2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. Its design was appealing, featuring dark gray plastic trim around the lower perimeter and borrowing styling cues from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, such as stacked triple front lights and two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior boasted a well-thought-out design with excellent control layout and storage, though it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastic, which felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and understated three-row SUV. While its styling wasn't groundbreaking, it was elegant and fit in well in various settings. The MDX featured Acura's Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The interior was modern and simple, with a focus on quality materials and superior fit and finish. The centre stack was a highlight, featuring twin infotainment screens and a well-organized layout. The MDX's design emphasized functionality and comfort, making it a solid choice for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model came with a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Other versions, including the Activ AWD, featured a more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's performance was adequate for most driving conditions, though it struggled on steep inclines. It averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in fuel economy, slightly below the official rating. The ride was firm, and the suspension impact harshness was noticeable over bumps.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrains: a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and a Sport Hybrid version with a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model featured Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which enhanced cornering and handling through torque vectoring. The MDX delivered strong straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially with SH-AWD. Its four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a capable and enjoyable vehicle for long drives.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seating options, with the latter being less comfortable due to its tendency to trap sweat. The front seats were adjustable and supportive, but the rear seats were less comfortable with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer provided 716 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, allowing for over 2.5 metres of cargo length.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in interior space and functionality. It featured sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row, with good headroom across all rows. The MDX offered 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded, and 2,574 litres with the second row down. The interior was well-equipped with storage options, including a flexible centre console and tri-zone climate control, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two infotainment options. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The upgraded system offered an 8-inch display, wireless connectivity, and a Bose premium audio system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured a simplified trim structure with technology packages. The base model included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, premium audio, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera and rear entertainment system. The MDX's tech offerings were comprehensive, catering to various needs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, some systems were inconsistent in performance.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with AcuraWatch, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's ACE Body Structure enhanced crash protection. It received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.