2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face, boasting appealing styling with well-proportioned lines and small details that hit the mark. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm, and even the base L trim managed to look good, which was quite a feat. With five versions to choose from—L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS—the Trailblazer offered a range of options, with pricing from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195 and ended up at $33,000 with options, which seemed steep given the hard plastic-filled cabin, despite its stylish interior.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, offered in six trim levels, provided a range of options from the sub-$30K RAV4 LE to the feature-rich RAV4 Limited. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims stood out with their unique two-part face design. Our Adventure trim test vehicle featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional cladding, though it was more for show than actual off-road capability. Inside, orange accents added flair, and a frameless rearview mirror lent a premium touch. The RAV4 offered a mix of fabric and synthetic leather seats across trims, with various levels of adjustability and comfort features like heated and ventilated seats. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all but the base trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The larger 1.3-liter engine, which was preferable, delivered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, making the Trailblazer feel lively. A CVT came with both engines for FWD, while AWD models got a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim, with 18-inch aluminum wheels and 22/55 all-season tires, offered a zippy and nimble driving experience, though it was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. Our test vehicle averaged 26.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with FWD, except for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which had AWD by default. The sole engine option for the gas-powered RAV4 was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly exciting, this setup was reliable, though a bit noisy. The Adventure trim, with 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, shared the same suspension as other RAV4s, while the TRD Off-Road trim featured 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension. The RAV4's performance was solid but not thrilling, focusing more on practicality and reliability.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold items up to 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed and offered plenty of room for four people. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seat, though roomy, had flat cushions that were less comfortable for passengers. The trunk provided 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, accommodating larger items like surfboards.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, designed to seat five, offered 37.7 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.5 inches in the back with the moonroof. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the second row. The RAV4 provided ample storage options, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This placed it ahead of some competitors but behind the Honda CR-V in terms of storage capacity.

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, along with Chevrolet Connected Services and a WiFi hotspot. Our test car had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Additional tech features included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad system, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. The latest software supported over-the-air updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard. Our Adventure trim tester featured the upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims. The new system brought the RAV4's tech offerings up to modern standards.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard 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 both the NHTSA and IIHS, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features like lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Higher-end features like adaptive cruise control were also standard. The updated TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety performance.