2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by its larger sibling, the Blazer, was a stylish subcompact SUV. It featured traditional design elements like dark grey plastic trim around its lower perimeter and borrowed styling cues from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, such as stacked triple front lights and 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, sport terrain tires, a larger grille, and standard two-tone paint. The interior design was commendable, with a well-organized control layout, useful storage, and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a downside, especially at higher price points.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with its distinctive design, required an acclimation period for some. Its blunt and bulbous nose, black windshield pillars, and swollen haunches contributed to its unique appearance. The Highlander Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum trims, with Canadian pricing ranging from $45,950 to $56,450. The Platinum trim, which we evaluated, included features like electronic all-wheel drive, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a surround-view camera system. While the interior offered an upscale two-tone look with soft leather, the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could suffer from reflections. The Highlander Hybrid's interior was generally well-executed, but some details, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered 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, came 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 agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. It provided sufficient power for most driving conditions, although it struggled on steep inclines. The Trailblazer averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, slightly higher than the official rating of 7.6 L/100 km. The SUV exhibited excellent roll control, nicely weighted steering, and perfectly calibrated brakes, but its firm ride and suspension impact harshness were notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. It was rated at 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving, with a total output of 243 horsepower. The hybrid system used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission. During testing, the Highlander Hybrid averaged 7.4 L/100 km, slightly below expectations. While the SUV delivered impressive fuel efficiency for its size, it lacked driving excitement. The power was adequate but not exhilarating, and the engine sounded strained during hard acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride exhibited unwanted body movement. However, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in electric motor torque and electric-only EV Mode, providing a quiet and comfortable freeway experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seating options. While the leatherette was comfortable, it tended to trap sweat, and the automatic climate control system struggled to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less comfortable, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer's cargo space was competitive, 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.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with 10-way power seat adjustment for the driver. The test vehicle featured a no-cost bench seat option, increasing seating capacity to eight. However, the second row felt narrow, and the third-row seat was uncomfortable with limited legroom and headroom. Storage was adequate but not as generous as the previous-generation Highlander. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded down and 2,387 litres with all seats folded. The Highlander lacked storage wells for securing items like milk jugs or wine bottles.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Chevrolet Connected Access services. The upgraded system featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. The infotainment interface was intuitive, with physical controls for power, volume, and tuning. The Bose sound system effectively drowned out road noise.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large volume and tuning knobs and shortcut buttons for quick access. The JBL sound system offered 1,200 watts of power but sounded boomy and muddy with certain music genres. Toyota's Driver Easy Speak technology projected the driver's voice through the speakers, and a video rearview mirror provided an unobstructed view of the rear.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe following distance indicator. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and optional 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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure with steering assist. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.