2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a big-car feel with its upright layout and commanding road view. Its headlight design, though busy, seamlessly integrated with the grille, and the aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities, even if it wasn't designed for such adventures. The red circles around the wheel centres added a touch of on-road dynamism. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design with clean lines and tech influences reminiscent of upscale brands like Audi. The interior boasted a clean LCD screen for climate controls and a sporty yet utilitarian feel, with trim levels ranging from LX to SX Turbo, each offering a variety of features from basic to premium.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while not just about good looks, certainly benefited from its appealing styling. With proportions and character lines executed perfectly, the Trailblazer offered a choice of black, white, or red-painted roofs for added appeal. Available in LS, LT, Activ, and RS trims, the Trailblazer was priced between $25,998 and $30,298, with AWD standard on all but the LT trim. The RS trim, tested at a higher price, featured a cabin with hard plastics but maintained a sense of style. Despite its small size, the Trailblazer was functional, with a high seating position for easy access and a roomy rear seat, though the flat cushions traded comfort for cargo space.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, was adequate for city driving but lacked power at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim offered a more robust 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The AWD version came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering improved ride and handling. The RS trim, with 18-inch aluminum wheels, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience, especially in Sport Mode. However, the Trailblazer was loud on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road capabilities were limited, even in the Activ trim with off-road suspension. The Trailblazer averaged 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly above the official rating.

The 2021 Kia Seltos excelled in cargo space, offering 752 litres behind the rear seats and 1,778 litres with them folded, surpassing many subcompact and even some compact SUVs. The interior featured numerous cubbies and compartments, with ample head- and legroom in the rear seats, making it a standout in its class for passenger comfort and storage.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though small, was highly functional, with a dashboard tray and the ability to hold items up to 2.5 metres long with the tailgate closed. It comfortably seated four, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and easy access due to its high seating position. The rear seat, while roomy, had flat cushions for a flat load floor when folded. The Trailblazer offered 716 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,540 litres with the rear seats down, and the front passenger seat could also fold flat for additional cargo capacity.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured a 3.5-inch TFT digital screen and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base trims, with the EX Premium and SX Turbo offering a 7-inch digital display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it had quirks like defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB. The SX Turbo included a Bose premium sound system, and the infotainment was intuitive with hard buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, standard Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It offered Chevrolet Connected Services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and Teen Driver technology. The RS trim featured a larger touchscreen with access to Spotify and SiriusXM, and an optional Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation. Remote engine starting was available from the LT trim, and a keyless entry keypad system added convenience.

The 2021 Kia Seltos included standard front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The base LX trim in Canada offered blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with higher trims adding collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist provided forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS, with its ADAS performing smoothly during testing.