2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face, though its appealing styling certainly added to its charm. Chevrolet nailed the proportions, character lines, and small details, with options for a black, white, or red-painted roof enhancing its allure. In Canada, the Trailblazer was available in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $25,998 to $30,298, plus a $1,900 destination charge from its South Korean factory. The RS trim, which we tested, had a starting MSRP of $30,298, but options pushed the price to $37,653. Despite its stylish interior, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, making it less appealing for a higher price point.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, offered in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or optional AWD. Higher trims came with a V6 engine and AWD, with the RS trim boasting a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system. The Blazer's design, inspired by the Camaro, was eye-catching, especially with 20-inch wheels. However, the black trim on the rear bumper gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer echoed Camaro elements with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls. Despite the hard plastic, the red interior accents in the RS trim added a touch of sophistication. The Blazer's pricing ranged from $37,498 to $47,598, excluding a $1,900 destination charge from Mexico.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, making it feel lively. The FWD models came with a CVT, while AWD versions had a more satisfying nine-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated rear suspension for improved handling. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, contributing to its nimble and fun driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was noisy on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road, caution was needed to avoid damaging the underside. The Trailblazer averaged 9.0 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the official rating of 8.4 L/100 km for AWD models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims offered a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, also with a nine-speed automatic and AWD. The RS trim featured a dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 could tow up to 2,040 kilograms. The Blazer RS felt firm and sporty, with decent grip from its 20-inch wheels. However, the nine-speed automatic was slow to downshift, and the steering felt artificial in Sport mode. The Blazer averaged 11.5 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the official rating of 11.0 L/100 km.

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 in the RS trim. The rear seat, though flat and bench-like, provided ample legroom. The Trailblazer's cargo area held 716 litres, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the SUV to carry items up to 2.5 metres long.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was comfortable and practical, with black leather upholstery and red perforations in the RS trim. The steering wheel had power tilt and telescopic adjustment, and the front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. The Blazer's back seat was spacious and could slide forward and back for added flexibility. Storage was ample, with a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available on most trims, revealed an 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, with access to Spotify, 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, along with a keyless entry keypad system and an optional hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's RS trim featured a sporty cabin with black leather upholstery and red perforations. The steering wheel offered power tilt and telescopic adjustment, and the front seats had power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with rear air vents and USB ports for passenger comfort. The Blazer's back seat was spacious and could slide for added flexibility. Storage was ample, with a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available on most trims, revealed an 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

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

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. A rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology were also standard. Available upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Blazer's advanced driving aids worked well, though its headlights did not earn high ratings from the IIHS.