2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Ford Escape

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. Available in LS, LT, Activ, and RS trims, the Trailblazer offered a range of choices for Canadian buyers, with prices from $25,998 to $30,298. The RS trim, which we tested, was the priciest at $30,298, but options pushed the sticker price to $37,653, making it a less attractive choice given the hard plastic-filled cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. As one of the smallest vehicles in Ford's lineup, the Escape offered a range of trims, from Active to ST-Line Elite. Our test vehicle, the ST-Line Elite, boasted 19-inch wheels and body-colour mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the diamond-stitched leather upholstery looked good but felt hard, though the seats were comfortable for long drives.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in front-wheel drive (FWD) models, provided a sprightly driving experience. All-wheel drive (AWD) models, however, came with a more satisfying nine-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated rear suspension for improved handling. The Trailblazer's light curb weight and turbocharged torque made it nimble and fun to drive, though it was loud on highways and struggled with speed bumps. Fuel consumption averaged 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the official rating.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, was available in both FWD and AWD configurations. Higher trims, like the ST-Line Elite, featured a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, exclusively with AWD. Despite its impressive output, the Escape's suspension remained soft, and the transmission lacked performance tuning. The brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though small, was highly functional. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, while roomy, was shaped like a park bench, prioritizing a flat load floor over passenger comfort. The Trailblazer offered 716 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the SUV to carry items up to 2.5 metres long.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable interior with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. However, the Escape fell short in cargo space, offering up to 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the seats folded. While adequate for daily use, it lagged behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Passenger space was also slightly less than rivals, though the back seat offered good headroom and soft padding.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with options for a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics and a smartphone-style interface. Physical controls made it easy to navigate, and a keyless entry keypad system added convenience.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology, featuring an 8-inch or 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The larger screen, standard on higher trims, enhanced the cabin's look and offered a well-organized interface with tiles for navigation, music, and Bluetooth pairing. While Sync 4 was occasionally slow to respond, its feature set and layout were impressive. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with a Bang & Olufsen system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist, standard on all models, included 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 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. Standard safety features included Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Co-Pilot360 2.0, available as an upgrade, added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology.