2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated into the Volvo family with signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a modified rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was noted for its appealing styling, with well-executed proportions and character lines. It offered a choice of four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with pricing from $25,998 to $30,298. The RS trim, tested, featured a striking black, white, or red-painted roof. The Trailblazer was equipped with AWD as standard, except for the LT trim, which came with FWD and a CVT. The RS trim, priced at $30,298, could reach $37,653 with options. Despite its stylish exterior, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though it maintained a sense of style. The Trailblazer was functional, with a high seating position and a roomy rear seat, though the rear bench was less comfortable due to its flat design.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, with the 1.3-litre turbo engine as the default in Canada, producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The AWD version featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension for improved handling. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, offering a nimble and fun driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was loud on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. It averaged 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly above the official rating. The Trailblazer was not ideal for off-roading, despite the Activ trim's off-road suspension and sport-terrain tires.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in Recharge and gasoline models, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space. However, it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with limited legroom and a smaller cargo area. The frunk was also small due to powertrain hardware. The gasoline XC40 was more competitive in interior space compared to rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins due to relocated speakers. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat offered ample legroom but 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, allowing the SUV to carry long items like a surfboard. The load floor had two positions, and there were storage slots on either side.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, offering Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model had OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without dealership visits. It lacked a start button, using a key fob for ignition. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was not confirmed for the XC40.

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, with Chevrolet Connected Services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim had an 8-inch touchscreen with access to Spotify and SiriusXM, and an optional 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Remote engine starting was available from the LT trim, and a keyless entry keypad system was offered.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. The electric Recharge model was expected to perform well due to its safety cage and redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model had Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

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, and more. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. The ADAS performed well during testing, providing accurate and smooth assistance.