2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Ford Explorer

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 sport terrain tires. The interior boasted a well-thought-out design with excellent control layout and storage options, though it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastics, which seemed out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer was built on a rear-drive platform, giving it a long and tall hood, a rakish roofline, and a tapering greenhouse for an athletic appearance. The blacked-out roof pillars contributed to a "floating roof" effect. The interior of higher-trim Explorers combined quality materials with some questionable ones, but overall, it felt worthy of its price. The Explorer's cabin was spacious, though the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited legroom and accessibility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model featured a 1.2-litre turbocharged 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 1.3-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's performance was adequate for most driving conditions, though it struggled on steep inclines. It averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in fuel economy, slightly below the official rating.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid option, available on the Limited trim, combined a 3.3-litre V6 engine for a total of 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier ST and Platinum trims boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and it offered a more engaging driving experience than typical midsize SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided a comfortable front seating experience, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The cargo space was practical, expanding from 716 litres to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded, and the front passenger seat could also fold down for additional cargo length.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered ample comfort for families, with the option of a second-row bench seat for occasional five-passenger capacity. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging features, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat, however, was cramped and difficult for adults to access. The Explorer's cargo space ranged from 528 litres behind the third row to 2,132 litres with all rear seats folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured two infotainment systems, with the upgraded version offering an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for easy operation. The Bose sound system effectively masked road noise.

The 2022 Ford Explorer came with two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with the larger 10.1-inch screen appearing as an afterthought. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the voice recognition system was less effective, and the Explorer lacked the next-generation Sync 4 technology.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with standard Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were inconsistent.

The 2022 Ford Explorer also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity could be improved.