2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained elements of its original sophistication, particularly noticeable as one moved from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The back showcased an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge centrally mounted. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats, creating a luxurious feel. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was noted for its appealing styling, with Chevrolet achieving the right proportions and character lines. The option for a contrasting roof colour added to its visual appeal. The Trailblazer was available in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with AWD standard on all but the LT trim. The RS trim, tested, featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a sporty driving experience. Despite its compact size, the Trailblazer offered a roomy interior with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a rear seat designed for cargo flexibility. The Trailblazer's cargo space was impressive, with a trunk capacity of 716 litres, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, and the ride was described as bouncy on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. AWD was an option for the V6 models, providing on-demand activation for improved traction. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption rated at 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption figures of 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while FWD models used a CVT. The Trailblazer's light curb weight and turbocharged torque made it nimble and fun to drive, especially in Sport mode. However, it was loud on highways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. The Trailblazer's fuel consumption was 9.0 L/100 km combined, slightly higher than the official rating of 8.4 L/100 km with AWD.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a practical cabin layout. It featured power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with a best-in-class total storage capacity of 3,979 litres. The under-console storage for second-row passengers added convenience, and the seats provided ample legroom for passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions for a flat load floor. The Trailblazer's cargo space was 716 litres, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items to be transported.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle model offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The test vehicle had a 7-speaker Bose audio system and wireless smartphone charging. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation. The Trailblazer also offered a keyless entry keypad system and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on higher trims. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, providing features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.