2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that was reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers, giving it a distinctive presence on the road. Despite its bold appearance, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which was shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna, making it mechanically ordinary beneath its striking exterior. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black wheels and red interior accents, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, which added functionality and distinguished its cabin from other Toyota models. While the material quality was decent on lower trims, it did not improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model came with SofTex upholstery, which was lighter than leather and suited the outdoorsy theme, but real leather was not available even on the top-tier Limited trim. Overall, the RAV4's interior combined practicality with a touch of rugged charm, though it lacked the premium feel expected at higher price points.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while boasting more than just good looks, was undeniably appealing with its well-proportioned design and character lines. The option for a contrasting roof colour in black, white, or red added to its visual charm. Available in LS, LT, Activ, and RS trims, the Trailblazer's pricing ranged from $25,998 to $30,298, with a $1,900 destination charge from its South Korean factory. AWD was standard on all but the LT trim, which was unusual as base models typically default to FWD. The RS trim, which we tested, had a sticker price of $37,653, which seemed excessive given the cabin's hard plastic materials.

Despite the interior's shortcomings, the Trailblazer offered a sense of style and functionality. The RS trim featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and a sporty driving experience, making it fun to drive around town. However, the cabin was noisy on highways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road capabilities were limited, even with the Activ trim's off-road suspension and sport-terrain tires. 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 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard FWD and optional AWD. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the Sport mode only added weight to the steering without enhancing performance. The RAV4 excelled on highways with low cabin noise and a comfortable suspension, but its off-road capabilities were limited despite the TRD Off-Road package's torque-vectoring AWD and 21.7 cm ground clearance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. The FWD model came with a CVT, while the AWD version offered a more satisfying nine-speed automatic transmission and improved rear suspension. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, providing a zippy and nimble driving experience. The Trailblazer was fun to drive in urban settings and on winding roads, but it was noisy on highways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road capabilities were limited, even with the Activ trim's off-road suspension and sport-terrain tires. The Trailblazer's fuel efficiency was disappointing, averaging 9.0 L/100 km in combined driving, compared to the official rating of 8.4 L/100 km with AWD.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof that provided ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable and form-fitting, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4 featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but it didn't slide like those in the Ford Escape or Nissan Rogue. Cargo space was above average at 1,059 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,977 litres with them folded, though still behind the Honda CR-V. The RAV4's interior included oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but lacked large cupholders and storage space on the console.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It could hold items up to 2.5 metres long with the tailgate closed. The Trailblazer RS featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, providing a comfortable driving position. The rear seat was roomy with ample legroom but had flat cushions, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. 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, accommodating long items like surfboards. The Trailblazer's interior was practical, with a useful tray embedded in the dashboard.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen. The RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio were optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-read graphics. However, the gasoline RAV4 lacked the head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Chevrolet Connected Services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, were available. The Trailblazer RS had an 8-inch touchscreen with access to Spotify and SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 7-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was easy to use, with appealing graphics and a smartphone-style interface. Physical controls were intuitive, and the Trailblazer offered remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it missed the "Top Safety Pick+" rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests and five stars in side crash tests. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were also available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer's ADAS performed well during testing, and it earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.