2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Volvo XC90

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 a larger grille. The interior boasted 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 Volvo XC90 marked a successful design evolution for Volvo, maintaining its traditional styling while adding character. The XC90 featured a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, softened lines, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim added extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, while the interior embraced Swedish minimalism with high-quality materials and thoughtful arrangement. The XC90's interior was understated yet luxurious, with options like wool upholstery and a crystal shifter.

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 CVT. Other versions, including the Activ AWD, came with a more powerful 1.3-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft 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 struggled on steep inclines and had a firm ride, with suspension impact harshness over bumps. Fuel economy averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below the official rating.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 engine was turbocharged, delivering 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 added supercharging, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While powerful, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin, but its towing capacity was lower than some rivals.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered cloth seats in LS and LT trims, while higher trims featured leatherette. 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 expanding to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, offering over 2.5 metres of cargo length. However, the automatic climate control struggled to keep the cabin cool, and rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom. The third row was tight for adults, and seats in the second and third rows lacked support. The interior felt spacious due to the power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 offered a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The upgraded system offered an 8-inch display, wireless connectivity, and a Bose premium audio system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for easy use. The Bose system effectively drowned out road noise.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though some text was difficult to read while driving. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and front USB ports were limited to USB-A.

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

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90 excelled in crash tests and front-crash prevention.