2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a top recommendation for families due to its practical design and features. Its sliding side doors made loading children into car seats a breeze, and the comfortable third-row seat accommodated additional passengers like grandparents or carpool kids with ease. The Odyssey also offered substantial cargo space, rivaling even large SUVs when the seats were folded or removed. Despite the minivan stigma, the Odyssey's design, especially in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch wheels, added a touch of style.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer sported a Camaro-inspired design that appealed to those seeking a sporty look. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with its 20-inch wheels and red interior accents that matched the exterior paint. However, some design elements, like the black trim on the rear bumper, gave it an unfinished appearance. Inside, the Blazer featured a modern infotainment system and innovative climate controls, but the use of hard plastics detracted from the overall quality feel.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, averaging 22.6 mpg in mixed driving conditions. However, the brakes tended to overheat on long descents, leading to pedal vibration and noise. Despite this, the Odyssey remained quick and composed, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The V6, standard on the RS trim, provided satisfying acceleration but was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer's handling was firm and sporty in everyday driving, but less impressive on twisty roads where the suspension and transmission struggled to keep up. The Blazer RS averaged 20.5 mpg in testing, slightly below its EPA rating.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and functionality. Its low step-in height and wide-opening doors made entry easy, while the Elite trim offered quality leather seats with heating and ventilation. The Magic Slide second-row seats provided versatile configurations for child seats and easier access to the third row. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the seats removed.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, while comfortable, didn't match the Odyssey's practicality. The RS trim featured sporty black leather with red accents, but the seats lacked thigh support. The Blazer offered ample storage space, including a large glove compartment and center bin, but its cargo capacity was limited to 30.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The power liftgate, available on higher trims, had inconsistent hands-free operation.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, but its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. Starting with the EX trim, it included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk features, but the rear-seat entertainment system felt outdated. The Elite trim's 11-speaker audio system and wireless charging pad were highlights, but the overall tech package needed an upgrade.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The upgraded system included satellite radio and connected navigation with enhanced voice recognition. The Blazer also offered wireless charging and an 8-speaker Bose audio system, though the sound quality was mediocre. Safety features like rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a rear camera mirror were valuable additions, especially given the Blazer's poor rear visibility.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement and could be overly sensitive. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features like the Safety Alert Seat and adaptive cruise control were available. The Blazer's safety systems were effective and user-friendly, but its headlights received poor ratings from IIHS, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.