2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. It featured a stylish design with dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter, reminiscent of the Hyundai Kona’s stacked triple front lights and the Kia Soul’s two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim added 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 and useful storage, though it was marred by hard shiny plastic that felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially in the X-Line trim, exuded a strong presence with rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and robust roof rails. The interior was luxurious, featuring leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The Sorento’s cabin was well-constructed, with attention to detail evident even in the most affordable models. The SUV offered a comfortable and stylish interior, though the third-row seating was cramped for adults. The Sorento’s design and build quality made it feel like a premium vehicle, providing a sense of value with every drive.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a standard turbocharged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT for the FWD models. Other versions, including the Activ AWD, featured a more powerful 1.3-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer’s powertrain was agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. However, it struggled on uphill sections and was noisy on highways. The SUV averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the official rating.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which was sluggish. The recommended turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivered 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup made the Sorento feel energetic, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. The SUV handled like a sports sedan, with excellent suspension tuning and braking performance. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km, but the Sorento’s driving dynamics were impressive.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered cloth seats in lower trims, with leatherette available in higher trims. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were flat and lacked air conditioning vents. Cargo space was competitive, with 716 litres expanding to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded down for additional cargo length.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior felt luxurious, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and designed for children, with ample storage solutions. The third-row seat was cramped for adults, but folding it down expanded cargo space from 357 litres to 1,274 litres, and up to 2,139 litres with the second row folded. The Sorento featured a smart power tailgate for easy loading.

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 use.

The 2022 Kia Sorento had an 8-inch touchscreen in lower trims, with a 10.25-inch display in higher trims. The system included navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The interface was user-friendly, though the graphics and colours were not to everyone’s taste. A 12-speaker Bose system was reserved for the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, including 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.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Sorento was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.