2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, with its blunt and bulbous nose giving it an aggressive appearance. Over time, however, this design became more familiar and less striking. The SUV's styling was characterized by black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect, and swollen haunches that attempted to balance the overall look. Despite the presence of 20-inch alloy wheels, the flared quarter panels seemed to overwhelm the design. The interior of the Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim offered a two-tone look with soft leather, but some details, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was prone to reflections, and the mix of illumination colours in the gauges created a busy appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer boasted an appealing design with well-executed proportions and character lines. The option for a contrasting roof colour added to its visual appeal. The Trailblazer offered four trim levels, with the RS trim being the most expensive. However, the interior was filled with hard plastics, which detracted from its overall quality. Despite this, the Trailblazer's interior had a sense of style, and the RS trim featured 18-inch aluminum wheels that contributed to its sporty appearance. The Trailblazer was fun to drive, especially with the AWD option, which improved ride and handling. However, the cabin was noisy at highway speeds, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps and off-road terrain.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. It achieved a combined rating of 6.7 L/100 km, with a total output of 243 horsepower. While this was progress in terms of efficiency, the driving experience was less enjoyable. The engine sounded strained during acceleration, and the steering felt lifeless. The regenerative brakes were an improvement, but the SUV's handling was hampered by its weight and body movement. On smooth roads, it handled well, but on uneven surfaces, it became less composed. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in urban environments with its electric motor torque and EV Mode, but it was not particularly fun to drive.

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 dynamics. The Trailblazer was nimble and enjoyable to drive, especially in urban settings and on winding roads. However, it was noisy on highways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. The Trailblazer's fuel consumption averaged 9.0 L/100 km, slightly higher than its official rating. Despite its small engine, the Trailblazer offered a sporty driving experience, particularly with the RS trim.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the Highlander felt narrow, and the third-row seat was uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres, but storage options were limited. The wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area, and there were no storage wells for securing items.

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 lacked comfort due to its flat design. The Trailblazer excelled in cargo space, with a trunk capacity of 716 litres and a maximum capacity of 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for the transportation of long items.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Platinum trim included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, navigation, and connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large controls and a voice recognition system. However, the JBL sound system's performance varied depending on the music genre. The Highlander also offered Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Trailblazer's system was intuitive, with physical controls for easy navigation. The RS trim included a 7-speaker Bose audio system, providing decent sound quality. The Trailblazer also offered wireless smartphone charging and a keyless entry keypad system for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The system also offered intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance systems had some quirks during testing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist provided a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer's safety systems performed well during testing, and it received top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.