2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

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, making the Trailblazer a visually attractive option. The availability of a black, white, or red-painted roof further enhanced its appeal. In Canada, the Trailblazer was available in four models: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $25,998 to $30,298. 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 value.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, was a standout in the Canadian market, outselling the Land Rover Discovery by a significant margin. Its boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, was a hit with customers. The Defender's industrial design was consistent, with square-jawed features and steep angles, giving it a classic truck appearance. Tasteful accents paid homage to the original 1980s Defender, and its versatility was unmatched, with three body styles and various accessory packages. Despite its rugged exterior, the interior was functional and durable, with a focus on practicality over luxury. The Defender's build quality was excellent, but its high price tag, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, was a point of contention.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was powered by a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. 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 and all-season tires, contributing to its nimble and fun driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was noisy on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road capabilities were limited, even with the Activ trim's off-road suspension and sport-terrain tires. Fuel efficiency was decent, with an average of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly higher than the official rating.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system adapted to various surfaces, making it a formidable off-road vehicle. On-road performance, however, was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's engine options included a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8, with the latter delivering 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 being the least efficient. Despite its shortcomings, the Defender's powerful engines and off-road prowess were highlights.

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 less comfortable due to its flat design. Cargo space was generous, with 716 litres available in the trunk and 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for the transport of long items.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was exceptional in terms of seating configurations and interior space. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 offered additional seating options, including a third row. The 130 model provided up to eight seats, with amenities like a separate moonroof, climate control, and USB ports for rear passengers. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender's versatility extended to its roof rack, which could support significant weight, and various available features like a console refrigerator and power-deployable side steps.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics and a smartphone-style interface. Our test vehicle had the larger touchscreen, access to Spotify and SiriusXM, and an optional Bose audio system. Additional tech included wireless charging and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen provided better legibility. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated mirrors. Higher trims added features like a Meridian sound system, air suspension, and a head-up display. The Defender's technology was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, offering advanced driver assistance systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. 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 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. It came with six airbags, which was considered low. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Defender's safety equipment was comprehensive, though the lack of certain airbags was noted.