Honda Pilot vs Chevrolet Blazer

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer took a more streamlined approach, deviating from the rugged aesthetics common in crossovers. It featured a low roofline and leaned back front and rear pillars, framed by a prominent grille and stacked headlights which provided a sleek yet substantial SUV profile. The Blazer RS test vehicle, with its blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels, showcased a striking mainstream crossover appeal. The 2023 model updates included new taillights with twisted, filament-like elements, tweaked grille and headlight designs, and the addition of Sterling Gray Metallic, Copper Bronze Metallic, and Radiant Red Tintcoat to the color options.

On the inside, the Blazer offered a sportier aesthetic compared to other Chevy crossovers. It had an upright dashboard and round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro muscle car. Cloth seats were standard, but higher trims came with available leather upholstery and standard dual-zone automatic climate control. The RS model's interior featured blue trim, chrome accents, and a subtle two-tone upholstery in dark blue and black, offering impressive material quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot boasted a redesigned, more rugged, and substantial appearance. Its upright grille, boxier styling, and larger dimensions (3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller) distinguished it from its predecessor. The TrailSport model added off-road capabilities with a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates.

Inside, the Pilot had a more conventional styling route, providing an attractive and versatile interior. Quality materials met class expectations, and the design smartly emphasized function over form.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options carried over from the 2022 model year. Most variants featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Blazer RS and optional 3LT and Premier trims boasted a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6, generating 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The necessity of manually engaging AWD was a minor drawback, but when engaged, the V6’s power felt impressively quick for a crossover. However, its sporty appearance belied its handling, which was comparable to other top-heavy crossovers. The Blazer had a 4,500-pound maximum towing capacity for V6 models with the trailering package.

The 2023 Honda Pilot introduced an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard on most trims, with AWD optional but standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick acceleration response and adequate power for family duties, although not particularly impressive for those seeking more performance. Its handling prioritized comfort over sportiness, with noticeable body roll but commendable composure. The TrailSport trim enhanced off-road capabilities with an additional inch of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, adding subtle vibrations on pavement. Despite moderate off-road capabilities, the Pilot maintained its on-road composure, balancing daily family duties with outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle, historically the default configuration for midsize SUVs before the three-row models became more prevalent. The Blazer offered competitive front-seat headroom and slightly below-average rear-seat headroom compared with rivals. It provided 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet when folded. This fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Passport (41.2 cubic feet up, 77.7 cubic feet down) and the Nissan Murano. Despite lower official cargo figures, the interior felt spacious and well-organized, with practical placements for USB ports and temperature controls.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, however, maximized its interior space functionally. The entry-level trims came with a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims featured a nine-inch display. The innovative stowable second-row center seat allowed for a center pass-through, handy for third-row access. The Pilot’s storage options included clever placements with the front rubberized shelf, center console bin, and door pockets. Interior space was abundant; the second row accommodated tall adults comfortably. Cargo space was ample, with 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row flat, and an impressive 114.3 cubic feet overall, outmatching many rivals.

For 2023, the Chevrolet Blazer upgraded its tech with a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen for all models and wireless device charging for higher trims. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims featured built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The intuitive layout and large screens made for an easy user experience.

The 2023 Honda Pilot’s technology shone, especially from the EX-L trim onward, which included a larger touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims added multi-view camera systems, a head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. Features like Honda's CabinTalk, navigation on higher trims, and Bose premium audio system catered to technology-savvy consumers. The TrailSport and Elite trims' multi-view TrailWatch camera system excelled in enhancing off-road awareness.

The Chevrolet Blazer’s standard safety package included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control became available on 2LT and 3LT trims, and optional features included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received high safety ratings, including a five-star NHTSA overall rating and top IIHS ratings in several categories.

The 2023 Honda Pilot included the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite across all trims: forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims featured additional safety technologies like low-speed automatic braking and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, reflecting Honda's commitment to safety in the new design.