2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Kia Telluride

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 visual appeal. In Canada, the Trailblazer was available in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $25,998 to $30,298. The RS trim, which we tested, had a base price of $30,298, but options increased the sticker price to $37,653, including a $1,900 destination charge. Despite its stylish interior, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its overall value proposition.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride offered a fresh look with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and redesigned wheels. New paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior options such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green, added to its allure. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring raised suspensions and unique design elements. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass panel. The interior updates, including new colours and a redesigned steering wheel, enhanced the Telluride's modern appeal.

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. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in front-wheel-drive models, offered a sprightly driving experience. All-wheel-drive (AWD) models featured a more satisfying nine-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated rear suspension for improved handling. The Trailblazer RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, providing a nimble and fun driving experience. However, the Trailblazer's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, compared to the official rating of 8.4 L/100 km with AWD.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance and off-road performance. The X-Pro model, with its 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, was ideal for off-roading, offering a towing capacity of 2,495 kilograms.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its compact size, offered impressive functionality. It could accommodate four passengers comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, though roomy, was shaped like a park bench, prioritizing cargo space over passenger comfort. The Trailblazer's trunk held 716 litres of cargo, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the Trailblazer to carry items up to 2.5 metres long.

The 2023 Kia Telluride provided ample space for seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row offered manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row seats facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

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 wireless Android Auto, with options for Chevrolet Connected Services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Our test vehicle had the larger touchscreen, access to Spotify and SiriusXM, and an optional 7-speaker Bose audio system. The Trailblazer's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Additional features included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad, and a hands-free power liftgate.

In the 2023 Kia Telluride, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was standard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as the vehicle's key. The Telluride also offered a Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. The Telluride also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, Highway Drive Assist, and collision avoidance systems were available. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.