2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face, boasting appealing styling with well-executed proportions and character lines. Its distinctive roof options in black, white, or red added to its charm. Available in four trims—LS, LT, Activ, and RS—the Trailblazer offered a range of features and pricing from $25,998 to $30,298, with AWD standard on all but the LT trim. Despite its stylish exterior, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though it maintained a sense of style.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Jaguar Land Rover's luxury SUVs. Its design echoed the larger Range Rover's profile, scaled into a sporty package with a long wheelbase and distinctive features like pop-out door handles. The Velar's sleek form was both blocky and streamlined, with special details like taillight lenses and air ducts reminiscent of high-end sports cars. The interior matched the exterior's sophistication, featuring high-quality materials and a polished black centre stack, even in the base trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, enhancing ride and handling. The Trailblazer was nimble and fun to drive, especially in RS trim with 18-inch wheels. However, it was noisy on highways and had a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. Fuel consumption averaged 9.0 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a smooth and controlled ride. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride, and the Terrain Response system offered multiple driving modes. The optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 hp, enhancing performance and efficiency.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its compact 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 was spacious but lacked comfort due to its flat design. Cargo space was generous, with 716 litres behind the rear seats and 1,540 litres with them folded down.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed interior space. It offered 552 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with them folded. The design limited headroom and visibility, and the lack of a discrete parking brake control was a notable flaw. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, and the interior featured high-quality materials and a sleek design.

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. The system was intuitive, with physical controls for ease of use. Optional features included a Bose audio system and wireless charging.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included voice activation, advanced navigation, and a 360-degree camera system. Standard features included LED headlights, a Meridian sound system, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. It received top crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in Euro NCAP tests, with standard safety features like emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control.