2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Buick Enclave

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 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 it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastic, which was less acceptable at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative design approach, reflecting its traditional customer base. However, over the years, Buick had shifted its focus to SUVs, and the Enclave was a testament to this transition. The 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh with exterior styling enhancements, including a new grille and updated fascias. Inside, the Enclave featured a restyled centre console and upgraded materials, with the Avenir trim offering climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave's interior was spacious and comfortable, making it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.

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 more powerful 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 generally agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. However, it struggled on steep inclines and had a firm ride, making it less suitable for rapid driving. The Trailblazer averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in fuel economy, slightly below the official rating.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave's powertrain was responsive, providing good acceleration despite its size and weight. The Avenir Technology package enhanced the ride quality with a premium suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave excelled in providing a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. While not designed for off-roading, the Enclave's AWD and ground clearance made it capable of handling light trails and wintry conditions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seats, with the latter being less comfortable due to its tendency to trap sweat. The front seats were adjustable and supportive, but the rear seats were less comfortable with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer provided ample cargo space, with 716 litres behind the rear seats and 1,540 litres with the seats folded down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for more than 2.5 metres of cargo length.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space and comfort. It featured power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and tri-zone climate control. The Enclave's cabin was spacious, accommodating six adults comfortably, with easy access to the third row. The restyled centre console housed push-button transmission gears, and the Enclave offered ample cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row and 2,758 litres with all seats folded. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience to accessing the cargo area.

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 Trailblazer also included USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to four devices. The Enclave also featured a range of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with standard Chevy Safety Assist, which included 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.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.