Jeep Cherokee vs Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, becoming more palatable over time. While the short grille opening and swept-back headlights initially drew criticism, familiarity had improved its perceived proportions. The Cherokee's exterior varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, covering the entire top surface. The Cherokee's distinctive look ensured it stood out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was offered in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trim levels, with the RS featuring a V6 engine and a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system. For 2022, the Blazer saw minor updates, including revised bumper and bodyside trim for the Premier, a new Enhanced Convenience Package, and a Trailering Package for models with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Two-tone paint became available for the LT and RS trims. Pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Blazer RS test vehicle, equipped with optional AWD, extra-cost paint, and additional packages, totaled $49,000. The Blazer's Camaro-inspired design was appealing, especially with 20-inch wheels, though the black trim on the rear bumper gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Camaro influence continued with an 8-inch touchscreen, innovative temperature adjustment rings, and a mix of hard plastics and red interior accents that matched the exterior paint.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V6 significantly increased output to 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the V6 in torque. Despite these options, none provided outstanding acceleration, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 seconds for the V6 and 7.4 seconds for the turbo-four. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had proven reliable and fuel-efficient. The Cherokee Trailhawk excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of FWD models aimed at keeping prices competitive for rental fleets.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Blazer RS featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, with a more advanced dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 could tow up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the base engine. The Blazer RS offered a firm and sporty ride, with decent grip from its 20-inch wheels and capable brakes. However, the SUV's performance on winding roads was less impressive, with a bouncy suspension and slow downshifts from the nine-speed automatic. The steering in Sport mode felt artificially heavy, detracting from the driving experience. The Blazer's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, averaging 20.5 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, placing it at the bottom among compact SUVs. The Cherokee provided about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that metric. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels significantly affecting satisfaction. The Latitude featured basic rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux boasted perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's interior was comfortable and functional. The RS test vehicle's black leather upholstery with red perforations added a sporty touch, though the quality was not award-winning. The steering wheel was comfortable to grip, with power tilt and telescopic adjustment and heating. Both front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the bottom cushions lacked thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort, with additional USB ports and a household-style power outlet. The back seat was spacious and adjustable, providing flexibility for cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment, center armrest 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 them folded, which was small for a midsize crossover SUV.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface and climate control. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was also available. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis vehicles, providing a familiar and reliable experience for Cherokee buyers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's infotainment system was easy to operate, with an 8-inch touchscreen, high-resolution graphics, and intuitive controls. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an upgraded system offering satellite radio and connected navigation. Connected services like OnStar and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were available, though trial periods were short. The system's enhanced voice recognition and connected navigation were impressive, and additional features like wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Bose audio system were included. The Blazer also offered rear parking sensors, a high-resolution reversing camera, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror for improved visibility.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS but received top "Good" scores in every crashworthiness category and a G+ score for LATCH child seat anchors. The headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and others "Marginal." The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available only on the Limited and Trailhawk trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including 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, and the optional Safety Alert Seat. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights were available. The Blazer's advanced driving aids worked well, providing smooth and effective assistance. However, the IIHS did not award the Blazer a "Top Safety Pick" rating due to its headlight performance.