2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, presented a charming and compact design. It borrowed styling elements from other popular models, such as the Hyundai Kona’s stacked triple front lights and the Kia Soul’s two-tone paint schemes, making it instantly appealing. The Activ trim of the Trailblazer added a rugged touch with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and all-terrain-style tires. The interior boasted an excellent design with a well-organized control layout and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a downside, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels, each with standard all-wheel drive, and was praised for its luxurious feel at a mainstream price. The SX Limited trim, in particular, offered premium features like Nappa leather, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated seats. The Telluride’s exterior and interior design were lauded for their contemporary style and quality execution, with thoughtful details like a solid and smooth transmission shifter. However, the interior colour options were limited, and some glossy hard plastic detracted from the overall premium feel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Other versions, including the Activ AWD, came with a more powerful 1.3-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer’s performance was adequate for most driving conditions, though it struggled on steep inclines. It averaged a fuel economy of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below the official rating. The driving experience was marred by quirks like disconnected steering feel and suspension impact harshness.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology, offering various driving modes for different conditions. The Telluride excelled in challenging weather and terrain, thanks to its AWD system and ground clearance. It provided a smooth and comfortable ride, minimizing head-toss and offering commendable grip. The Telluride’s fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres, and it performed close to this figure during testing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered cloth seats in its LS and LT trims, while higher trims featured leatherette upholstery. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments for the driver, but the rear seats were less accommodating, lacking air conditioning vents and offering a flat cushion. The Trailblazer provided 716 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded, and over 2.5 metres of cargo length with the front passenger seat down.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustments and a high seating position. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the second-row captain’s chairs added to the luxury feel. The Telluride’s third-row seat was usable for adults, and the SUV offered ample storage solutions for modern families. The cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,455 litres with the seats folded. The smart hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured two infotainment systems, with the upgraded version offering 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 operation. The Bose system effectively drowned out road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, although the sound quality was not exceptional. The Limited grades added a head-up display, providing valuable information to the driver.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with standard Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also offered optional features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision avoidance. The SX trim added front parking sensors and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.