2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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 pushed it to $37,653, including the destination charge. Despite its stylish interior, the cabin was filled with hard plastic, which detracted from its overall value.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. While it might not have been flashy, it exuded understated luxury, especially in the Eiger Grey paint with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim added to its luxurious feel. The Range Rover Sport was available in Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography, and the sold-out SV Edition One trims. Our test vehicle, a U.S.-spec Dynamic SE, came with a host of features, pushing its price north of $120,000. Highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and a high-tech interior with sustainable materials.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured 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 came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim rode on 18-inch aluminum wheels with 22/55 all-season tires, making it nimble and fun to drive. However, it was loud on highways, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road, the Trailblazer required caution to avoid damage, even in the Activ trim with off-road suspension. Fuel consumption averaged 9.0 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed for refinement and driver engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. A PHEV drivetrain was available in the Autobiography trim, providing 434 hp. The sold-out SV Edition One featured a 523-hp twin-turbo V8. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp engine accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent AWD. It towed up to 3,500 kg and averaged 10.5 L/100 km on our evaluation route. The SUV's architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

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 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 SUV to carry items up to 2.5 metres long.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, providing a tall, airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels and narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate and controls for lowering the air suspension facilitated loading.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, with access to Spotify, SiriusXM, and an optional Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Additional tech included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasted a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. However, the Pivi Pro system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The SUV's native digital assistant struggled with basic tasks, and the automatic driver exit assist feature was inconvenient. On the positive side, the Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems, Active Noise Cancellation, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

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, 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 the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also had automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist were not as smooth or reliable as expected.