2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Honda CR-V

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 its lower perimeter and styling cues reminiscent of 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 2021 Honda CR-V had a more conventional appearance, blending in with other compact crossovers. While its styling was not its selling point, the CR-V offered a few distinguishing features like its grille and chromed plastic accents. The colour palette was limited, with many shades of gray, black, and white, and only a few vibrant options. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome, especially in higher trims. Despite its understated exterior, the CR-V's interior was designed for comfort and practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model featured a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Other trims, including the Activ AWD, came with a more robust 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 powertrain was generally agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. However, it struggled on steep inclines and had a firm ride with noticeable suspension impact harshness. Fuel economy averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below the official rating.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, regardless of trim, was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. It accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in about 8 seconds, which was competitive for its class. The CR-V's CVT maintained engine revs at a constant level, providing smooth acceleration but lacking engagement. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear, offered decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

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 automatic climate control system struggled to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less accommodating, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 716 litres expanding to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded, and a front passenger seat that folded down for additional cargo length.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with manual, power, and hands-free versions available. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional cargo.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured two infotainment systems, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The upgraded system offered an 8-inch display with wireless connectivity and a Bose premium audio system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation. The Bose system effectively masked road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger, adding convenience for tech-savvy drivers.

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, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, were inconsistent in their performance.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its Honda Sensing system included a wide range of standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V's commitment to making these features standard across all trims set it apart from competitors.