2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by its larger sibling, the Blazer, was a stylish subcompact SUV. It borrowed design elements from other popular models, such as the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, with its stacked triple front lights and two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim of the Trailblazer added a rugged touch with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior was well-designed, featuring a control layout and displays that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. However, the presence of hard shiny plastic detracted from the overall quality, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a midsize SUV that turned heads with its aggressive styling, reminiscent of a Lamborghini Urus. Its wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels contributed to its striking appearance. The Blazer's design was inspired by the Camaro, with a snarling face and muscled body. Despite its bold exterior, the interior was less impressive, with a dark and unsatisfying cabin. The materials used were not up to par with the Blazer's price point, and the seats lacked support. Competitors offered better interior quality and design at similar or lower prices.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model featured a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Other versions came with a more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Trailblazer's powertrain was generally agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. However, it struggled on tight curves and uphill sections. The Trailblazer Activ AWD averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the official rating. The ride was firm, with suspension impact harshness over bumps, and the interior was noisy.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine choices in Canada. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The preferred engine was the 3.6-litre V6, producing 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, standard on the RS and Premier trims. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering provided a harmonious driving experience. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode. The Blazer's fuel consumption ratings were average, with the AWD V6 drivetrain rated at 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered cloth seats on LS and LT trims, while higher trims featured leatherette. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer's cargo space was competitive, with 716 litres expanding to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing over 2.5 metres of cargo length.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer seated four comfortably, with low-mounted seats for easy entry and exit. However, sightlines were poor due to the design. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seat folded and 864 litres when raised. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,041 kilograms with the trailering package, AWD, and V6 engine. The Blazer featured simple controls, with movable rings around the front air vents for temperature adjustment and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The upgraded system featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for power, volume, and tuning.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and the Safety Alert Seat. The "Plus" version of the infotainment system included navigation, onboard apps, and cloud-based personalization. The system allowed for easy app downloads and updates, with individual privacy settings for each app.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with standard safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The Trailblazer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer also came with standard safety features, such as forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Blazer received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, but its headlights received lower ratings. The Blazer lacked some advanced safety features, such as rear emergency braking.