2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design more closely with other models in the Nissan lineup, such as the Armada and Rogue. The front featured a bold, snubbed nose with a distinctive "double V-motion" grille, combining chrome and piano black elements. The Kicks SR and SR Premium trims boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and fog lights, enhancing its modern look. At the rear, a new bumper and LED taillights contributed to a balanced design, although the trunk area appeared somewhat less refined. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options, including Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, with a two-tone paint job available for most colours, adding to its stylish appeal.

Inside, the Kicks maintained a familiar layout but with improved materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The SR Premium trim featured Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a shift knob. The interior offered ample customization options through the Nissan Kicks Colour Studio, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles with over 100 million colour combinations. The Kicks' design emphasized its greenhouse, creating a unique identity that stood out in the subcompact SUV segment.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while not solely relying on its looks, benefited from an appealing design with well-proportioned character lines and small details. The option for a contrasting roof colour in black, white, or red added to its visual appeal. Available in LS, LT, Activ, and RS trims, the Trailblazer offered a range of choices for Canadian buyers, with AWD standard on all but the LT trim. The RS trim, tested here, featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a sporty aesthetic. However, the interior was criticized for its use of hard plastics, detracting from its overall appeal.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD), provided adequate power for its size. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension contributed to nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver in various driving conditions. Despite its FWD setup, the Kicks performed well on icy roads, and its CVT, while occasionally noisy, didn't detract from its overall appeal. The Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, making it competitive within its class. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with ratings of 7.7 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 7.2 combined.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The AWD version came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, enhancing its driving experience. The Trailblazer's light curb weight and turbocharged engine made it fun to drive, especially in urban settings. However, it was noisy on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. The Trailblazer's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 9.0 L/100 km in combined driving, compared to the official rating of 8.4 L/100 km with AWD.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering easy-to-reach controls and ample small-item storage. The interior featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks provided best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was somewhat limited. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults, a rarity in the subcompact class. The available tonneau cover added hidden storage options.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer excelled in functionality, with a dashboard tray and the ability to carry items up to 2.5 metres long. The RS trim offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, ensuring a comfortable driving position. The rear seat, while spacious, was less comfortable due to its flat design. The Trailblazer's cargo space was impressive, with 716 litres in the trunk and 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for added versatility.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SR Premium trim boasted a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. The surround-view monitor was a valuable addition for parking assistance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The RS trim included a 7-speaker Bose audio system and wireless smartphone charging. The Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. However, it lacked some advanced technologies found in competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering a suite of driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Kicks also had 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. While not crash-tested for 2021, the similar 2020 model received good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist provided essential driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.