2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

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 intricate details, making the Trailblazer a visually attractive option. The availability of a black, white, or red-painted roof further enhanced its appeal. 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 base MSRP of $30,298, but options pushed the price to $37,653. Despite its stylish interior, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its overall value.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood tall, both literally and figuratively, as a symbol of luxury and presence. With its nearly two-metre height and up to six-metre length, the Escalade was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The standard Escalade was already impressive, but the ESV version added 38 centimetres to its length, enhancing its wheelbase. The Escalade's design was athletic and trim, with thin LED lights and darkened chrome accents on the Sport Platinum trim, masking its mass. The interior was rich, featuring a 38-inch curved screen, multiple wood trim options, and leather combinations. However, some components borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from its luxury status, especially in the second and third rows.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. This engine made the Trailblazer feel lively, especially with the AWD option, which included 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, contributing to its nimble handling. However, the Trailblazer was loud on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road, caution was necessary to avoid damaging the underside. Fuel consumption averaged 9.0 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, its acceleration felt heavy, and the 10-speed automatic transmission was more suited for gentle cruising. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, but it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km. The 4WD system was rudimentary, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. The Escalade's magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved handling, but wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

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, provided ample legroom and folded down to create a flat load floor. The Trailblazer's cargo space was generous, with 716 litres behind the rear seats and 1,540 litres with them folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items to be transported.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant provided even more space, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were intuitive, with a smart touchscreen interface and multiple gauge layouts. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, while the air suspension eased loading and unloading.

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. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, access to Spotify and SiriusXM, and an optional Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad were available, but other technologies were limited.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-res feed with navigation overlays, enhancing the driver's field of view. Standard features included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering advanced driver assistance. The Escalade also featured night vision, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats, elevating the luxury experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist provided a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise enhanced safety, though the former occasionally stopped the vehicle erroneously.