2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

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 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 felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, offering traditional SUV styling with a tall hood and broad shoulders. It distinguished itself with a black roof, model-specific grille, and unique wheel designs. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-quality materials, 24-way power front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery. The Grand Wagoneer also offered more convenience features and a spacious cabin, though it was not without its limitations in terms of front-row space compared to competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a choice of two turbocharged 3-cylinder engines. The base 1.2-litre engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT for FWD models. The more powerful 1.3-litre engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with AWD and a 9-speed automatic transmission. While not a powerhouse, the Trailblazer provided adequate power for most driving conditions, though it struggled on steep inclines. Fuel economy averaged 8.8 L/100 km, slightly below the official rating.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, generating 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds. The SUV featured a standard 4WD system with Quadra-Drive II and Selec-Terrain modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system provided adjustable ride height, though the vehicle's size and weight limited its agility on the road.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a practical interior with cloth seats available in certain trims. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less comfortable due to their flat cushions and lack of air conditioning vents. Cargo space was competitive, with 716 litres available with the seats up and 1,540 litres when folded. The front passenger seat could also fold down for additional cargo length.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the seating configuration. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its rivals, though front-row space was more limited. Cargo capacity was generous, with 775 litres behind the third row and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. The Grand Wagoneer also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, though slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its additional weight.

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

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and a McIntosh audio system. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air updates. Second-row passengers enjoyed their own touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added further convenience. While the system was feature-rich, some users found the screen response slow and the graphics plain.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was well-equipped with safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, some systems, like adaptive cruise control, were noted for being overly sensitive.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer included standard safety features such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and night vision. While crash-test ratings were not available at launch, the Grand Wagoneer offered advanced driver-assistance systems, with plans for a hands-free version in the future.