2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, was a visually appealing subcompact vehicle. It borrowed design elements from other popular models, such as the Hyundai Kona’s stacked triple front lights and the Kia Soul’s two-tone paint schemes, making its styling immediately attractive. Our test model, the Activ trim, featured a rugged appearance 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-organized control layout, useful storage, and stylish detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a downside, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, marking the beginning of Hyundai's Ioniq sub-brand. Its exterior design was a mix of minimal character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The interior, however, was a departure from the exterior's complexity, offering a calm and comfortable "Living Space" with sustainable materials. The Ioniq 5's cabin was designed for relaxation, featuring a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat and a focus on noise reduction, making it a serene environment for passengers.

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 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's performance was adequate for everyday driving, with a torque band starting at 1,600 rpm. However, it struggled on steep inclines and had a firm ride with noticeable suspension impact harshness. Fuel economy averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below the official rating.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, including a base 125-kW rear motor with 168 hp and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant featured a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, producing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was balanced, with four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced steering feel and torque distribution. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seating options, with the latter being less comfortable due to its tendency to trap sweat. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less comfortable, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer's cargo space was competitive, expanding from 716 litres to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded, and the front passenger seat could fold down for additional cargo length.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. It offered a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured a moveable centre console, flat floor, and comfortable leatherette seats. The Ioniq 5's design allowed for easy entry and exit, and the cabin was filled with soft touchpoints, enhancing the overall comfort and usability.

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, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructure, enabling rapid charging. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, and compatibility with virtual assistants. The screens were anti-glare, ensuring visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

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, like adaptive cruise control, were inconsistent in performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 included Hyundai SmartSense, with features like lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. It also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5's safety features were expected to earn high marks from safety organizations, although official ratings were not yet available.