2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered trim levels including 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS, featuring a mix of turbocharged four-cylinder engines and a more powerful V6 engine in the RS variant. Exterior styling changes for 2022 included revised bumper and bodyside trim for the Premier versions, redesigned standard wheels, and the introduction of two-tone paint options for the LT and RS trims. Prices ranged from $33,400 to about $49,000 with various optional packages.

Visually, the Blazer took cues from the Camaro, both inside and out. Its 20-inch wheels augmented its visual appeal, though the black trim on the rear bumper was a controversial design element. Inside, the Camaro influence continued with the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and innovative climate control setups. While some hard plastics detracted from the overall interior quality, the color scheme, especially in the RS with Cherry Red Tintcoat, added a sophisticated touch.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a modernist and reductive design philosophy, focusing on clean and simple lines rather than ostentatious features. While flashy from the factory options were limited to a Firenze Red paint and 23-inch multi-spoke wheels, our test vehicle’s Eiger Gray paint and Black Exterior Pack with silver wheels struck a balance between sophistication and subtlety.

Inside, the Range Rover Sport featured a luxurious Deep Garnet over Ebony interior accented by aluminum and black shiny trim. Its premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and advanced aerodynamics pushed the boundaries of SUV design. The sustainable Ultrafabrics in the cabin provided an environmentally conscious yet luxurious touch, while Windsor leather upholstery added an extra layer of opulence.

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. The RS trim, however, boasted a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, and a dual-clutch AWD system for improved traction and responsiveness. This engine allowed for a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds.

In daily driving, the Blazer RS felt firm and sporty, with satisfying acceleration from the V6. While the grip from the 20-inch wheels was decent, the nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift in Sport mode, and the steering felt artificially heavy. Fuel economy was also below expectations, averaging 20.5 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, on the other hand, aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement. The SE and SE Dynamic models offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in the SE P360 and 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the SE Dynamic P400. The P400 drivetrain provided a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds and a 7,716-pound towing capacity.

Fuel efficiency was surprisingly good for the class, averaging 22.3 mpg in mixed driving conditions. The adaptive damping air suspension provided remarkable ride comfort and control, though it fell short of the sportier offerings from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in terms of handling. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with 11.1 inches of ground clearance, impressive approach and departure angles, and advanced tech like Terrain Response and All Terrain Progress Control.

Inside the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, the RS trim offered black leather upholstery with red perforations, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and an effective climate control system. The flat, wide seats provided ample space for larger occupants, though thigh support was lacking. Rear seat comfort was decent, and the usable cargo area could expand from 30.5 cubic feet to 64.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, which was relatively small for a midsize SUV.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport preserved the Command Driving Position, providing a tall, airy feel. Windsor leather upholstered the seats, which included 20-way power adjustments and heating and ventilation. However, rear-seat space was tight for those with longer legs, despite improvements in legroom and knee clearance. Cargo capacity measured 31.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 53 cubic feet when folded down, which was less than the Blazer but offered thoughtful features like a power liftgate and adjustable air suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with easy-to-use physical controls and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional tech upgrades included satellite radio, connected navigation, and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. The system was generally user-friendly, with responsive enhanced voice recognition and a practical layout of climate controls and volume/tuning functions.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and an Online Pack with connected services were standard, though Wi-Fi access required an extra-cost data plan. Despite promises of an intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment platform, many users found it confusing and frustrating, particularly when navigating menus or using the digital assistant. However, the Range Rover Sport did offer advanced Meridian audio systems and next-gen Active Noise Cancellation for an enhanced listening experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. While rear visibility was limited, the available driving aids worked exceptionally well in adverse conditions.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Remote Park Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist were inconsistent, often struggling with curves and bends on freeways, which could be challenging for drivers to manage.