2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

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. The Trailblazer was available in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $25,998 to $30,298. Uniquely, all-wheel drive (AWD) was standard on all but the LT trim, which came with front-wheel drive (FWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The RS trim, priced at $30,298, could reach $37,653 with options, though the interior's hard plastic made such a price seem excessive. Despite this, the cabin had a sense of style, though it was filled with hard plastic materials.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of trims in Canada, from the RAV4 LE at just over $35,000 to the RAV4 Limited, which exceeded $45,000. The Trail trim, which replaced the TRD Off-Road trim, retained the two-part face design introduced in 2019. The Trail trim featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional cladding, though it was more for show than off-road capability. Inside, orange accents and contrast stitching added flair, while a frameless rearview mirror lent a premium touch. The RAV4's interior was practical, with fabric upholstery and heated front seats standard on LE and XLE trims, while the Limited trim offered more luxurious features like heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats.

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 made the Trailblazer feel lively, especially with the AWD version, which included a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim featured 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, contributing to its nimble handling. 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 consumption averaged 9.0 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly exciting, this setup was reliable, though it could be noisy. The RAV4 Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels and a suspension system similar to other RAV4s, providing a comfortable ride. AWD was standard across all trims, enhancing its versatility. The RAV4's performance was more about practicality than thrill, but it was a solid choice for everyday driving.

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 flat, provided ample legroom, and the cargo area offered 716 litres of space, expandable to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing for long items to be transported with ease.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, with 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear. Legroom was 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back, offering decent space for passengers. The RAV4 provided practical storage solutions, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. Cargo space was generous, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded, making it a versatile option for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included Chevrolet Connected Services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Our test vehicle had the larger screen, with access to Spotify, SiriusXM, and an optional Bose audio system. The Trailblazer's technology was intuitive, with physical controls for easy navigation.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch screen for the Limited trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with over-the-air updates. The RAV4 Trail had a 7-inch driver-information display, while the Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch version. The Limited trim also offered an 11-speaker JBL audio system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist was standard, including 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 Toyota RAV4 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety performance.