2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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 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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid took styling cues from the Tacoma pickup truck, with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia lending it a rugged appearance. However, its design was somewhat disjointed, with a character line that added unnecessary visual weight. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The Bronze Edition test vehicle had unique bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery, which, while distinctive, attracted dirt and stains. The Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing compared to alternatives, and the third row suffered from excessive hard plastics.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options: a standard 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT, and a more powerful 1.3-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with AWD and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer's powertrain was agreeable, with torque kicking in at a low 1,600 rpm. It provided adequate power for most driving conditions, though it struggled on tight curves and uphill sections. The Trailblazer averaged 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly short of its official rating. The ride was firm, with suspension impact harshness over bumps, and the cabin was noisy on highways.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a CVT and standard AWD, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response, with the gasoline engine supplying more power. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise. However, the engine's drone during acceleration was off-putting.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered cloth seats in LS and LT trims, while higher trims featured leatherette, which tended to trap sweat. The automatic climate control system struggled to keep the cabin cool, especially with the automatic engine stop/start system. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seat was less comfortable, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer offered 716 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded, and more than 2.5 metres of cargo-toting length with the front passenger seat folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of adjustments. Storage options were abundant, with trays and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, with captain’s chairs that slid and reclined. The third row was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

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 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for ease of use. The Bose sound system effectively drowned out road noise.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for the top trim. The system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on higher trims. The Limited and Platinum trims included navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, including 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 systems were inconsistent, with adaptive cruise control being over- and under-reactive.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall score from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. The systems generally worked as advertised but required some fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and resistance in the steering wheel.