2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a stylish subcompact SUV, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. It featured dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter and borrowed design elements from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, such as stacked triple front lights and two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim added a rugged touch 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 attractive detailing, although the presence of hard shiny plastic was a downside, especially at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature and sophisticated exterior design. It shared design cues with other Nissan models, including the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The floating roof and bulging liftgate added to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue featured a layered dash with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a refined look. The centre console was a highlight, offering ample storage space and a wireless charging pad. The Rogue's interior was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a roomy second row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model featured a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. Other versions, including the Activ AWD, came with a more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft 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. Fuel economy averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly below the official rating.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant improvement over the previous model's engine. The Rogue's CVT had wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension handled the new engine's power well, providing a smooth and controlled ride. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres city and 6.5 highway. The Rogue's performance was lively, making it a more engaging drive compared to its predecessor.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seats, with the latter being less comfortable due to its tendency to trap sweat. The automatic climate control system struggled to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less accommodating, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 716 litres expanding to 1,540 litres when the rear seats were folded. The front passenger seat also folded down, allowing for over 2.5 metres of cargo length.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, and a centre console bin. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors and seatbacks, along with USB ports for device charging. The Rogue's cargo area was generous, offering up to 1,033 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded flat. This made it a practical choice for families and those needing ample cargo capacity.

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 user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation. The Bose sound system effectively masked road noise, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its technology upgrade with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, integrated with the navigation system, offered advanced driver-assist features, enhancing safety and convenience. Nissan's Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to the vehicle, making it a family-friendly option.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, featuring forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, 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 safety systems were inconsistent in their performance.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety on the road. The Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.