2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, presented a charming and compact design. It borrowed styling elements from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, featuring dark gray plastic trim and two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior boasted excellent design with thoughtful control layouts and storage, though it was marred by hard shiny plastics that seemed out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with subtle updates for the model year. It featured a new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights, along with a gloss black spear and chrome insert at the rear. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design. The interior upgrades included perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, enhancing its upscale feel. The Odyssey's design tweaks aimed to modernize its appearance while maintaining its minivan practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model came with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. Other versions featured a 1.3-litre 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with AWD and a 9-speed automatic. The Trailblazer's powertrain was responsive, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. It averaged 8.8 L/100 km in fuel economy, slightly below the official rating. The SUV's driving dynamics were quirky, with a firm ride and some steering and suspension issues.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth and effortless power delivery, with variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency. The Odyssey averaged 10.8 L/100 km in testing. While AWD was unavailable, the Odyssey featured a new electronic brake booster and improved brake pedal feel. Its ride and handling were enjoyable, though the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The Trailblazer's interior offered cloth seats in lower trims and leatherette in higher ones. The automatic climate control struggled to maintain comfort, especially with the engine stop/start system. The rear seat provided ample legroom but lacked comfort due to a flat cushion and reclined backrest. Cargo space ranged from 716 to 1,540 litres, with a fold-flat front passenger seat for extended cargo length.

The Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage. It featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and Honda's Magic Slide second-row seat layout, offering versatile seating configurations. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,984 litres with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems, with the upgraded version featuring an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for ease of use.

The Odyssey's 8-inch touchscreen included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk features. The Touring trim offered a premium audio system and wireless charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks.

The Trailblazer came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, though some systems were inconsistent.

The Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, with enhancements like low-speed follow and pedestrian braking. It earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and was expected to maintain its IIHS ratings. The adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems were effective but could be smoother.