2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. Its design was immediately appealing, featuring dark gray plastic trim around its 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 a larger grille. The two-tone paint scheme, with Mosaic Black and a Summit White roof, complemented the Jet Black leatherette seats and Arizona bronze cabin accents. Despite its attractive interior design, the Trailblazer's use of hard shiny plastic was a drawback, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a larger SUV that offered a more traditional SUV experience, albeit with conventional rear doors instead of sliding ones. The Traverse underwent a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, which sat in the middle of the lineup, boasted blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray stitching, creating a sleek yet somewhat cave-like atmosphere. While the materials were a mixed bag, the Traverse's interior layout was logical and user-friendly, with matte-finish switchgear and easy-to-use stereo controls.

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 uphill sections and was noisy on highways. The Trailblazer averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below its official rating.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, came with a single engine option: a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's tow rating was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and it returned a fuel economy of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The Traverse's ride quality was generally pleasant, though it required caution over speed humps and drainage dips. On highways, it was comfortable but suffered from road and wind noise.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a choice between cloth and leatherette seats, with the latter being less comfortable due to its tendency 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, but the rear seats were less so, with 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 them folded down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, providing over 2.5 metres of cargo length.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more spacious interior, though the RS trim limited seating to seven with captain's chairs. The Traverse featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. While the third-row seats were not as comfortable as those in a Chevy Tahoe, they were better than many rivals. The Traverse offered ample storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 651 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,637 litres with them folded flat.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The upgraded system featured an 8-inch display with wireless connectivity 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 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LS model, while other trims received an 8-inch display. The system supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and a Bose sound system. The Traverse's infotainment system was user-friendly, with excellent voice recognition. The digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. 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 overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse also featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with additional options like rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Traverse's safety systems were generally accurate and user-friendly. The IIHS rated it Good in most categories but noted some areas for improvement. The NHTSA had not published ratings at the time of review.