The spacious 2021 Chevrolet Blazer takes on the all-new 2021 Toyota Venza mid-size hybrid. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is how they compare.

Chevrolet Blazer 2021

Chevrolet Blazer 2021 Starting price: $ 29,995 | Price yours Where View listings near you

Above average: Good driving and road holding; sharp design; choice of engines, including a V6; Maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

Below average: Weak base engine; active safety systems are not standard; not a real all-terrain vehicle; becomes expensive; All-wheel drive available only on higher versions.

Consensus: Mid-size 5-passenger SUV with good passenger and cargo space, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offers decent driving manners and a choice of engines. However, a number of driver assistance and safety functions are not available, except on higher versions.

Toyota Venza 2021

Toyota Venza 2021 Starting price: $ 33,645 | Price yours Where View listings near you

Above average: Fuel economy; all-wheel drive as standard; good standard safety features.

Below average: Choice of single engine; limited off-road capability; no plug-in hybrid; limited cargo space.

Consensus: Brand new but with an old name, the 2021 Toyota Venza is a handsome, well-equipped mid-size crossover with hybrid power and standard all-wheel drive. Although competent, handling could never be called sporty.

Blazer vs Venza: conventional or hybrid

Chevrolet Blazer

Starting at under $ 30,000, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offers comfortable seating for five people in a stylish package. Not to be confused with its gravel-ripping namesake from the past, the Blazer now comes with front-wheel drive and is really designed to be more of a good city companion. All-wheel drive is only available on higher trims, as are a few upgraded engines, including a powerful V6 that increases maximum towing capacity to 4,500 pounds. The driving manners are nice and there are even a few different driving modes that alter the response of the steering, throttle and transmission. In Sport mode, it’s pretty fun.

Inside, there’s plenty of room, including 39.6 inches of rear legroom and 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which stretches out. to 64.2 cubic meters with all seats folded down. Standard features include Apple CarPlay / Android Auto compatibility as well as Wi-Fi and keyless start, but some security features that are now standard on many of its competitors are only available when you reach higher versions, negating that thus part of the allure of the Blazer’s low starting price. Resale values ​​are generally lower than many of its competitors.

Toyota venza

All new for 2021, the Toyota Venza is a mid-size crossover hybrid, sized somewhere between the compact RAV4 and the larger three-row Highlander. Make no mistake, this is not the Venza of yesteryear, which looked like a station wagon and was discontinued in 2015. The hybrid drivetrain of the Venza is the same as that of the RAV4 hybrid, combining a 4 cylinder of 2, 5 liters and two electric motors, drive all four wheels. With a good seating position and excellent visibility, the Venza’s driving experience is similar to that of its brethren, with the electric motors providing nice acceleration when needed, precise steering and powerful brakes. There are better choices if you want a sportier ride, but the 2021 Venza is a good companion both in the city and on the highway.

The seats are very comfortable, with 8-way power adjustment and decent space, although cargo is a bit limited, with just 28.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats stretching to 55.5 cubic with them folded. . Standard features include an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 safety technology is also standard on all trims, with cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision system, among others. There are plenty of options, including a premium JBL 1,200-watt audio system, panoramic camera, and Star Gaze panoramic glass roof, which can be switched from clear to frosted with the push of a button.

Similarities

Guarantee; cargo space; Apple CarPlay / Android Auto standard.

Advantages of the Chevrolet Blazer 2021

Lower starting price; choice of engines including a V6; higher towing rate; more pleasant to drive.

Advantages Toyota Venza 2021

Fuel economy; more standard features; all-wheel drive as standard.

Final recommendation

Part of the appeal of the 2021 Chevy Blazer is its low starting price, but the powerful upgrade engine, all-wheel drive, and safety features come at a significantly higher cost. Unless you need the towing capability of the top-trimmed V6 and all-wheel drive (along with its associated cost), the 2021 Toyota Venza is the choice here, with enjoyable driving manners, safety features. standard, good fuel economy and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.

Ready to buy a Chevrolet Blazer or a Toyota Venza? Buy one on sale now near you.