2023 Chevrolet Blazer 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 intricate 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 base MSRP of $30,298, but options pushed the price to $37,653. Despite its stylish interior, the cabin was filled with hard plastics, making the higher price tag less justifiable.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer, on the other hand, embraced a sleek, road-car-inspired design, with a low roofline and a prominent grille flanked by stacked headlights. The Blazer RS test vehicle stood out with blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels. For 2023, the Blazer received subtle styling updates, including new taillights and wheel designs, along with fresh colour options. Inside, the Blazer boasted a sportier aesthetic, reminiscent of the Camaro, with an upright dashboard and large round air vents. The RS trim featured blue trim, chrome accents, and a two-tone upholstery scheme, impressing with its material quality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was powered by 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 Trailblazer offered a CVT with FWD, while AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim featured 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, contributing to its nimble handling. However, the Trailblazer was noisy on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road, caution was needed to avoid damaging the underside. Fuel consumption averaged 9.0 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer carried over its powertrain options from 2022, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque as standard. A 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, was optional on LT and standard on other trims. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard in Canada. The V6-powered Blazer RS felt quick, with a sporty exhaust note, but its weight and top-heavy design affected handling. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some rivals. It offered a 2,041-kilogram towing capacity, suitable for midsize SUVs.

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. The Trailblazer's cargo space was notable, with 716 litres available, expanding to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items to be transported.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offering nearly identical front-seat headroom to rivals. Rear-seat headroom was slightly below average, but legroom was decent. The Blazer provided 864 litres of cargo space with rear seats up, expanding to 1,818 litres with them folded. While it lagged behind some competitors in cargo capacity, the Blazer felt spacious and easy to maneuver. Functional interior details, like USB port placement and air vent controls, added to its appeal. A heated steering wheel was standard on the RS trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our test car had the larger screen, with access to Spotify, SiriusXM, and an optional 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 was offered.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. The RS and Premier trims featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a large touchscreen and optional 360-degree camera system. The Blazer's tech presentation was modern, with a new-for-2023 touchscreen among the largest in its segment.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. 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 Chevrolet Blazer expanded its safety features for 2023, with the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control was now available on all trims. Optional features included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it lacked GM's Super Cruise system.