2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer presented a sleek, road-car-inspired design, diverging from the rugged appearance typical of crossovers. Its low roofline and leaned-back pillars contributed to a streamlined profile, while the tall ride height and body sides maintained the visual weight of an SUV. The Blazer RS model, with its blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels, stood out as a striking option in the mainstream crossover market. For 2023, the Blazer received subtle styling updates, including new taillights with twisted elements, revised grille and LED headlights, and additional color options. Inside, the Blazer's sportier aesthetic was evident with its upright dashboard and Camaro-inspired air vents. The RS trim featured enhanced interior details like blue trim and a two-tone upholstery scheme, showcasing impressive material quality.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a more conservative design, reminiscent of the previous-generation RAV4 but on a larger scale. This approach resulted in a spacious vehicle with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with the Platinum trim adding a layer of luxury. However, the use of glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces was noticeable. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had some drawbacks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob. Despite these issues, the Grand Highlander provided a comfortable and practical interior for families.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer carried over its powertrain options from the previous year, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque for most models. The Blazer RS and select trims offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some competitors with automatic switching. The V6-powered Blazer RS demonstrated impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note, though it wasn't a performance SUV. Its handling was affected by its weight and design, but it provided a comfortable highway ride. The Blazer's 4,500-pound towing capacity was competitive for its class.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid emphasized efficiency with its hybrid powertrain, achieving up to 36 mpg in combined driving. The Hybrid Max configuration, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and two electric motors, produced 362 horsepower and offered full-time AWD. This setup provided quick acceleration and avoided the droning typical of CVTs. However, the Hybrid Max's fuel economy was lower at 27 mpg, with observed figures around 24-25 mpg. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max could tow up to 5,000 pounds, surpassing the standard hybrid model. Its acceleration was smooth, and the ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was limited by tire grip and size. Visibility was excellent, aided by cameras, but the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offering a spacious feel from the driver's seat. Front-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, while rear-seat headroom was slightly below average but better than some competitors. The Blazer provided 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, trailing behind rivals like the Honda Passport and Nissan Murano. Despite this, the Blazer's design made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and functional interior details, such as USB port placement and air vent controls, were appreciated.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch. The front and second-row seats were heated and ventilated, providing comfort for passengers. However, the rear doors' design posed challenges for child seat installation, and the sharp door corners could cause dents. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which was comfortable for adults and teens. Cargo space behind the third row was 20.6 cubic feet, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades for 2023, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. The RS and Premier trims featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a large touchscreen and easy-to-navigate menus. However, a dedicated button for the optional 360-degree camera system would have been beneficial.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with higher trims offering a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to music accounts. Toyota Connected Services provided additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously and the low-contrast font were minor drawbacks. The Platinum trim included advanced features like a head-up display and premium audio system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered a range of safety features, with the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Adaptive cruise control was available on more trims for 2023, and additional options included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it lacked advanced systems like GM's Super Cruise.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. Proactive Driving Assist was standard, though it could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander's safety tech was generally accurate, with minor issues in lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.