2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

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 the option of a black- or white-painted roof enhancing its allure. Even in its base L trim, the Trailblazer managed to look good, which was quite a feat. Available in five trims—L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS—the Trailblazer's pricing ranged from $20,195 to $26,695, with an additional $1,195 destination charge. All-wheel drive (AWD) was an option for all trims except the L, with varying costs depending on the trim. Our test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195, but options pushed the price to $33,000, which seemed excessive given the hard plastic-filled cabin.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, was all about practicality and utility, even if its exterior styling was less than striking. Available in base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester's prices started at $25,195, with the Touring trim reaching $35,295. A $1,125 destination charge applied, and all-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. Our test model, the Wilderness trim, was equipped with a white exterior, dark gray interior, and water-repellant StarTex simulated leather. It had a base price of $33,945, with options bringing it to $36,014. The Wilderness trim added rugged features like a suspension lift, protective cladding, and a matte-black hood decal, which gave it a unique, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, exuding quality and purpose.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. However, the larger 1.3-liter engine was preferred, offering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, making the Trailblazer feel lively. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard with front-wheel drive, while AWD models received a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, providing a nimble and fun driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road, the Activ trim offered some capability with off-road suspension tuning and sport-terrain tires, but care was needed on rough terrain. The Trailblazer averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Foresters came with a CVT and AWD, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25% and doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated 26 mpg in combined driving for the Wilderness, and our test drive averaged 25.9 mpg. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT had eight programmed ratios and included SI-Drive for a sportier response. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different surfaces, and the Wilderness trim had a re-tuned suspension with longer springs and shocks, improving ground clearance to 9.2 inches. The Forester excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road trails, though it lacked engine power and had excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, offered impressive functionality. It featured a useful dashboard tray and could accommodate items up to 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim test vehicle had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, providing a comfortable driving position, and its high seating position made entry and exit easy. The rear seat was spacious with ample legroom but had flat cushions for a flat load floor when folded. The Trailblazer's trunk held 25.3 cubic feet of cargo, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and washable rear seatbacks, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a roof tent. The Forester offered high comfort levels in both front and rear seats, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area and new ceiling cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services with a WiFi hotspot. Our test car had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 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 and hands-free power tailgate were optional.

The 2022 Subaru Forester's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim also had a 180-degree forward-view camera. The test vehicle's audio system delivered clear sound, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

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-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer's ADAS performed well during testing, and it received top crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, and it was expected to retain the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.