2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. Its design was appealing, featuring dark gray plastic trim around the lower perimeter and styling cues reminiscent of the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior boasted a well-thought-out design with excellent control layout and storage options, though it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastic, which felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 sported a rugged exterior, with boxy fender flares and chiseled taillights that set it apart from its predecessors and competitors. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, it shared its underpinnings with other Toyota models, offering a solid foundation. The RAV4 Trail and TRD Off-Road models added unique styling elements like an Ice Edge roof and matte black wheels. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs, but material quality didn't elevate with higher trims, and real leather wasn't an option.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model came with a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Other versions, including the Activ AWD, featured a 1.3-litre turbocharged 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. However, it wasn't a speed demon, and its driving dynamics had quirks, such as disconnected steering feel and suspension impact harshness.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the engine boasted impressive thermal efficiency and power output, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4 excelled on highways with low cabin noise and a comfortable suspension, but its off-road capabilities were limited despite features like torque-vectoring AWD and increased ground clearance in the TRD Off-Road model.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seating options, with the latter tending to trap sweat. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less inviting due to their flat cushions and lack of air conditioning vents. Cargo space was competitive, with 716 litres expanding to 1,540 litres when the rear seats were folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing over 2.5 metres of cargo length.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided ample headroom and good visibility, but legroom was slightly lacking. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats had flat cushions. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4 featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space on the console was limited.

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 Bose premium audio system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for easy operation. The Bose system effectively drowned out road noise.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with screen sizes varying by trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with well-positioned graphics and shortcut buttons. However, it lacked flashiness and didn't offer a head-up display on gasoline models. The RAV4's tech offerings were straightforward, catering to those seeking simplicity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with standard Chevy Safety Assist, including features like forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, some safety systems were inconsistent in their performance.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. While the RAV4's safety features were comprehensive, its headlight ratings varied across trims.