2023 Chevrolet Equinox 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 options for a black, white, or red-painted roof enhancing its allure. The Trailblazer was available in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $25,998 to $30,298 in Canada. All-wheel drive was standard on all but the LT trim, which was unusual as base models typically default to front-wheel drive. The RS trim, which we tested, had a starting MSRP of $30,298, but options pushed the price to $37,653, making it less cost-effective given the hard plastic interior.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as futuristic as some competitors, was an attractive crossover with a restrained bodywork and a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The gold Bowtie emblem varied in appeal depending on the paint colour, with Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic being particularly complementary. The Equinox was offered in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with AWD available on all trims. The interior was spacious, with a two-tone leather upholstery in the Premier trim and standard heated front seats across all trims. Despite its somewhat dated interior design, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and a well-sorted suspension that handled bumps well.

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, making it feel lively. The AWD version came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension, enhancing ride and 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, it was noisy on highways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. The Trailblazer averaged 9.0 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly above the official rating.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speed. The six-speed automatic transmission held gears longer, contributing to the powertrain noise. AWD was available but required manual engagement. The Equinox's electronically assisted brake-by-wire system provided smooth braking, and its well-engineered suspension offered a comfortable ride. Steering was precise, making it enjoyable to drive.

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 cargo area held 716 litres, expanding to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items up to 2.5 metres.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded. Passenger space was generous, with ample headroom and legroom for a six-foot-tall driver. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with plenty of storage for smaller items. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof was available on all but the base trim.

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, and Chevrolet Connected Services. 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 Equinox's technology was simple yet effective, with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The system was easy to use, with good voice recognition and customizable icons. All trims included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim featured a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system was optional on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox also included a suite of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on most trims. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.