2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a stylish subcompact SUV, drawing inspiration from the larger Blazer midsize crossover. It featured traditional design elements like dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter and borrowed styling cues from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, such as stacked triple front lights and optional two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim of the Trailblazer added a rugged appearance with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior boasted an excellent design with a well-organized control layout, useful storage, and attractive detailing, although it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastic.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Seltos offered a big-car feel despite its subcompact classification. Its upright layout provided a commanding view of the road, and the headlight design flowed seamlessly into the grille styling. The Seltos featured an aggressive lower front bumper and red circles around the wheel centres, hinting at its on-road driving dynamics. The interior was intuitively designed, with clean lines and seamlessly integrated tech features reminiscent of upscale brands. The Seltos offered a range of trim levels, each with its own set of features, from the entry-level LX to the top-tier SX Turbo, which included a more powerful engine and additional driver assistance features.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two engine options. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Other versions, including the Activ AWD, were equipped with a more powerful turbo 1.3-litre 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 to gain speed on uphill sections and exhibited quirks like transmission hesitation in Normal mode. The Trailblazer averaged a fuel economy of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below the official rating.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options as well. The LX, EX, and EX Premium trims were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The SX Turbo trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine generating 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided ample power for highway speeds and passing maneuvers, and the Drive Mode dial allowed drivers to switch between Normal, Sport, and Smart modes for a more dynamic driving experience. The Seltos exhibited little body roll in turns and maintained a smooth ride over bumps, offering a driving experience akin to a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a choice of cloth or leatherette seats, with the latter available on higher trims. However, the automatic climate control system struggled to keep the cabin cool, and the rear seats lacked air conditioning vents. The Trailblazer provided ample cargo space, with 716 litres behind the rear seats and 1,540 litres with the seats folded down. The front passenger seat also folded down, allowing for over 2.5 metres of cargo length. A hands-free liftgate was available as an option on higher trims.

The 2021 Kia Seltos excelled in cargo space, offering 752 litres behind the rear seats and 1,778 litres with the seats folded, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs. The interior featured numerous cubbies and compartments for storage, and the rear seats provided ample head- and legroom. The Seltos delivered a comfortable and spacious interior, a rarity among subcompact SUVs.

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

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base LX and EX trims, while the EX Premium and SX Turbo trims boasted a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The SX Turbo also included a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was straightforward and intuitive, with hard buttons for easy menu navigation. However, some quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio when plugged in, were noted.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a comprehensive suite of 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 Kia Seltos also offered a range of safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control, and more. Most trims included a full suite of driver-assistance features, such as collision avoidance assist and lane-keep assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.