2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, embodying the brand's return to its roots of producing large, impressive vehicles. It was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious interior that harkened back to the brand's glory days. The Enclave's design was both modern and elegant, with the Avenir trim adding a touch of sophistication through unique styling elements. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist yet upscale design, with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort, although the wood accents were not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was a bit fussy, but users quickly adapted to it.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a compact SUV that combined appealing styling with practicality. Its design was well-proportioned, with options for a contrasting roof colour that added to its visual appeal. The Trailblazer offered four trim levels, with AWD available on most, enhancing its versatility. The RS trim, in particular, provided a sporty look with 18-inch aluminum wheels. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer was functional, with a spacious interior for its class and a flexible cargo area. However, the use of hard plastics in the cabin detracted from its overall quality.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Enclave's towing capacity was impressive at 2,268 kilograms, making it suitable for hauling. The SUV's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium ride quality, handling various road conditions with ease. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with a combined rating of 11.2 L/100 km, allowing for long-distance travel on a single tank.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a CVT for FWD models or a nine-speed automatic for AWD models, provided a lively driving experience. The Trailblazer's light weight and turbocharged torque made it nimble and fun to drive, especially in urban settings. However, its ride could be bouncy on uneven surfaces, and it was noisy at highway speeds. Fuel efficiency was decent, with a combined rating of 9.0 L/100 km, though it fell short of official estimates.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for up to seven passengers. Its interior was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim provided luxurious seating with power adjustments and massage functions. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while smaller, was highly functional. It comfortably accommodated four passengers, with a power-adjustable driver seat for optimal positioning. The rear seat, though flat, allowed for a flat load floor when folded. Cargo space was impressive for its size, with 716 litres available and up to 1,540 litres with the rear seats down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, enabling the transport of long items.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. However, it lacked the advanced features found in competitors, and the Bose sound system was underwhelming. The rear camera mirror was a unique feature, providing a live video feed of the rear view.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7 or 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and available connected services. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for ease of use. The optional Bose audio system provided decent sound quality, and features like remote engine start and a keyless entry keypad added convenience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while advanced systems like adaptive cruise control required additional packages. The Enclave received high safety ratings, though its headlight performance was rated as Marginal.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came standard with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder. Chevy Safety Assist provided essential driver assistance features, with options for additional systems like blind-spot warning. The Trailblazer's safety systems were effective and unobtrusive, and it earned top crash-test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS.