2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Acura MDX

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 borrowing 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 touch with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior boasted an excellent design with a well-thought-out control layout and useful storage, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a downside, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX was a luxury three-row SUV that underwent significant design enhancements. Built on a new dedicated platform, it featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and improved proportions, giving it a sportier and more assertive look. The MDX showcased Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to its modern appearance. Inside, the MDX offered a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and genuine aluminum, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection controls added a touch of sophistication. Overall, the MDX exuded a sense of luxury and craftsmanship.

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 CVT. Other versions featured a more powerful 1.3-litre 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Trailblazer's powertrain was generally agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. However, it struggled on uphill sections and exhibited quirks in driving dynamics, such as transmission hesitation and suspension impact harshness. The Trailblazer averaged a fuel economy of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below the official rating.

The 2022 Acura MDX came equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring. The MDX's powertrain provided enhanced cornering feel and control, while the reworked suspension improved ride quality. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity contributed to a solid ride feel, and the 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine. The Integrated Dynamics System offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. The MDX impressed during test drives, showcasing its sporty handling and highway cruising capabilities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seats, with the latter tending to trap sweat. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less comfortable due to 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 could also fold down, providing over 2.5 metres of cargo length. However, the automatic climate control system struggled to keep the cabin cool, affecting overall comfort.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in interior space and versatility. It featured comfortable seating for the first two rows, with a removable centre section in the second row for added flexibility. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the sliding second row allowed for adjustable legroom. The MDX offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 2,690 litres with the second and third rows folded down. The power tailgate included convenient features like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

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 premium audio system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for power, volume, and tuning. The Bose sound system effectively drowned out road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a configurable digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa integration allowed for home-to-car functionality, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The MDX also included a head-up display, CabinTalk feature, and a surround-view camera system. Over-the-air updates ensured the MDX's software remained up-to-date.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped 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 safety rating from the NHTSA. However, some safety features, like adaptive cruise control, exhibited inconsistent performance.

The 2022 Acura MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The MDX's front-end redesign improved pedestrian safety, and the low-speed braking control system enhanced safety in urban environments. The AcuraWatch suite included collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more, providing comprehensive safety coverage.