2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by its larger sibling, the Blazer, presented a charming and compact design. It borrowed styling elements from other popular models, such as the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, with its stacked triple front lights and two-tone paint options. The Activ trim of the Trailblazer added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior was thoughtfully designed, featuring a control layout and displays that were both functional and stylish. However, the presence of hard shiny plastic detracted from the overall quality, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 boasted a sportier and more dynamic appearance, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its design was characterized by a low and wide stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The EV6's voluptuous curves and sharp, angular roofline gave it a distinctive look. Inside, the EV6 featured a futuristic interior with dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and ambient lighting. The design emphasized a car-first, computer-second approach, making it an enjoyable vehicle to drive.

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 with 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 steep inclines and had a firm ride, with suspension impact harshness over bumps. The Trailblazer averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below its official rating.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly the GT-Line e-AWD model, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds and handled corners with agility. The EV6's regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's estimated range. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging times fell short of Kia's claims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seats, with the latter trapping sweat. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less comfortable due to 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. The front passenger seat also folded down, allowing for over 2.5 metres of cargo length.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. Its interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and air vents. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it included an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with two infotainment options. The base system featured a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The upgraded system offered an 8-inch display, wireless connectivity, and a Bose premium audio system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was intuitive, with connectivity options, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The EV6 featured a 360-degree camera system, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality head-up display. The GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking assist.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with standard safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, lane departure warning, and more. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. However, some systems were inconsistent in their performance.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims added additional safety technologies.