2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was offered in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trim levels. Most trims came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The RS trim stood out with a V6 engine and a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better performance on low-traction surfaces. For 2022, the Blazer saw minor updates, including revised bumper and bodyside trim for the Premier version, new standard wheels, and the introduction of an Enhanced Convenience Package and a Trailering Package for models with the turbocharged engine. Two-tone paint options were also available for the LT and RS trims. Pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Blazer RS with optional AWD and several packages, totaled $49,000.

The Blazer's design drew inspiration from the Camaro, featuring a sporty and appealing look, especially with 20-inch wheels. However, the black trim on the rear bumper gave it an unfinished appearance. Inside, the Camaro influence continued with an 8-inch touchscreen display, innovative temperature adjustment rings on the air vents, and a strip of climate buttons. Despite the sporty design, the interior had plenty of hard plastic, which felt out of place in a nearly $50,000 vehicle. The red interior accents in the RS trim, especially when paired with Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior paint, added a touch of sophistication.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the Signature trim boasted luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, offering improved comfort. Mazda also revamped the trim levels, introducing the CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S came in base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus trims, with prices ranging from $25,900 to $33,950. The 2.5 Turbo, with a turbocharged engine, was available in base ($36,400) and Signature ($38,650) trims. Our test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo with optional features, totaled $39,445.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose between Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul driving modes. The Blazer RS featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, also paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine was optional for the 3LT and Premier trims but came with a more advanced dual-clutch AWD system in the RS. The V6 could tow up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the base engine. The Blazer RS offered firm and sporty handling, though the V6 engine could be loud and unrefined. The steering felt good in most modes, but Sport mode added unnecessary weight. The brakes were capable, but the suspension struggled on winding roads. The Blazer RS averaged 20.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission. All CX-5s came standard with AWD, and the EPA rated the fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The Turbo also had the revised six-speed automatic and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. Our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The 2.5 Turbo trims and higher 2.5 S trims featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. The 2022 CX-5 had improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, offering a quieter and smoother ride with reduced body roll and better handling. The driving dynamics were significantly improved, making the CX-5 feel more like a premium vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered reasonable comfort and utility. The RS test vehicle featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were flat and accommodating but lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured comfort for all passengers. The back seat was spacious and could slide forward and back to adjust cargo or passenger space. Storage options included a large glove compartment, a bin under the center armrest, door panel shelves, and rear seatback pockets. The Blazer's cargo space measured 30.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats. The new seats offered better support and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but featured heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system, but users could acclimate to the center console controls. Storage space was limited, with a small bin under the center armrest and door panel bins. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down, which was adequate compared to entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-resolution graphics and easy-to-use controls. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the upgraded system added satellite radio and connected navigation with enhanced voice recognition. Connected services like OnStar and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were available with short trial periods. The system was user-friendly, 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 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 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring users to operate it with center console and steering wheel controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was less intuitive than competitors, but users could acclimate to it over time.

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 system, Teen Driver technology, a vibrating 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, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keeping assistance. However, the Blazer did not receive a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS due to its headlights.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came standard with the i-Activsense package, which included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, a driver monitoring system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense system was mostly agreeable, though it could be slow to recognize cars in moderate traffic. The CX-5's head-up display showed blind-spot warnings, enhancing safety. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.