2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Honda Passport

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-thought-out control layout and attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a downside, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, resulting in a familiar design. The Passport's new nose gave it a tougher look, and the TrailSport trim aimed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. The TrailSport featured unique 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, and skid plates, enhancing its SUV appearance. Inside, the Passport offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with quality materials, orange contrast stitching, and ample storage. The TrailSport trim added a touch of ruggedness with its design elements.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model featured a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 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 delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's performance was adequate for most driving conditions, with smooth gear changes and decent fuel economy, averaging 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres. However, it struggled on steep inclines and had a firm ride, making it less suitable for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The V6 provided smooth and strong performance, with a fuel economy of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The Passport's i-VTM4 AWD system offered mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing its capability on twisty roads. While not designed for extreme off-roading, the Passport handled dirt trails well. On paved roads, it delivered a firm, communicative ride with good handling, although the brakes could be a concern on mountain descents.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seats, with the latter trapping sweat. The automatic climate control system struggled to keep the cabin cool, especially with the engine stop/start system. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less inviting due to their flat cushions and lack of air conditioning vents. 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, providing over 2.5 metres of cargo length.

The 2022 Honda Passport excelled in interior space and comfort. It featured large, comfortable seats with leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and a triple-zone climate control system. Rear passengers enjoyed ample room and a slightly elevated seating position. The Passport offered generous storage options, including a massive centre console and door panel shelving. Cargo space was impressive, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seats and 2,854 litres with them folded down. The Passport's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, making it a great choice for road trips.

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 Bose system effectively drowned out road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim featured a navigation system and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked a tuning knob, and the navigation system was clunky. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on most trims, but the Passport's technology was not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, offering features like forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. However, some systems were inconsistent, and adaptive cruise control was overly reactive.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While comprehensive, some systems were less refined, with lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist drawing negative attention. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for front passenger protection in a frontal collision, which earned four stars. The IIHS rated it highly, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.