2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, thanks to its muscular design and balanced proportions. It featured trendy blacked-out wheels and trim, which added to its handsome appearance. Kia made minimal changes for 2022, only updating the grille pattern and adding new badges. The Telluride was available in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with prices ranging from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a destination charge. The interior was well-organized and attractive, though the glossy plastic in the lower cabin detracted from its overall appeal. Despite this, the Telluride offered numerous standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and advanced driving aids.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer embraced a sleek, road-car-inspired design with a low roofline and a prominent grille framed by stacked headlights. The Blazer RS test vehicle stood out with blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels. For 2023, the Blazer received subtle styling updates, including new taillights and grille designs. The interior had a sportier aesthetic, reminiscent of the Camaro, with large round air vents and available leather upholstery. The Blazer RS featured blue trim and a two-tone upholstery scheme, enhancing its upscale feel. Overall, the Blazer's design was striking, but it maintained the visual weight of a proper SUV.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a pleasure to drive, powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered an eight-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive with a Lock mode for power distribution. The Telluride excelled on various terrains, including snow and muddy roads, and provided a smooth ride on dry pavement. It featured a brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and selectable driving modes. The Telluride achieved an EPA fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Blazer RS, equipped with the V6 engine, delivered impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. However, its handling was affected by its weight and top-heavy design. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some competitors. It had a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds for V6 models with the trailering package.

The 2022 Kia Telluride offered a spacious and functional interior with thoughtful details like overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in all three rows. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control for front-seat occupants and a single-zone system for the rear. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The Telluride accommodated adults in all three rows, though the third row was less comfortable. It provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle with competitive front-seat headroom and legroom. It offered 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. While it lagged behind some rivals in cargo capacity, the Blazer felt spacious from the driver's seat and was easy to maneuver. Functional details included USB ports between air vents and a unique temperature control system. The Blazer's design prioritized driver comfort and visibility, contributing to its overall spacious feel.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition. It offered USB charging ports in all rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad in most trims. Kia Connect provided connected services, including emergency assistance and remote features. The Telluride also featured Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions for family-friendly convenience. The SX trim included a Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display, and surround-view monitoring.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. It featured a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS and Premier trims added navigation and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, though a dedicated camera view button would have been appreciated. The Blazer's tech presentation was modern and user-friendly.

The 2022 Kia Telluride prioritized safety with its Kia Drive Wise suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It featured Highway Driving Assist for highway driving assistance. The Telluride earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS, though it missed the highest award due to headlight ratings.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered the Chevy Safety Assist Package as standard, with features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Adaptive cruise control was available on more trims for 2023. Optional safety features included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in IIHS crash tests, with some areas for improvement in child-seat anchor ease of use.