2023 Kia Sportage 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. Most trims came with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, except for the LT, which featured front-wheel drive (FWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The RS trim, priced at $30,298, could reach $37,653 with options, but the interior's hard plastic made such a price seem excessive.

The 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault or Citroen. Its exciting and exotic styling, highlighted by boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar, made it stand out. The Sportage was offered in five trims in Canada, with AWD standard on all but the base LX trim. Inside, Kia replaced leather with durable synthetic leather, maintaining a stylish yet animal-friendly interior. The Sportage's dash featured over two feet of display in higher trims, though some interior elements, like the hard plastic plate near the door handle, were less impressive. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard from the EX trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission in AWD models, offered a sprightly driving experience. The Trailblazer's light curb weight and turbocharged torque made it nimble and fun to drive, especially in Sport mode. However, it was loud on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Fuel consumption averaged 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the official rating.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While more powerful than the previous model, it lacked the turbocharged engine option, which was missed by those seeking a more dynamic drive. Fuel economy was slightly better, with FWD models rated at 8.4 L/100 km combined. The Sportage's X-Line trim added rugged visual cues but no off-road enhancements. It handled off-road conditions adequately, with 21 centimetres of ground clearance on AWD models.

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. Cargo space was generous, with 716 litres in the trunk and 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items to be transported.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, now larger than its predecessor, offered increased interior space. Rear-seat legroom was 1,050 mm, and the trunk held 1,121 litres of cargo, expanding to 2,098 litres with the rear seats down. Front-seat storage was ample, with a cubby, cupholders, and a centre console bin. However, the touch-sensitive HVAC controls were frustrating to use, complicating basic functions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with physical controls for easy use. A 7-speaker Bose audio system and wireless charging were available. Teen Driver technology and a keyless entry keypad added convenience and safety.

The 2023 Kia Sportage boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in higher trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster in the X-Line Limited. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were wired, and the icons were hard to distinguish. Bluetooth, keyless entry, and wireless charging were standard on higher trims, with a Harman Kardon audio system on the X-Line Limited.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came 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. It earned top crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a robust suite of ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. The X-Line Limited featured advanced safety tech like a blind-view monitor and highway driving assist. Crash-test ratings were not yet available.