2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was designed to turn heads with its striking exterior. Its aggressive styling, reminiscent of high-end sports cars, featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and a bold front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille. The Blazer's design aimed to evoke the excitement of a Camaro, with a muscled body and a low roofline, making it stand out among typical SUVs. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, as it was criticized for its low-rent materials and lack of support in the seats, which felt inadequate for its price range.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid took a more rugged approach, borrowing styling cues from the Tacoma pickup. Its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia gave it a robust appearance, while the side profile introduced a softer character line. The interior was unconventional yet functional, with an asymmetrical dash and a high-mounted infotainment screen. The Highlander Hybrid's interior materials, however, were not as refined as some competitors, and the fabric choices in certain trims were seen as less durable and appealing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered three engine options, with the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim being the most preferred, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a strong performance, complemented by a sport-tuned suspension and a mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. The Blazer's fuel economy was average, with the AWD V6 achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It offered a smooth ride with a soft suspension, prioritizing comfort over sportiness. The hybrid system provided a quick initial response, but the engine's drone during heavy acceleration was noted. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for those seeking a family-friendly SUV with lower fuel costs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height did not compromise interior space, and the vehicle offered ample cargo capacity with 64 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. The Blazer's controls were user-friendly, and features like the rear-view mirror camera and 360-degree cameras enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided spacious seating, especially in the second row, with options for captain's chairs or a bench seat. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The Highlander Hybrid offered numerous storage solutions, making it practical for family use.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Chevrolet Infotainment 3, known for its simplicity and speed. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like wireless phone charging and adaptive cruise control available in higher trims. The system offered unique GM features, such as cloud-based settings and contactless payments.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's technology included an 8-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons aiding operation. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Higher trims offered navigation and a premium audio system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated poorly. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with enhanced options available in higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid also achieved a five-star NHTSA rating and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. However, some systems required fine-tuning for smoother operation.