2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, was a midsize SUV that offered a blend of style and performance. The LT trim came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while higher trims featured a standard V6 engine with all-wheel drive. The RS trim boasted a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better handling on slippery surfaces. The Blazer's design, inspired by the Camaro, was visually appealing, especially with 20-inch wheels. However, some design elements, like the black trim on the rear bumper, gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer featured Camaro-inspired infotainment and climate controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative air vent temperature adjustment rings. Despite the presence of hard plastics, the interior's red accents added a touch of sophistication.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, resembling a smaller version of the Blazer, offered a stylish and rugged appearance. The Activ and RS models had unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS sporting a more aggressive design. The Trailblazer's contrasting roof options added a distinctive touch, and the interior featured a mix of materials and colours, giving it personality. While the cabin didn't scream "outdoor adventure," design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard made it distinctive. The Trailblazer's compact size didn't compromise on style, and it managed to offer an upscale appearance with intricate lighting elements and dark chrome trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul, and had a remote engine start feature. Higher trims came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, generating 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, with a dual-clutch AWD system exclusive to the RS trim. The V6 engine provided satisfying acceleration but was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer RS felt sporty in city and highway driving, but its suspension and transmission performance were less impressive on winding roads. The Blazer's fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres, but real-world testing showed an average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Buick Encore GX. It offered a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while an optional 1.3-litre turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was available only with front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-litre engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD. The Trailblazer's AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, while FWD models had a CVT. The Trailblazer Activ, with its AWD and 1.3-litre engine, provided a decent amount of power and a pleasing exhaust note. The Trailblazer's ride quality was generally good, although it exhibited some body roll and bouncing over road imperfections. The selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some competitors' automatic systems.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a comfortable and practical interior. The RS test vehicle featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, giving it a sporty appearance. The steering wheel was comfortable to grip, with power tilt and telescopic adjustment and heating for cold weather. Both front seats had power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation, although they lacked side bolsters and thigh support. The Blazer's dual-zone automatic climate control was effective, and rear air vents helped keep passengers comfortable. The back seat was spacious, with a sliding feature for added cargo or passenger space. Storage options included a large glove compartment, a centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though these figures were small for a midsize SUV.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It was wider and taller than the original 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer, with a longer wheelbase for improved passenger space. The Trailblazer matched the Kia Seltos in headroom and offered more rear legroom than the Hyundai Kona and Buick Encore GX. However, the rear seats' flat cushions made long trips less comfortable. The Trailblazer's cargo space measured 716 litres with the rear seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded, slightly less than the Kia Seltos. While the Trailblazer's cargo capacity was limited, it offered clever storage solutions, including a covered storage bin, a deep tray, and cupholders. However, the small dashboard carve-out's purpose remained unclear.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a range of technology and comfort options. The RS test vehicle had black leather upholstery with red perforations, power-adjustable front seats with heating and optional ventilation, and a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with rear air vents and USB ports for passenger comfort. The Blazer's storage options included a large glove compartment, a centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available on most trims, offered hands-free operation, though its success rate was inconsistent. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though these figures were small for a midsize SUV.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, a Bose audio system, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging. While the optional touchscreen was relatively small, it was well-suited to the Trailblazer's dashboard, with easy-to-read graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information. Smart design touches, like a person-shaped icon for pedestrian detection and an engine start/stop indicator, enhanced comprehension.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which included forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Optional upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED headlights. The Blazer's advanced driving assistance systems worked well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keeping assistance. However, the Blazer did not receive a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS due to its headlights' performance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded the Trailblazer a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing.