2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Genesis GV80

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 the option of 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. The RS trim, which we tested, had a base MSRP of $30,298, but options increased the price to $37,653, including the destination charge. Despite its stylish interior, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2023 Genesis GV80, on the other hand, exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, just shy of 5 metres long, featured standard 20-inch wheels in Canada, while our Prestige trim tester boasted 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear echoed the quad lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust. The matte Brunswick Green paint job added an elegant touch, complemented by the dark green quilted leather seats inside. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with a split dash, metal and matte wood trim, and a unique two-spoke steering wheel. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise refined cabin.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was powered by 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 featured 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, contributing to its nimble and fun-to-drive nature. However, the Trailblazer was loud on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Fuel consumption averaged 9.0 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with AWD and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Our tester had the V6, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not the quickest, taking about 5.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h, the GV80 excelled at highway driving with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension. Active noise cancellation ensured a quiet ride, making it ideal for long commutes.

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 boasted 716 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats down. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items up to 2.5 metres.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features. Standard amenities included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. Our tester featured ventilated rear seats and an Ergo driver’s seat with inflatable pockets for fatigue reduction. The GV80 offered a third row, though legroom was limited. Cargo space was generous, with 988 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was a robust 2,720 kilograms.

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, access to Spotify and SiriusXM, and an optional 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad were available, along with a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating through icons was cumbersome. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were present, but not wireless. The GV80 featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside. Wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet ensured devices stayed charged.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist 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 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras and radar for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though the headlights and LATCH system were rated Acceptable.