2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. Its design was a blend of rugged and stylish elements, featuring dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter and borrowing design 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 more rugged appearance with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior was well-designed, with a focus on control layout and storage, although it did have some hard shiny plastic that felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, giving it a unique stance. The ID.4 was based on VW's MEB platform and was brought to North America as a crossover, a sensible choice given the market's preference. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, using piano black and matte plastic. While the ID.4's design was not particularly SUV-like, it offered a spacious cabin with good forward visibility, although rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model came with 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 featured a more powerful 1.3-litre 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's powertrain was generally agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. However, it wasn't particularly sporty, and the ride was firm, with suspension impact harshness over bumps. The Trailblazer averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in fuel economy, slightly below the official rating.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second electric motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, although it was tuned more for comfort than sportiness. The electric motor delivered ample power, and the ID.4's ride was smooth over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seating options, with the latter tending to trap sweat. The automatic climate control system struggled to keep the cabin cool, especially when the engine stop/start system activated. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, but the rear seats were less accommodating, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer provided 716 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded, and more than 2.5 metres of cargo length with the front passenger seat folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, although legroom was average. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,818 litres with the seats folded. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" but compensated with a spacious cabin. The interior felt roomy, with good forward visibility, although rearward visibility was limited. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow centre console, offering limited storage space. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The upgraded system, available on higher trims, 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 operation. The Bose sound system effectively masked road noise.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip providing visual cues. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with user-friendly graphics and menus.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, 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 Volkswagen ID.4 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were introduced, enhancing highway driving and safety.