2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by its larger sibling, the Blazer, presented a charming and compact design. It borrowed styling elements from competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, featuring dark gray plastic trim and optional two-tone paint schemes. Our test model, the Activ trim, boasted a rugged appearance with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior was well-designed, with a control layout and storage solutions that impressed, though the presence of hard shiny plastic detracted from its appeal at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, despite its high price tag, did not immediately stand out as a top-tier model. Its styling was robust for a compact SUV, but it lacked the larger alloy wheels found on the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited. The interior was a mix of quality materials and glossy hard plastics, with a rattle from the license plate detracting from the overall experience. However, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a practical and functional cabin, with clear instrumentation and well-placed controls.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model featured a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Other versions, including the Activ AWD, came with a more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft 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 suspension impact harshness over bumps. Fuel economy averaged 8.8 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided instant torque, making the RAV4 Hybrid feel lively, though the engine sounded unpleasant at high revs. Fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 5.9 L/100 km. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's ride and handling were commendable, with a flat cornering stance and good bump absorption. However, the all-season tires offered low grip, limiting driving fun.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered cloth seats in lower trims, with leatherette available in higher trims. The front seats were comfortable, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but the rear seats were less inviting, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 716 litres expanding to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing over 2.5 metres of cargo length.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with a reclining backrest and heated cushions. The dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment. Cargo space was generous, with 1,059 litres expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems, with the upgraded version featuring an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for easy operation. The Bose system effectively masked road noise.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's top-tier infotainment system included an 8-inch display, JBL premium audio, and dynamic navigation. The display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for volume and tuning. Dynamic voice recognition was mostly accurate, though it couldn't adjust climate settings. The JBL system was satisfactory, and the RAV4 Hybrid offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, featuring forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The adaptive cruise control was inconsistent, and the lane-keeping assist was unreliable. The Trailblazer received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The system was generally effective, though lane-tracing was resistant to steering inputs. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.