaro. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with its V6 engine and sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system. The Blazer's interior featured an 8-inch touchscreen, large round air vents, and a strip of climate buttons, all designed for ease of use. However, the use of hard plastic in some areas, especially in the upper door panels, detracted from the overall quality. The RS trim's red interior accents matched the exterior paint, adding a layer of sophistication.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 variant produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 variant, with both turbocharging and supercharging, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, resulting in a total output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The XC90's ride quality was excellent, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and it offered a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity. However, the small engine struggled to provide consistent power, especially in the all-electric Pure mode.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 308 hp and 270 lb-ft, also mated to a nine-speed automatic. The Blazer RS offered a firm and sporty driving experience, with decent grip and capable brakes. However, the suspension struggled on back roads, and the nine-speed automatic was slow to downshift. The Blazer RS could tow up to 4,500 pounds, and its fuel economy averaged 20.5 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom being average for the segment. The third-row seats were tight for adults, and the seats in both the second and third rows lacked support. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo space was also on the lower end, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's interior was comfortable and functional, with black leather upholstery and red perforations in the RS trim. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, but lacked thigh support. The back seat was spacious and could slide forward and back to adjust cargo space. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment, center armrest bin, and various door bins and seatback pockets. The Blazer's cargo area measured 30.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was small for a midsize crossover SUV.

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. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The touchscreen was user-friendly, but the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was easy to use, with an 8-inch touchscreen, physical controls for volume and tuning, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upgraded system added satellite radio and connected navigation with enhanced voice recognition. The Blazer also offered wireless smartphone charging, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, and various safety features like rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a rear camera mirror.

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. It came standard with numerous 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.

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. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights. The Blazer's advanced driving assistance systems worked well, but the IIHS did not give it a "Top Safety Pick" rating due to its headlights.