2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2020 Dodge Durango

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a stylish subcompact SUV, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. It featured dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter and borrowed design elements 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 useful storage and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a downside, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2020 Dodge Durango retained its styling from a 2014 update, with a design rooted in a decade-old platform. Its cabin, shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, felt dated and in need of a refresh, which was anticipated for the 2021 model year. The Durango offered a range of trims, from the basic SXT to the performance-oriented SRT, each with varying levels of luxury and sportiness. The interior was straightforward, with a focus on functionality, though it lacked the modern flair found in some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options: a standard 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 1.3-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The latter came with standard AWD and a 9-speed automatic transmission. While not a powerhouse, the Trailblazer provided adequate power for most driving conditions, though it struggled on steep inclines. Fuel economy averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the official rating. The Trailblazer's driving dynamics were quirky, with a firm ride and some steering and suspension issues.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the SRT boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Durango excelled in performance, especially the SRT, which offered impressive acceleration and handling for its size. The SRT's performance-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes further enhanced its driving experience.

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 comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 716 litres behind the rear seats and 1,540 litres with them folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing over 2.5 metres of cargo length.

The 2020 Dodge Durango provided ample cargo space, with 490 litres behind the third row, 1,351 litres with the third row folded, and 2,393 litres with both the second and third rows down. The Durango's cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a choice of second-row configurations. The third row was best suited for children. The Durango also offered a towing capacity of up to 3,946 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured two infotainment systems, with the higher-end option offering an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. The Trailblazer also offered USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2020 Dodge Durango came with Dodge's Uconnect infotainment system, available in 7-inch and 8.4-inch screen sizes. The system was praised for its straightforward menu layout and ease of use. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with navigation and a premium audio system available on higher trims. The Durango's semi-digital instrument panel was functional, though not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, some safety systems were inconsistent in their performance.

The 2020 Dodge Durango offered a range of safety features, though many were optional. Standard equipment included airbags, electronic stability control, and trailer sway control. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. The Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a mix of ratings from the IIHS, with some areas needing improvement.