2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic design, reminiscent of its predecessors with a boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare tire, and flat hood. Despite these nostalgic elements, the Defender embraced modernity with rounded corners for better aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that added a unique character. The vehicle was larger than the original, offering improved interior space and ergonomics. Inside, the Defender balanced ruggedness with sophistication, featuring a mix of leather and suede upholstery, exposed screws, and metal trim, making it both stylish and practical for off-road adventures.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a sporty, Camaro-inspired design, particularly appealing in the RS trim with its V6 engine and optional AWD system. The Blazer's exterior featured a distinctive black trim that some found quirky, while the interior echoed the Camaro's style with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls. Despite its sporty appearance, the Blazer's interior had hard plastic elements, which detracted from its premium feel. However, the red interior accents in the RS trim added a touch of sophistication, aligning with the exterior paint.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A mid-level 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain delivered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The highlight was the new 518 hp V8 engine, which propelled the Defender 90 from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like a 4WD system with low range, impressive ground clearance, and a Terrain Response 2 system. On-road, it offered a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps effectively and handling crosswinds better than competitors like the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The RS trim featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft, offering a more engaging drive. The Blazer RS felt sporty in city and highway driving, but its performance faltered on winding roads, with a suspension that struggled to maintain composure. The nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift, and the steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode. The Blazer's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 20.5 mpg in testing.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatile seating configurations, with the two-door Defender 90 featuring 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. While accessing the rear seats was challenging, they provided decent comfort. The four-door Defender 110 offered more flexibility, with two-row and three-row configurations, providing up to 70.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior emphasized functionality, with a large center-console storage bin and optional refrigeration. Land Rover also offered exterior cargo solutions, like a basket-style roof rack and side-mounted cargo boxes.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red accents in the RS trim. The front seats offered power adjustments and heating/ventilation, though they lacked thigh support. The rear seats were spacious, sliding on tracks to adjust for cargo or passenger space. The Blazer excelled in storage, with a large glove compartment, center armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available with hands-free operation, revealed a 30.5 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The interface was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch. Optional tech included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing off-road navigation.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was straightforward, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and easy-to-use controls. Upgraded systems offered satellite radio, connected navigation, and enhanced voice recognition. The Blazer also featured wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. Safety tech included rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a rear camera mirror, compensating for limited rear visibility.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, the Defender lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, a common scenario for luxury vehicles.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The Blazer's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were effective, though its headlights received low ratings from IIHS, preventing a "Top Safety Pick" designation.