2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Volvo XC40

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 and borrowed elements from competitors like 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 and useful storage, though it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastic, which felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a familiar look akin to its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grille and trim-specific 19-inch alloy wheels. The XC40 was a handsome vehicle with details like Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, it embraced Scandinavian design sensibilities, offering an airy and roomy cabin with harmonious dash elements. Volvo's commitment to quality was evident in the XC40's impeccable assembly and finish, making it a genuine luxury SUV.

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

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, was an electric powerhouse. It featured a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors, producing a combined 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 4.9 seconds. The Recharge's regenerative braking system and one-pedal drive option enhanced efficiency and driving enjoyment. With a lower centre of gravity, the XC40 Recharge offered excellent handling and stability. It achieved a fuel efficiency rating of 2.8 Le/100 km combined and had a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered a mix of cloth and leatherette seats, with the latter tending to trap sweat. The automatic climate control system struggled to keep the cabin cool, especially when the engine stop/start system activated. The front seats provided good support, but the rear seats were less comfortable, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The Trailblazer's cargo space expanded from 716 litres to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded, and the front passenger seat could also fold down for added cargo length.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, or "frunk," providing extra storage space. Inside, the cabin featured ample cubbies, door pockets, and USB power ports. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured two infotainment systems, with the upgraded version offering 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 power, volume, and tuning. The Bose sound system effectively drowned out road noise and wind.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with tech, including Pilot Assist for highway driving and a heat pump to extend range. It featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with Android Automotive OS, Google Maps, and Google Assistant. The system supported OTA updates, though the range reporting method, showing percentage rather than distance, could induce range anxiety. The XC40 Recharge guided drivers to charging locations along their routes.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with standard safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also offered optional features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured an extensive list of safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping assist. The XC40 Recharge's top speed was electronically capped at 180 kilometres per hour. It also introduced a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety features and Volvo's Connected Safety system for sharing road condition data with other connected Volvo vehicles.