2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was available in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trim levels. Most trims came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered either 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 added for the LT and RS trims. Pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The RS test vehicle, equipped with optional AWD, extra-cost paint, and additional 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, physical controls, and innovative temperature adjustment rings on the air vents. Despite the sporty design, the interior had plenty of hard plastic, which felt out of place in a nearly $50,000 vehicle. The RS trim's red interior accents matched the exterior paint, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered standard and Type S versions, each with various trim packages. The standard MDX came with base, Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S was available in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The Type S Advance test vehicle, with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, had an MSRP of $74,995. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring subtle styling cues, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. A panoramic sunroof and Iconic Drive ambient lighting were standard, with the Type S adding perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package.

Inside, the MDX Type S featured a leather-wrapped dashboard and open-pore wood trim. However, the body design made it look like it had a massive dent from certain angles, and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made some controls challenging to use. The electronic transmission switchgear was also confusing. Despite these issues, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered driving modes like Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul, and remote engine starting was available. The Blazer RS featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, also paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine was optional for the 3LT and Premier trims but came with a dual-clutch AWD system in the RS. The V6 could tow up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the base engine.

In city and highway driving, the Blazer RS felt firm and sporty, with decent grip from the 20-inch wheels. However, the V6 engine was loud and unrefined, and the nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift in Sport mode. The steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode, and the SUV struggled on back roads, bouncing around on its suspension. The Blazer RS averaged 20.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The AWD system could direct up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The MDX Type S offered driving modes like Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance.

Despite the performance upgrades, the MDX Type S fell short. The transmission was indecisive, the ride was harsh, and the brake pedal response was inconsistent. The turbocharged V6 guzzled fuel, averaging 16.9 mpg in combined driving, below the EPA rating of 19 mpg. The MDX Type S struggled on mountain roads, with the transmission and brakes failing to inspire confidence. The Continental self-sealing performance tires squealed early, and the suspension lacked compliance, making the MDX Type S less cohesive as a performance vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered reasonable comfort and utility. The RS test vehicle's black leather upholstery with red perforations looked sporty but lacked quality. The steering wheel was comfortable, with power tilt and telescopic adjustment and heating. The front seats had power adjustment, heating, and ventilation but lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents kept the cabin comfortable. The back seat was spacious and could slide forward and back for added cargo or passenger space.

Storage space was impressive, with a large glove compartment, a bin under the center armrest, and door panel shelves. Rear passengers had seatback pockets, armrest trays, and bottle holders. Most Blazers had a power rear liftgate, with hands-free operation available on the RS and Premier trims. The cargo area offered 30.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with options for two or three second-row seating positions. The test vehicle had triple-zone automatic climate control, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, and quilted leather upholstery. The seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place well during spirited driving. The second-row seat could slide forward and back but didn't offer as much legroom as expected. The third row was tight for adults, making it best for children.

Storage space was limited due to the design focus on style. The center console had a small bin, and the touchpad interface took up valuable space. The cargo area was spacious, with a sizable well under the load floor panel. The MDX could carry 18.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close was convenient for unloading cargo.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-resolution graphics and easy-to-use controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with satellite radio and connected navigation available. The system was user-friendly, with separate volume and tuning controls and effective voice recognition. The test vehicle had 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 2023 Acura MDX had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console, which was less intuitive than a touchscreen. The TTI design took up valuable storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The test vehicle had a Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering clear and distortion-free sound. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

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. It also had a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Available safety upgrades included 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.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed following, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX had good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, and the adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed after lane changes.