2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was offered in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trim levels. All trims except the RS came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The RS trim featured a V6 engine and a more 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 made 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, both inside and out. The exterior featured 20-inch wheels and a unique black trim on the rear bumper, which some found unappealing. Inside, the Camaro influence was evident in the infotainment and climate control systems, with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative temperature adjustment rings on the air vents. However, the interior also had plenty of hard plastic, which was disappointing given the nearly $50,000 price tag. The RS trim's red interior accents matched the exterior paint, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lit up. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. The ID.4 was based on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and shared modularity with the MQB platform used in other VW models. The interior featured a minimalist design with a feeling of quality, even in the base Standard model, which had leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibers.

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. Drivers could choose between FWD or AWD and had access to 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. This engine was optional for the 3LT and Premier trims but came with a more advanced dual-clutch AWD system in the RS. The V6 engine could tow up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the base engine. The Blazer RS felt firm and sporty in city and highway driving, with decent grip and capable brakes. However, it was less enjoyable on twisty roads, with too much body roll and slow downshifts in Sport mode. The steering also felt artificially heavy in Sport mode. The Blazer RS averaged 20.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus trims retained the 82-kWh battery pack and offered both RWD and AWD options. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4 felt spritely in city driving but allowed too much body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was available but did not support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a reasonably comfortable and useful interior. The RS test vehicle featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment. The front seats were accommodating but lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort. The rear seat was wide and flat, with ample legroom and the ability to slide forward and back for added cargo or passenger space. Storage options included a large glove compartment, a spacious center bin, and various door panel shelves and bins. The Blazer's cargo area measured 30.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was small for a midsize crossover SUV.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front and rear legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. The ID.4 offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it more practical than most entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone storage spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-resolution graphics, a power/volume knob, tuning buttons, and easy-to-use onscreen menus. 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 Blazer's infotainment 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. Additional features included 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 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. Despite the updates, the user experience remained similar, with sharp graphics, natural-language voice recognition, and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a traditional split-screen view. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were still a drawback, as they lacked physical feedback and could be distracting. The ID.4 also featured ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that provided visual cues for navigation and other functions.

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' performance.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4's standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0 with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. Emergency Assist 3.0, Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system were also standard for 2023.